YSRCP lauds PM Modi for opting out of RCEP; says it is breather for agricultural, industrial sectors

YS Jaganmohan Reddy-led YSRCP hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not opting to join China-backed RCEP and said that it is a sign of relief for the agriculture and industrial sectors in the country

Amaravati: YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Tuesday (November 5) lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for storming out of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) or free trade agreement, saying that it is a breather for the agriculture and industrial sectors of the country.

"The Union government's decision in this regard is a breather for the agricultural and industrial sectors of the country. Had India entered into RCEP, the market would be flooded with imported products. The agreement would have adversely affected the interests of the local farmers and medium-level industrialists. At present, already the agricultural and industrial sectors are facing many problems. The problems of these government sectors should be addressed first," said vice chairman of Agriculture Mission MVS Nagi Reddy.

India announced not to join China-backed RCEP as its key concerns, including inadequate protection against import surge, insufficient differential with China, and no credible assurances on market access and non-tariff barriers, could not be resolved.

The Prime Minister had earlier said that India remains committed to a comprehensive and balanced outcome of RCEP negotiations, seeking balance across goods, services and investments.

RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten member states of ASEAN and six FTA partners.