Mastura said that Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship this year has seen four negotiation rounds, the latest in New Delhi, alongside several intersessional meetings to bridge outstanding gaps in the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), the New Straits Times reported.

“Asean recognises the challenges and perceptions of imbalance which fuelled criticism in India. India’s imports from Asean grew faster than its exports, contributing to India’s trade deficit with Asean,” she was quoted as saying.

“Concerns were also raised on non-tariff barriers in Asean and the Rules of Origin enforcement. Asean acknowledges these issues, and is utilising the AITIGA review negotiations to address implementation issues and trade concerns.”

The AITIGA, which came into force in 2010, established a free trade area between the 10 Asean member states and India, covering about 90% of product lines and eliminating most tariffs by 2016.

Trade between Asean and India has since expanded from US$47.5 billion in 2008 to approximately US$131 billion in 2024, reflecting the pact’s growing role in driving regional commerce and investment.

Mastura said the existing AITIGA already supports billions in trade, jobs and investments, and that these gains should not be wasted.

“Asean and India seek to boost micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) participation and expand cooperation to include the digital economy, green economy and the deepening of common supply chains.

“The review is expected to include updated chapters enabling these priorities to propel trade into new areas of growth,” she added.