CELEX: 51993PC0082
Language: en
Date: 1993-03-10
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION concerning the conclusion of the Co-operation Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of India on Partnership and Development

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMVIUNITIES
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                                                              Brussels, 10 March 1993
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                                          Proposal for a
                                         COUNCIL DECISION
          concerning the conclusion of the Co-operation Agreement between the European Community
          and the Republic of India on Partnership and Development.
                                 (presented by the Commission)
 ---pagebreak---                                            1=
                                            «V.
                           EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
1. By its decision of 26 October 1992, the Council authorised the Commission to open
   negotiations with the Republic of India with a view to concluding a new Co-operation
   Agreement and adopted directives to this end.
   Two negotiating sessions took place, 16-18 November and 7-11 December 1992, ending
   with the initialing of the Agreement between the Community and the Republic of India.
   An annexed declaration of the Community concerning tariff adjustments forms an
   integral part of the Agreement. In addition, a declaration of the Community and India,
   not included in the Agreement, is attached.
   The Commission considers that the initialed text is in line with the negotiating directives
   adopted by the Council.
   Because the legal basis of the Agreement includes Article 235 of the Treaty of Rome in
   addition to Article 113, Parliament must be consulted.
   With a view to the signature and conclusion of this Co-operation Agreement between
   the Community and the Republic of India, the Commission is proposing to the Council
   that it approve the Agreement and adopt the attached proposal for a Decision.
 ---pagebreak---                                                     1b
                                         Proposal for a
                                Council Decision        N°.
concerning the conclusion of the Co-operation Agreement between the European Community
and the Republic of India on Partnership and Development
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in
particular Articles 113 and 235 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,
Whereas the Community should approve, for the attainment of its aims in the sphere of
external relations, the Co-operation Agreement between the European Community and the
Republic of India on Partnership and Development,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
                                           Article 1
The Co-operation Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of India is
hereby approved on behalf of the Community.
The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision
                                           Article 2
The President of the Council shall give the notification provided for in Article 29 of the
Agreement. (1)
                                           Article 3
The Commission, assisted by representatives of the Member States, shall represent the
Community in the Joint Commission provided in Article 22 of the Agreement.
                                           Article 4
This Decision shall enter into force on the clay following its publication in the Official Journal
of the European Communities.
Done at Brussels,
                                                               For the Council
                                                              The President
(1) The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of
     the European Communities by the General Secretariat of the Council
 ---pagebreak---                                                     le
                                        Co-operation Agreement
                    between the European Community and the Republic of India
                                    on Partnership and Development
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
on the one part,
THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
on the other part,
CONSIDERING the excellent relations and traditional links of friendship between the Community
and its Member States, hereinafter referred to as "the Community", and the Republic of India,
hereinafter referred to as "India";
RECOGNISING the importance of strengthening the links and enhancing the partnership between
the Community and India;
HAVING REGARD to the foundations for close co-operation between India and the Community
laid by the first Agreement between India and the Community signed on 17 December 1973 and later
developed by the Agreement for Commercial and Economic Co-operation signed on 23 June 1981;
NOTING with satisfaction the achievements resulting from these Agreements;
RE-AFFIRMING the importance they attach to the principles of the United Nations Charter and the
respect of democratic principles and human rights;
INSPIRED by their common will to consolidate, deepen and diversify their relations in areas of
mutual interest on the basis of equality, non-discrimination and mutual benefit;
RECOGNISING the positive consequences of the process of economic reforms for modernisation of
the economy undertaken in India for enhancing commercial and economic relations between India
and the Community;
 ---pagebreak--- DESIROUS of creating favourable conditions for a substantial development and diversification of
trade and industry between the Community and India, within the framework of the more dynamic
relationship which both India and the Community desire, which will further, in their mutual interest
and consistently with their developmental needs, investment flows, commercial and economic co-
operation in areas of mutual interest including science and technology, and foster cultural co-
operation;
HAVING REGARD TO the need to support Indian efforts for economic development especially
improving the living conditions of the poor;
CONSIDERING the importance attached by the Community and India to the protection of the
environment on a global and on a local level and to the sustainable use of natural resources and
recognising the linkage between the environment and development;
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT their membership of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
(GATT), the importance of its principles and of the need to uphold and reinforce the rules which
promote free and unhindered trade in a stable, transparent and non-discriminatory manner;
BELIEVING that relations between them have developed beyond the scope of the Agreement
concluded in 1981;
HAVE DECIDED, as Contracting Parties, to conclude this Agreement and to this end have
designated as their plenipotentiaries:
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES;
THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA;
WHO, having exchanged their full powers, found in good and due form;
HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
 ---pagebreak---                                               ARTICLE 1
                                         Basis and Objectives
1.   Respect for human rights and democratic principles is the basis for the co-operation between the
     Contracting Parties and for the provisions of this Agreement, and it constitutes an essential
     element of the Agreement.
