Bilateral Trade Agreements in the Era of Globalization - The EU and India in Search of a Partnership (Hardcover)

`This is a well-researched book outlining the salient features of trends in trade relations between India and the EU. The trade between the EU and India has grown substantially in the last decade as more trade friendly policies are pursued. The argument is presented with attention to details and the book is a source of valuable data, for example about developments in new sectors of economic co-operation. The authors write clearly and their book is an excellent source of reference for trend data.' - Shanti P. Chakravarty, University of Bangor, UK `While there are no shortages of contributions on the theory or political economy of trade globalization, this monograph addresses the practical and applied side of all stages of trade negotiations between the EU, a group of countries with disparate production and hence trades structures, and an emerging economy. Written in a clear, jargon free style, this publication will be an extremely useful read for academics, policy makers and practitioners specializing in European and emerging countries trade issues.' - Dipak Ghosh, University of Stirling, UK This unique book provides an assessment of an Indian-EU agreement, drawing on the theory of preferential agreements, the history of India-European relations and the recent refocusing of the Indian economy. The authors explore both a broad overview of the agreement as well as a detailed examination of sensitive sectors. A preferential trade agreement between India and the EU fires the imagination. It encompasses one fifth of humanity, connecting a large developed single market together with a major developing economy, together representing sufficient scope and diversity to capture almost all the gains expected from globalization. After a broad discussion of the agreement, the book focuses on two sensitive sectors - clothing and footwear, including the results of a stakeholder survey regarding non-tariff barriers in these industries. The book concludes that realizing the potential benefits of an India-EU agreement will depend on a clear understanding of the existing barriers to trade, careful negotiations and the willingness to implement what has been agreed. Business executives in both Europe and India as well as officials in the Indian government and EU Commission will find this innovative book a fascinating read.