For Swiss, trade barriers in India hurt!

25 May '05

2 min read

despite remarkable trade during 2003 and 2004 between switzerland and india, it was the protectionist barriers and long winding procedures that imepede the growth in trade.

there were "far too many obstacles" while treading the indian markets with "very high" trade barriers and "heavy" bureaucracy.

calling trade barriers high as compared to asean countries, it is still not easy to trade with india, according to anne-pascale krauer miller, head of bilateral economic relations (asia/oceania) in the swiss government.

while appreciating the indian general budget 20005-2006, she added that the investment climate in india had definitely improved over the years.

but india would have to do away with "complicated procedures" and review its protectionist policies to become a more attractive market for the developed world, she added.

miller pointed out that trade and investment figures rose notably during 2003 and 2004 as swiss companies exports went up 37 [percent to india. correspondingly, indian firms registered alomost ten per cent rise in exports, she said adding that switzerland was one of the lead foreign investor in india.

swiss companies during the past four years invested about rs 1280 crore compared to rs 830 crore in nineties.

miller said ties could be expanded through agreements on avoidance of double taxation, promotion and protection of investments and on intensification of bilateral cooperation in science and technology.
ce and technology.

currently, india exports textiles and garments, organic chemicals, precious stones and jewellery, dyestuffs, machinery and parts, leather products, shoes and shoe uppers, cotton, plastics, coffee, tea and hand-knotted carpets to switzerland.

machinery and equipment (electrical and mechanical), precision instruments, dyes and chemicals were being exported by switzerland to india.

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