Mr Chen Show Mao MP for the Aljunied Group Representation: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) whether he can provide an update on (i) the review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with India and (ii) discussions, if any, with India on the movement of natural persons, including professionals, business visitors, intra-corporate transferees and short-term service providers, under CECA.

Answer:

1. The Second Review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (“Second CECA Review”) is ongoing. The review is taking some time as both countries have our respective interests to work through, such as in the area of labour mobility.
2. Our agencies regularly engage Indian counterparts to work through issues collaboratively.  This is with a view to arriving at mutually beneficial outcomes, before the conclusion of the Second CECA Review.
3. To this end, Singaporean and Indian officials have had discussions on a wide range of bilateral economic topics, including CECA and the movement of natural persons. These discussions are useful in promoting better mutual understanding of the rationale behind each party's policies and policy changes, as well as addressing implementation details that may arise from time to time.