It seems the Government has all but given up on being part of the RCEP (The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership). With ludicrous demands, on the one hand, stuff that is not to do with trade, it perseveres with that to try and get others to agree. The Government’s argument to others in this group is that as India’s tariff rates are probably the highest among all in the group, it should be able to gain exceptions.
I sympathise too. However, nobody had ever asked the GoI to keep such high tariff rates. This is the Government’s own choice. And here is the opportunity to make that change. In my view, this isn’t about the Government’s demand to let skilled workers temporarily work in these other nations, but it’s more about protecting local manufacturing from the competition. Why can’t you see that you’re spoiling them?
The opportunity to gain from, gain lots from and to adjust to being able to avail better goods is here. Do not let this go by.