INDIA AND E.E.C.

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31981, 7 May 1969, Page 10

INDIA AND E.E.C.

Association Possible

(From HOWARD WILLIAMS

in Brussels)

Negotiations for special trading arrangements, winch could eventually lead to an association agreement, between India and the European Common Market are in an “advanced state” according to the executive commission of the Six. Current talks between the Indian Government and the Common Market are being limited to possible trading arrangements covering jute, coconuts and handicrafts. A spokesman for the market’s exefiutive commission said that the Six hoped to introduce a trading arrangement with India to match the commercial agreement, covering textiles, signed with Pakistan last year.

It was too early to say whether the agreements could lead to an association pact with India, “but this is quite feasible. It depends what India might require and'what we might be able to offer in the long term.” Other Commonwealth countries which have association agreements with the Common Market are Nigeria and the East African common market states— Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The agreements, however, are still waiting for ratification and th? Nigerian association is already considered doomed because of the political relationships between Nigeria and: France. Exploratory talks with the Maltese Government have taken place, but no firm decision has yet been made by either side. And Malaysia has “expressed interest” in a possible trading arrangement or association agreement with the Six.