SME Times News Bureau | 19 Feb, 2021
The 11th India-EU Macroeconomic dialogue was
held in New Delhi on Friday virtually through video conferencing.
Tarun Bajaj, Secretary, Economic Affairs, led the
Indian delegation. The delegation from European Union was led by Mr. Maarten
Verwey, Director General, Economic & Financial Affairs (ECFIN), European
Commission.
The Indian delegation included representatives
from Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Revenue and Ministry of
External Affairs.
India-EU relationship has evolved into a
multifaceted partnership. Today, it covers all dimensions–political, economic,
security, trade and investment, environment, research and innovation.
The EU is one of our largest trading partners,
one of the largest investors in India and an important source for technology, innovation
and best practices.
The dialogue covered sharing of their experiences
to enable both sides on various aspects including collaboration in the G20 on
finance track matters, including through G20 Framework Working Group deliverables,
G20 Action plan, debt related issues and international taxation of digital
economy.
Fiscal policy response and medium-term fiscal
strategy including financial/structural reforms priorities were also discussed.
India shared its policy response to Covid crisis
and steps taken to revive the economy from Covid impact including well
calibrated stimulus packages announced by Government of India as also the
vaccination related efforts.
The EU informed about the economic challenges and
outlook of their economy due to the adverse impact of Covid pandemic in EU
countries, including macroeconomic policy response and EU recovery plan.
The dialogue concluded with the hope that both
sides would be able to build stronger and deeper relations by entering into
various bilateral cooperation arrangements which are of mutual interest to both
sides.