2.   The principal objective of this Agreement is to enhance and develop, through dialogue and
     partnership, the various aspects of co-operation between the Contracting Parties in order to
     achieve a closer and upgraded relationship.
     This co-operation will focus in particular on:
   •    further development and diversification of trade and investment in their mutual interest,
        taking into account their respective economic situations;
   •    facilitation of better mutual understanding and strengthening of ties between the two regions
        in respect of technical, economic and cultural matters;
   •    building up of India's economic capability to interact more effectively with the Community;
   •    acceleration of the pace of India's economic development, supporting India's efforts in
        building up its economic capabilities, by way of provision of resources and technical
        assistance by the Community within the framework of its co-operation policies and
        regulations, in particular to improve the living conditions of the poorer sections of the
        population;
   •     development in their mutual interest of existing and new forms of economic co-operation
        directed at promoting and facilitating exchanges and connections between their business
        communities, taking into account the implementation of Indian economic reforms and
        opportunities for the creation of a suitable environment for investment;
   •     support of environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources.
3.   The Contracting Parties acknowledge the value in the light of the objectives of this Agreement
     of consulting each other on international, economic and commercial issues of mutual interest.
                                              ARTICLE 2
                                   Most-Eavoured-Nation Treatment
The Community and India shall grant each other most-favoured-nation treatment in their trade in
accordance with the provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
 ---pagebreak---                                               ARTICLES
                                 Trade and Commercial Co-operation
1.  In the interest of strengthening new relations in a dynamic and complementary way, thereby
    providing mutual benefits, the Contracting Parties undertake to develop and diversify their
    commercial exchanges and to improve market access, to the highest possible degree, in a
    manner compatible with their economic situations.
2.  The Contracting Parties are committed to a policy for improving the terms of access for their
    products to each other's markets. In this context, they shall grant each other the highest degree
    of liberalisation of imports and exports which they generally apply to third countries and they
    agree to examine ways and means of eliminating barriers to trade between them, notably non-
    tariff barriers, taking account of the work already done in this connection by international
    organisations.
3.  The Contracting Parties agree to promote the exchange of information about mutually beneficial
    market opportunities and to hold consultations in a constructive spirit on the issues of tariff,
    non-tariff, services, health, safety or environmental measures, and technical requirements.
4.  The Contracting Parties agree to improve co-operation in customs matters between the
    respective authorities, especially in professional training, the simplification and harmonisation of
    customs procedures, and the prevention, investigation and suppression of infractions of
    customs regulations.
5.  The Contracting Parties also undertake to give consideration, each in accordance with its laws,
    to exempting from duty, tax and other charges, goods admitted temporarily to their territories
    for subsequent re-export unaltered or for goods which re-enter their territories after processing
    in the other Contracting Party which is not sufficient for the goods to be treated as originating
    from the territory of that Contracting Party.
