A chapter on ‘Trade and Gender Equality’ targeted at support for women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both countries is among the chapters provisionally agreed as part of the ongoing UK-India free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, according to UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch.
As the minister in charge of the trade negotiations, set to begin round 11 between officials on both sides this month, Badenoch told the British Parliament’s Business and Trade Committee recently that the aim of the talks is to ensure that SMEs can understand and navigate the other country’s systems and help them to utilise the many benefits that an FTA has to offer.
She said: “We have also provisionally closed a Trade and Gender Equality chapter in which we have agreed to undertake cooperation activity.
“This activity may enhance the competitiveness of women-owned and women-led SMEs, to better enable them to participate in international trade. I hope that this will encourage businesses of every size and from every region of India and the UK to take advantage of this deal.”
On the issue of movement of professionals between the countries, Badenoch noted that any FTA with India will not contain commitments on immigration or provide access to the UK domestic labour market.
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“In negotiations we are discussing business mobility, which would make it easier for highly skilled professionals to deliver services in each other’s markets on a short-term and temporary basis,” she said.
In her detailed response to the cross-party House of Commons committee, the minister points out that recognition of professional qualifications can be an effective measure to reduce behind-the-border barriers to trade and provide greater certainty to UK professionals seeking to practice in India.
She adds: “The UK and India are mindful of the need to respect domestic sensitivities such as legislation, and to also include provisions in the deal which allow us to review and adapt the agreement as our economies evolve.
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“In negotiations with India, we are exploring a range of commitments that would support consumers and businesses to participate in digital trade. This includes the consideration of data flows.”
*Info: UK-India FTA
