The European Union has exuded confidence that negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement between the 27-nation block and India would be concluded by the end of this year.

European Union's Ambassador to India Daniele Smadja has said that the negotiations for the proposed Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) are on track.

"What is clear is that there is a will on both sides to finish the negotiations this year. My impression is that they are on track," Smadja told EurActiv, an European website, in an interview.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister's Trade and Economic Relations Committee (TERC), which is in favour of inking BTIA, had also reviewed the ongoing talks.

April 14th, 2011

Source: ptinews.com