6.1 The Contracting Parties agree to consult each other on any dispute which may arise in
    connection with trade. If the Community or India request such consultation, it shall take place
    at the earliest opportunity. The Contracting Party making the request shall provide the other
    Party with all information necessary for a detailed examination of the situation. Attempts shall
    be made through such consultations to resolve trade disputes as rapidly as possible.
6.2 In respect of anti-dumping or subsidies investigations, each Contracting Party agrees to examine
    submissions made by the other Contracting Party and to inform the interested parties concerned
    of the essential facts and considerations on the basis of which a decision is to be based. Before
    definitive anti-dumping and countervailing duties are imposed, the Contracting Parties shall do
    their utmost to bring about a constructive solution to the problem.
 ---pagebreak--- 6.3 Paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 shall be without prejudice to the Contracting Parties' rights and
    obligations under the GATT, which shall prevail in the event of any inconsistency.
                                             ARTICLED
                                       Economic Co-operation
1.  The Contracting Parties undertake, in their mutual interests and in accordance with their
    respective policies and objectives, to foster economic co-operation of the widest possible scope
    in order to contribute to the expansion of their respective economies and their developmental
    needs.
2.  The Contracting Parties agree that economic co-operation will involve three broad fields of
    action:
    a)    improving the economic environment in India by facilitating access to Community know-
          how and technology;
    b)    facilitating contacts between economic operators and other measures designed to promote
          commercial exchanges and investments;
    c)    reinforcing mutual understanding of their respective economic, social and cultural
          environment as a basis for effective co-operation.
 3. In the broad fields described above, the aims shall be in particular to:
          improve the economic environment and business climate;
          co-operate in the protection of the environment and natural resources;
          co-operate in the field of energy and energy efficiency;
          co-operate in the field of telecommunications, information technology, and related matters;
          co-operate in all aspects of industrial standards and intellectual property;
          encourage technology transfer in other sectors of mutual benefit;
          exchange information on monetary matters and the macro-economic environment;
          reinforce and diversify economic links between them;
          encourage the two-way flow of EC-Indian trade and investments;
          activate industrial co-operation including agro-industry;
 ---pagebreak---         promote co-operation in order to develop agriculture, fisheries, mining, transport and
        communication, health, banking and insurance, tourism and other services;
        encourage close co-operation between the private sectors of both regions;
        promote co-operation in industrial and urban ecology,
        promote support of undertaking by means of trade promotion and market development;
        promote scientific and technological development;
        promote training and specific training programmes;
        co-operate in the fields of information and culture.
   Co-operation in a number of the above-mentioned sectors is set out in more detail in Articles 5
   to 15 included which follow.
4. The Contracting Parties shall consider in particular the following means to achieve these aims:
         exchange of information and ideas;
         preparation of studies;
         provision of technical assistance;
         training programmes;
         establishment of links between research and training centres, specialised agencies, business
         organisations;
         promotion of investment and joint ventures;
         institutional development of public and private agencies and administrations;
         access to each other's existing data bases and creation of new ones;
         workshops and seminars;
         exchanges of experts.
   5.    The Contracting Parties will determine together and to their mutual advantage the areas
         and priorities to be covered by concrete actions of economic co-operation, in conformity
         with their long-term objectives. In view of the importance of long-term enhancement of
         co-operation between the Community and India, no sector shall be excluded a priori from
         the field of economic co-operation.
 ---pagebreak---                                              ARTICLES
                                         Industry and Sennces
1.  The Contracting Parties shall:
    a)     identify sectors of industry on which co-operation will centre and the means to promote
           industrial co-operation with a heavy technological bias;
    b)     promote the expansion and diversification of India's production base in the industrial and
           service sectors, including modernisation and reform of the public sector, directing their co-
           operation activities at small and medium-sized enterprises in particular and taking steps to
           facilitate their access to sources of capital, markets and technology directed especially
           towards promoting trade between the Contracting Parties as well as at third country
           markets.
