S'pore, India complete talks

S'pore, India complete talks

SINGAPORE: Singapore and India have completed a third round of talks for a comprehensive economic partnership with discussions on a wide range of issues, the two countries said on Tuesday.

The issues discussed during the three-day talks in New Delhi which ended Monday included financial services, free trade agreement in goods as well as areas of co-operation in telecommunications, air services, tourism, education and biotechnology, they said in a statement.

"Discussions were held on a wide range of issues relating to investment and trade in goods and services," the statement said.

"Both sides explored investment project opportunities in Indian airports and ports."

The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Singapore next month.

India is the city-state's 13th biggest trading partner. Bilateral trade amounted to S$6.8 billion (US$3.9 billion) in 2002.

Heavily reliant on external trade, Singapore has inked free trade pacts with its major trading partners including the United States and Japan to ensure access to its vital export markets. --AFP