WTO Issues
Convergence between Trade and Industrial Policies in India (CONTIP)
The objective of an industrial policy, as traditionally understood by some, may conflict with that of a trade policy. At the same time, it is important to realise that both trade and industrial policies complement each other. Moreover, it is important to mention that though the objectives of a country's trade and industrial policies are intrinsically linked with each other, it would be a mistake to analyse their interaction in isolation and without taking into account other important related policies, such as monetary, fiscal, taxation, competition, and sector-specific policies, among others. Therefore, it is increasingly being recognised that industrial policy of a country should not be an isolated matter that stands in conflict with other policy strands like trade policy, competition policy, monetary policy, fiscal policy, etc. Successful industrial policy maximises synergies with other policies. It has, on the one hand, to contain sectoral elements, defining important sectors for a country today or ones that are expected to be important in future. Absolute clarity on the role of these policies and their ability to achieve convergence will be critical to achieve desired growth and employment in an economy.
Project Webpage
Capacity Building Training Programme of Indian Government Officials on Economic Diplomacy
CUTS CITEE is conducting Capacity Building Training Programme on Economic Diplomacy with the support from Department of Commerce, New Delhi, India. The training programmes are held to meet the imperative of having trained government officials at various departments/organizations who are involved in economic diplomacy.
National Public Procurement Policy in India
CUTS CITEE is implementing the project on National Public Procurement Policy in India with the support from British High Commission, New Delhi, India. The long term objective of the project is to conduct applied research and advocate for a comprehensive and balanced National Procurement Policy of India which will allow governmental bodies to determine their approach to public expenditure after assessing the macroeconomic climate under which such they are to be made and by taking into account their impact on major socio-economic development objectives It will be implemented from July 01, 2013 to March 31, 2015.
Government Procurement – An emerging tool of global integration and good governance in India
CUTS CITEE is implementing the project 'A Government Procurement – An emerging tool of global integration and good governance in India' with the support from British High Commission, New Delhi, India. The long term objective of the project is to lead to a more efficient government procurement system in India with greater transparency, efficiency and good governance for both domestic and foreign enterprises. It will be implemented from July 01, 2011 to December 31, 2012
South Asia Forum for International Trade (SAFIT-III)
CUTS International is launching a review of the project entitled South Asian Forum for International Trade (SAFIT), the first two phases of which had the twin objectives of promoting incisiveness in trade policy making in five select South Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and providing inputs to arrive at a possible common South Asian negotiating position in regard to the Doha Development Round of the WTO negotiations. Research will be undertaken in the third phase to determine how ground realities relevant for the negotiating interests of South Asian countries in the WTO have changed and the results thereof will be used to review the common South Asian negotiating positions arrived at in SAFIT I and II.
Doha Round Impacts on India: A study in a sequential dynamic CGE framework
This project aimed at studying the impacts of potential outcomes of the Doha Development Round (DDR) of negotiations on the Indian economy and using the results thereof to provide inputs for Indian negotiators. The research output of the project contains extensive analysis of the implications of trade liberalization of agriculture, NAMA and services sectors for economic growth and poverty reduction in India.
Study to identify hurdles for independent Indian health service personnel in selected countries under GATS Mode IV
CUTS has undertaken the project titled "Study to identify hurdles for independent Indian health service personnel in selected countries under GATS Mode IV". It aims to simultaneously focus on experiences acquired by Indian professionals to draw lessons that can facilitate in managing the temporary movement effectively. It intends to highlight how the ongoing GATS negotiations can be used to generate a stronger liberalising momentum in health sector. This project is supported by World Health Organisation. This study will be conducted for four months.
South Asia Forum for International Trade (SAFIT-II)
CUTS Centre for International Trade Economics & Environment (CUTS CITEE) Jaipur, India is implementing the phase-II of the project entitled, "WTO Doha Round & South Asia: Linking Civil Society with Trade Negotiations". The project has been named as 'South Asia Forum for International Trade' (SAFIT-II). It aims to establish linkage between the civil society organisations (CSOs) and research institutions while conducting advocacy with the governments. The project will be implemented in five South Asian countries, viz.
Strategic Review of WTO-provided Trade-Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) Activities
In November 2005 the WTO commissioned CUTS to undertake a Strategic Review of WTO-provided Trade-Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) Activities. A consortium of individuals from Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS), India; Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLASCO- Latin American School of Social Sciences), Argentina; and North-South Institute (NSI), Canada were assigned to prepare a report on Strategic Review of WTO-provided TRTA Activities. It was commissioned by a Steering Committee consisting of WTO Members and appointed by the WTO Committee on Trade and Development.
South-South Economic Cooperation: Exploring IBSA Initiatives
WTO (World Trade Organisation) members agreed to take forward the Doha Round of negotiations by adopting a Framework Agreement in July 2004. Agriculture holds the key to the progress of these negotiations. While all WTO members are interested in agriculture negotiations, some are perceived as key players (India, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, China, EU, USA). WTO negotiations on agriculture and its implications will have a long-term impact on global economic governance. IBSA countries are committed to work together to foster reform in trade in agriculture.