2.  The Contracting Parties shall facilitate, within the relevant existing rules, access to available
    information and capital facilities in order to encourage projects and operations promoting co-
    operation between firms, such as joint ventures, sub-contracting, transfer of technology,
    licences, applied research and franchises.
                                              ARTICLE 6
                                             Private Sector
The Contracting Parties agree to promote the involvement of the private sector in their co-operation
programmes in order to strengthen economic and industrial co-operation between themselves.
The Contracting Parties shall take measures to:
a)   encourage the private sectors of both geographical regions to find effective ways of joint
     consultations, results of which could then be transmitted to the Joint Commission, referred to in
     Article 22 of this Agreement, for the required follow-up action;
b)   involve the private sectors of the Contracting Parties in activities developed within the
     framework of this Agreement.
                                              ARTICLE 7
                                                Energy
The Contracting Parties recognise the importance of the energy sector to economic and social
development and undertake to step up co-operation relating particularly to the generation, saving
and efficient use of energy. Such improved co-operation will include planning concerning energy,
non-conventional energy including solar energy and the consideration of its environmental
implications.
 ---pagebreak---                                                ARTICLES
            Telecommunications, Electronics, and Information and Satellite Technologies
The Contracting Parties recognise the importance of co-operation in the fields of
telecommunications, electronics, and information technologies which contribute to increased
economic development and trade. Such co-operation may include:
a)   standardisation, testing and certification;
b)   earth and space-based telecommunications;
c)   electronics and micro-electronics;
d)   information and automation;
e)   high definition television;
f)   research and development in new information technologies and telecommunications;
g)   promotion of investment and joint investment.
                                               ARTICLE 9
                                                 Standards
 1.  Without prejudice to their international obligations, within the scope of their responsibilities and
     in accordance with their laws, the Contracting Parties shall take steps to reduce differences in
     respect of metrology, standardisation and certification by promoting the use of compatible
     systems of standards and certification. To that end, they shall encourage the following in
     particular:
     establishing links between experts in order to facilitate exchanges of information and studies on
     metrology, standards, and quality control, promotion and certification;
     encouraging interchange and contact between bodies and institutions specialising in these fields
     including consultations to ensure that standards do not constitute a barrier to trade;
     promoting measures aimed at achieving mutual recognition of systems of quality certification;
     developing technical assistance in connection with metrology, standards and certification, and in
     connection with quality promotion programmes;
     providing technical assistance for institutional development to upgrade standards and quality
      certification organisations as well as for the setting up of a national accreditation scheme for
     conformity assessment in India.
 ---pagebreak---                                               ARTICLE 10
                                          Intellectual Property
The Contracting Parties undertake to ensure as far as their laws, regulations and policies allow that
suitable and effective protection is provided for intellectual property rights, including patents, trade
or service marks, copyright and similar rights, geographical designations (including marks of origin),
industrial designs and integrated circuit topographies, reinforcing this protection where desirable.
They also undertake, wherever possible, to facilitate access to the data bases of intellectual property
organisations.
                                              ARTICLE II
                                                Investment
 1.   The Contracting Parties shall encourage an increase in mutually beneficial investment by
      establishing a favourable climate for private investments including better conditions for the
      transfer of capital and exchange of information on investment opportunities.
2.    Taking into account work done in this area in relevant international fora, and recognising in
      particular the recent signing by India of the Multilateral Investments Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
      Convention, the Contracting Parties agree to support the promotion and protection of
      investments between the Member States of the Community and India on the basis of the
      principles of non-discrimination and reciprocity.
3.    The Contracting Parties undertake to encourage co-operation between their respective financial
      institutions.
                                              ARTICLE 12
                                        Agriculture and Fisheries
The Contracting Parties agree to promote co-operation in agriculture and fisheries, including
 horticulture and food processing. To this end, they undertake to examine:
 a)   the opportunities for increasing trade in agricultural and fishery products;
b)    health, plant and animal health, environmental measures and any obstacles to trade which they
      might engender;
 ---pagebreak---                                                      10
c)   the linkage between agriculture and the rural environment;
d)   agricultural and fishery research.
