Trade and services (CEPA) talks with India next week

High level talks will begin in the next few weeks with India, China and Singapore on new trade and economic arrangements and proposed pacts, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama told reporters in Colombo on Tuesday.
Of particular interest is talks with India next week on the proposed CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) in which Sri Lanka has finalized a draft. The Minister said the draft will be discussed with a top Indian delegation and a combined draft prepared.
He said the following two weeks will have Chinese and Singapore officials, respectively visiting to discuss trade arrangements and proposed pacts with local officials.
CEPA has run into protests from professionals and other allied agencies on the grounds that it would result in a flood of Indian workers in Sri Lanka. The government has said it would consult all parties concerned before reaching a final decision on CEPA. (Bandula)