The Hindu is reporting on an upcoming economic summit between India and ASEAN (Association of Southeastern Nations).  At the top of the agenda for is a liberalized trade agreement that will create greater access to ASEAN member nations for Indian professionals.  However, no all member nations are on-board as they are concerned about dominating their markets.

An excerpt from the article:

After signing a free trade pact in goods last August, India and ASEAN are engaged in talks to widen the agreement to include services and investments at the earliest. Indian officials had earlier indicated that the negotiations would be wrapped up by end of this month.

The official, however, admitted the pace of talks is slow as there are some differences.

“ASEAN members are not ready to liberalise services where India has interest,” he said, adding that some of them are apprehensive that India, which is the world’s second fastest growing economy, would end up dominating their markets.

During the meeting, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma is likely to press for more access for Indian professionals in the ASEAN market.

India, which has expertise in areas like finance, IT and education is eager to enter the vast services market of the south-east Asia. Similarly, the ASEAN members are eyeing India’s growing contract services area and tourism.

ASEAN consists of of Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Bruni, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos and Philippines.

Here the link to the full article: India, ASEAN trade ministers to meet in Vietnam on Aug 26