                                               ARTICLE 13
                                                   Tourism
The Contracting Parties agree to contribute to co-operation on tourism, to be achieved through
specific measures, including:
a)   interchange of information and the carrying out of studies;
b)   training programmes;
c)   promotion of investment and joint ventures.
                                                ARTICLE 14
                                         Science and Technology
1.   The Contracting Parties will, in accordance with their mutual interest and the aims of their
     development strategy in this area, promote scientific and technological co-operation including in
     high-level fields, e.g. life-sciences, bio-technology, new materials, and geo and marine sciences,
     with a view to:
     a)     fostering the transfer of know-how and stimulating innovation;
     b)     disseminating information and expertise in science and technology
     c)     opening up opportunities for future economic, industrial and trade co-operation.
     This will be implemented through:
      a)    joint research projects between the Parties' research centres and other appropriate
            institutions;
     b)     exchange and training of scientists and researchers, particularly promoting the
             establishment of permanent links between the scientific and technical communities of the
            Parties;
      c)    exchange of scientific information.
 ---pagebreak---                                                    11
2.  The Contracting Parties undertake to establish appropriate procedures to facilitate the greatest
    possible degree of participation by their scientists and research centres in the above-mentioned
    co-operation.
                                            ARTICLE 15
                                      Information and Culture
The Contracting Parties will co-operate in the fields of information and culture, both to create better
mutual understanding and to strengthen cultural ties between the two regions. Such co-operation
may include:
a)  exchange of information on matters of cultural interest;
b)  preparatory studies and technical assistance in the preservation of cultural heritage;
c)  co-operation in the field of media and audio-visual documentation;
d)  organising cultural events and exchanges.
                                             ARTICLE 16
                                      Development Co-operation
 1. The Community recognises India's need for development assistance and is prepared to
    strengthen its co-operation and enhance its efficiency in order to contribute to India's own
    efforts in achieving sustainable economic development and social progress of its people through
    concrete projects and programmes. Community support will be in accordance with Community
    policies, regulations and limits of the financial means available for co-operation and be in
    accordance with an elaborated development strategy.
2.  Projects and programmes will be targeted towards the poorer sections of the population.
    Particular attention will be given to rural development with participation of the groups to be
    targeted and, where appropriate, the involvement of qualified non-governmental organisations.
    Co-operation in this area will also cover the promotion of employment in rural towns, and of
    the role of women in development, with appropriate emphasis on their education and family
    welfare.
3.  Public health, especially in the form of primary health care including control of both
    communicable and non-communicable diseases will also be covered. The aim will be to
    increase the quality of health care in India of the most disadvantaged sections of the population
    both in urban and in rural areas.
4.  The co-operation will concentrate on mutually agreed priorities and will pursue project and
    programme efficiency, sustainability and respect for the environment.
 ---pagebreak---                                                     12
                                             ARTICLE     17
                                             Environment
1.   The Contracting Parties recognise the need to take account of environmental protection as an
     integral part of economic and development co-operation. Moreover, they underline the
     importance of environmental issues and their will to establish co-operation in protecting and
     improving the environment with particular emphasis on water, soil and air pollution, erosion,
     deforestation and sustainable management of natural resources, taking into account the work
     done in international fora.
     Particular attention will be paid to:
     a) the sustainable management of forest eco-systems;
     b) protection and conservation of natural forests;
     c) the strengthening of forestry institutes;
     d) the finding of practical solutions to rural energy problems;
     e) prevention of industrial pollution;
     f) protection of the urban environment.
2.   Co-operation in this area will centre on:
     a) reinforcing and improving environmental protection institutions;
     b) developing legislation and upgrading standards;
     c) research, training and information;
     d) executing studies and pilot programmes and providing technical assistance.
                                                ARTICLE     18
                                       Human Resource       Development
The Contracting Parties recognise the importance of human resource development in improving
economic development and the living conditions of the disadvantaged sections of the population.
