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CPI(M) opposes free trade pact with ASEAN

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) said the Free Trade Agreement with the ASEAN, signed by Commerce Minister Anand Sharma in Thailand on Thursday, reflected the “misplaced priorities” of the Congress-led government at a time of global recession and worsening agrarian situation.

The FTA was signed without any discussion in Parliament about its possible impact, the CPI(M) said in a statement.

The gradual elimination of tariff, from January next year, on 80 per cent of the goods traded between India and the ASEAN countries would be harmful for domestic industries, agriculture and fisheries, which have already been affected by the economic slowdown. This would have an adverse impact on the economies of the States, particularly Kerala’s.

The claim by the Centre that excluding some items from the list of tariff concessions would address the sensitivities in agriculture and other sectors, did not hold water, the CPI(M) said.

The sharp cuts in import duties in the future would affect the livelihood of a large number of people in the country, said the statement.

The CPI(M) called on the government to act immediately and take appropriate measures to protect the interests of those who will be affected by this agreement.

It also demanded a White Paper explaining the impact of this agreement on India and wanted the issue to be discussed in Parliament.

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