ANALYSIS AND PROPOSALS OF BIA REGARDING THE EU AND INDIA FTA NEGOTIATIONS

BIA has sent to the Ministry of Economy and Industry its analysis and proposals regarding the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India.

Given the short timeframe for preparing the opinion, the information is based on statistical data and has not been coordinated with branch organizations. BIA reserves the right to change the information after discussion with its members.

BIA would like to be informed about the parameters of the India-EU FTA negotiations and Bulgaria’s position within these negotiations and also requests a meeting with the Ministry to discuss the trade agreements negotiated by the EU and their parameters, taking into account the positions and capabilities of its members, which is crucial for the successful development of Bulgarian business.

Priority goods for Bulgaria (with the corresponding tariff number) in exports and imports from India are indicated in the analysis. They are divided into two groups: 1.) Goods for which Bulgaria has an interest in eliminating tariffs on exports to India as soon as possible, and 2.) Goods for which Bulgaria has an interest in negotiating a longer period for eliminating tariffs on imports from India to the EU. Information is also provided on key non-tariff barriers that Bulgarian businesses face when entering the Indian market (technical barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures), public procurement, intellectual property protection issues, financial services, digital policy and regulations, government subsidies, etc.