 They agree that human resource development should constitute an integral part of both economic
and development co-operation.
In their mutual interest, particular attention should be paid to promoting co-operation between
Community and Indian higher education and training institutes.
 ---pagebreak---                                                   13
                                           ARTICLE 19
                                        Drug Abuse Control
1.  The Contracting Parties affirm their resolve, in conformity with their respective competences, to
    increase the efficiency of policies and measures, to counter the supply and distribution of
    narcotics and psychotropic substances as well as preventing and reducing drug abuse, taking
    into account work done in this connection by international bodies.
2.  Co-operation between the Parties shall comprise the following:
     a) training, education, health promotion and rehabilitation of addicts, including projects for the
        reintegration of addicts into work and social environments;
     b) measures to encourage alternative economic opportunities;
     c) technical, financial and administrative assistance in the monitoring of precursors trade,
        prevention, treatment and reduction of drug abuse;
     d) exchange of all relevant information, including that relating to money laundering.
                                           ARTICLE 20
                              South-South and Regional Co-operation
The Contracting Parties recognise their mutual interest in furthering economic and trade relations
with other developing countries within a concept of regional and south-south co-operation.
                                            ARTICLE 21
                              Resources for Undertaking Co-operation
The Contracting Parties will, within the limits of their available financial means and within the
framework of their respective procedures and instruments, make available funds to facilitate the
achievement of the aims set out in this Agreement especially as concerns economic co-operation.
Concerning development aid, and within the framework of its programme in favour of Asian and
Latin American (ALA) countries, the Community will support India's development programmes,
through direct concessional transfers, as well as through institutional and other sources of finance in
accordance with the rules and practices of such EC institutions.
 ---pagebreak---                                                       14
                                                ARTICLE 22
                                             Joint Commission
1.   The Contracting Parties agree to retain the Joint Commission set up under Article 10 of the
     Agreement for Commercial and Economic Co-operation 1981.
2.   The Joint Commission is in particular required to:
     a)    ensure the proper functioning and implementation of the Agreement;
     b)    make suitable recommendations for promoting the objectives of the Agreement;
     c)    establish priorities in relation to the aims of the Agreement;
     d)    examine ways and means of enhancing the partnership and development co-operation in
           the areas covered by the Agreement.
     The Joint Commission shall be composed of representatives of both sides, at an appropriately
     high level. The Joint Commission shall normally meet every year, alternately in Brussels and
     New Delhi, on a date fixed by mutual agreement. Extraordinary meetings may be convened by
     agreement between the Contracting Parties.
     The Joint Commission may set up specialised sub-groups to assist in the performance of its tasks
     and to co-ordinate the formulation and implementation of projects and programmes within the
     framework of the Agreement.
     The agenda for meetings of the Joint Commission shall be determined by agreement between the
     Contracting Parties.
     The Contracting Parties agree that it shall also be the task of the Joint Commission to ensure the
     proper functioning of any sectoral agreements concluded or which may be concluded between
     the Community and India.
                                                ARTICLE 23
                                                Consultations
The Contracting Parties shall hold friendly consultations in the fields covered by the Agreement if
any problem arises in the intervals between the meetings of the Joint Commission. These shall be
dealt with by the specialised sub-groups according to their responsibilities or be the subject of ad-hoc
consultations.
 ---pagebreak---                                                      15
                                              ARTICLE 24
                                         Future Developments
1.   The Contracting Parties may, by mutual consent, expand this Agreement in order to enhance the
     level of co-operation and add to it by means of agreements on specific sectors or activities.
2.   Within the framework of this Agreement, either of the Contracting Parties may put forward
     suggestions for expanding the scope of the co-operation, taking into account the experience
     gained in its application.
                                              ARTICLE 25
                                           Other Agreements
Without prejudice to the relevant provisions of the Treaties establishing the European Communities,
neither this Agreement nor any action taken thereunder shall in any way affect the powers of the
Member States of the Communities to undertake bilateral activities with India in the framework of
economic co-operation or to conclude, where appropriate, new economic co-operation agreements
with India.
