NICF and CWS Collaborate for Two-Day Workshop on WTO Issues and Telecom Sector in India

New Delhi:  In a collaborative effort to enhance understanding and expertise in the complex domain of international trade, the 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, aimed at bridging the competency gap in navigating intricate negotiation processes, concluded today with active participation from various associations, academia, and industry experts.

The inaugural session, held at the NICF in Ghitorni, New Delhi, was inaugurated by Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), Department of Telecommunications. In his address, Shri Sinha highlighted 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 insights on better representing 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,” sharing 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 an 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.

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion and Q&A session featuring Shri Bipin Menon, Dr Pritam Banerjee, and Prof Murali Kallummal, who shared their perspectives on the “Overall Aspects of Global and India’s Electronic Industry.” The initiative received widespread appreciation, particularly from PLI manufacturers such as Tejas Network Limited, Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd, Bluetown India, VVDN Technologies Pvt Ltd, and industry associations including MAIT, TEMA, USISPF. Stakeholders emphasized the necessity for more such platforms to bring together policymakers, industry representatives, associations, and academia for an open and constructive exchange of ideas, crucial in guiding policy decisions and fostering an environment conducive to ease of doing business.