Ref: PXL/H.O./CIR-037/2016-17                                                         Date: 22.07.2016

Hyderabad

- Attention CEOs.

- Trade negotiations with 16 Asian Countries.

- A rare  opportunity for Industry to protect their products against  low priced imports and promote  their strong products for exports.

To
All the Members of Council

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Interactive Meeting with Ms. Anice Joseph, Director, Department of Commerce on "Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)" on 4th August 2016 at Hyderabad

Trade agreements between the countries are very important as they facilitate easy and fair& Free conduction of trade between the countries. In the recent times more of group trade agreements are being entered into by countries', within a Geographically demarcated region. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, is now being negotiated among the countries of 10 ASEAN-nations and 6 partner countries namely, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India. Several rounds of Discussion have already taken place amongst the governments of these countries.

We would like to inform member companies that PHARMEXCIL is organizing an Industry Consultation on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Ms. Anice Joseph, Director has kindly consented to Chair the meeting and interact with the industry, as per the following schedule:

Day & Date : Monday, 4th August 2016

Time : 11:00 am to 1:30 pm (followed by Lunch)

Venue : Aditya Park, Hyderabad

The Government is presently in the process of examining options available and frame best possible Rules of Origin(ROO) for Tariff lines keeping in view our domestic industry's interest on one hand and also India's export opportunities on the other. ROO also help in protecting in the interests of the group as a whole besides offering fair opportunities to the member countries.

Rules of origin are the criteria needed to determine origin of a product for purposes of international trade. They are important in the context of making an assessment on the application of preferential tariff under an FTA.

A preparation on the following aspects would probably aid in  contributing substantially in the meeting with valuable suggestions. 

       I.   Products of import sensitive nature on which Indian industry has defensive interest to protect the domestic players;

     II.   Products in which India has export potential and desires duty elimination by the partner countries;

   III.   Non-tariff barriers impacting India's exports to the RCEP member countries.

In this backdrop, Commerce Ministry and Pharmexcil felt that it is important to have an interaction between the Government/negotiators & industry on various aspects of the FTA and to assess the opportunities and challenges that exist for India. Once implemented, RCEP will lead to India's Free Trade Agreement with China (which does not exist at present) and it'll have significant implications for Indian business. 

In view of the significance of the topic, we request member companies to take advantage of this opportunity and to actively participate in the consultation and provide your valuable feedback. In case Senior Executives are unable to attend, please nominate a suitable officer from your company/organization. Participation is free - there will not be any registration charges / fees. Members interested are requested to send yourconfirmation/your nominee's participation to dgdesk@pharmexcil.com.

Annexure with a brief note on ROO is also attached for members understanding.

With regards,

Dr.P.V.Appaji
Director General

Encl: ROO