National Institute of Communication Finance brings together all stakeholders in a unique initiative in partnership with Centre for WTO Studies
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, February 19, 2024: National Institute of Communication Finance (NICF) and the Centre for WTO Studies (CWS), CRIT, IIFT, jointly organized a two-day training program on World Trade Organization (WTO) Issues and Electronics & Telecom Sector in India: ITA-1 and ITA-E. The workshop was aimed at a collaborative effort to enhance understanding and expertise in the complex domain of international trade. Several associations, academia and industry experts participated in the workshop.
Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), Department of Telecommunications, inaugurated the two-day workshop at the NICF, Ghitorni, New Delhi. In his inaugural address, Shri Sinha emphasized the urgent need to address the competency gap in navigating intricate negotiation processes, with a specific focus on strengthening positions at the WTO. Representatives from the private sector and WTO specialists shared their opinions on how to better represent the country and the Telecom sector at WTO on practical trade related matters and the PLI manufacturers in telecom equipment.
Prof Murali Kallummal, Head Administration (CRIT) & Professor (CWS), provided a detailed introduction on "WTO Agreements: Special Reference to NAMA Scheduling and Issues of Transposition Trading cards" and shared India's experiences related to ITA-1 and ITA-Expansion. Dr Pritam Banerjee, Head and Professor (CWS), conducted a session on the Global Electronics Industry, discussing industry trends and their implications for India. Ms. Shailja Singh, Consultant (CTIL), CRIT, explained the "Dispute Settlement System of WTO: Process and Procedures with Special Focus on DS582" through interactive session.
On the second day, Shri Bipin Menon, Development Commissioner, Noida SEZ, shared insights on "India’s tariff treatment on certain electronic goods" and conducted a session aimed at scaling up Electronics Manufacturing in India for participants from industry, academia and government.
Towards the conclusion of the workshop, Shri Bipin Menon, Dr Pritam Banerjee, and Prof Murali Kallummal shared their perspectives on the "Overall Aspects of Global and India’s Electronic Industry" through a panel discussion and Q&A session. The initiative received widespread appreciation from all participants, particularly from the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) manufacturers such as Tejas Network Limited, Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd, Bluetown India, VVDN Technologies Pvt Ltd, and industry associations including MAIT, TEMA, USISPF. The stakeholders emphasized the necessity for more such platforms, emphasizing the importance of bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, associations, and academia for an open and constructive exchange of ideas. Such collaborative discussions were recognized as essential in guiding policy decisions and fostering an environment conducive to ease of doing business.
