Bilateral Trade Agreements in the Era of Globalization

This unique book provides an assessment of an Indian-EU agreement, drawing on the theory of preferential agreements, the history of India-European relations and the recent refocusing of the Indian economy. The authors explore both a broad overview of the agreement as well as a detailed examination of sensitive sectors. A preferential trade agreement between India and the EU fires the imagination. It encompasses one fifth of humanity, connecting a large developed single market together with a major developing economy, together representing sufficient scope and diversity to capture almost all the gains expected from globalization. After a broad discussion of the agreement, the book focuses on two sensitive sectors - clothing and footwear, including the results of a stakeholder survey regarding non-tariff barriers in these industries. The book concludes that realizing the potential benefits of an India-EU agreement will depend on a clear understanding of the existing barriers to trade, careful negotiations and the willingness to implement what has been agreed. Business executives in both Europe and India as well as officials in the Indian government and EU Commission will find this innovative book a fascinating read.