                                              ARTICLE 26
                                                 Facilities
To facilitate co-operation within the framework of this Agreement, the Indian authorities will grant
to EC officials and experts the guarantees and facilities necessary for the performance of their
functions. The detailed provisions will be set out by way of a separate Exchange of Letters.
                                              ARTICLE 27
                                         Territorial    Application
This Agreement shall apply, on the one hand, to the territories in which the Treaty establishing the
European Economic Community is applied and under the conditions laid down in the Treaty and, on
the other, to the territory of India.
 ---pagebreak---                                                   16
                                            ARTICLE 28
                                               Annex
The Annex attached to this Agreement shall form an integral part of the Agreement.
                                            ARTICLE 29
                                    Entry into force and renewal
This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the date on which the
Contracting Parties have notified each other of the completion of the procedures necessary for this
purpose. Upon entry into force, it shall replace the Co-operation Agreements signed on 17
December 1973 and 23 June 1981.
This Agreement is concluded for a period of five years. It shall be automatically renewed on a yearly
basis unless one of the Contracting Parties denounces it six months before its expiry date.
                                            ARTICLE M
                                           Authentic Texts
This Agreement is drawn up in duplicate in the Danish, Dutch, English, French» German, Greek,
Italian; Portuguese and Spanish and Hindi languages, each text being equally authentic
In Witness whereof the undersigned Plenipotentiaries have signed this Agreement,
For the Council of the European Communities
For tile Government of India
                                                                             1NEGRE5
 ---pagebreak---                                           -a
                                        -ANNEX
              DECLARATION      OF Till: COMMUNITY          CONCERNING
                              TA RIFF A DJUSTMENTS
The Community reaffirms its declaration annexed to the Co-operation Agreement
signed on 23 Jw*el9Sl on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP)
autonomously put into force by the European Economic Community on 1 July 1971
on the basis of Resolution 21 (11) of the seconti United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development held in 1968.
The Community also undertakes to examine proposals or issues related to origin rules
raised by India which aim at enabling India to make best use of the opportunities
afforded by the system.
The Community is also willing to organise woikshops in India lor public and private
users of the system with a view to ensuiin»' maximum use of it
 ---pagebreak---          DECLARA TIONS OF THE COMMUNITY AND INDIA
In the course of the negotiations on the Co-operation Agreement between the
European Community and India on Partnership and Development, the Community
declared that subject to the provisions of Article 25 of the Agreement, the provisions
of the Agreement shall replace provisions of agreements concluded between Member
States of the Community and India where such agreements are either incompatible
with or identical to the provisions of the Agreement
Further, the Community confirmed its declaration made at the occasion of the
conclusion of the Co-operation Agreement signed on 23 JuneI981 :
a.)  that it is not its intention to withdraw the jute and coir products, which are
     presently covered at zero duty in the Generalised Scheme of Preferences which
     was autonomously put into force by the Community on 1 July 1971 on the basis
     of Resolution 21 (II) of the second United Nations Conference on Trade and
     Development held in 1968, and that it is not its intention to withdraw them from
     (JSP in the foreseeable future
b)   that it is prepaied, in the course of its endeavours to impiove the system of
     generalised preferences to take into account the interests of India in the extension
     and strengtheninu of its trade relations with the Community
India took note of the declarations by the Community
 ---pagebreak---                                 • \^t -
                  DECLARATION FOR INCLUSION IN THE MINUTES
Article 12 of this Cooperation Agreement does not affect the adoption of
plant-health or veterinary measures by either of the Contracting Parties
 ---pagebreak---                                                                       ISSN 0254-1475
                                               io-
                                                                COM(93) 82 final
                                                       DOCUMENTS
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                                  Catalogue number : CB-CO-93-103-EN-C
                                                              ISBN 92-77-53386-2
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