From ECTA to CECA: Advancing the Australia–India Economic Partnership

Newland Global Group x Consulate General of India, Sydney
Sectoral Roundtable Series

In February 2024, Australia and India marked one year of negotiations to elevate the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). To support this strategic transition, Newland Global Group, in partnership with the Consulate General of India in Sydney, convened a high-level roundtable exploring the pathway to a deeper and more expansive economic pact.

Negotiation Focus Areas
CECA discussions are progressing across five core tracks:
• Trade in goods and services
• Digital trade and e-commerce
• Government procurement
• Product-specific rules of origin
• Regulatory cooperation, including MSMEs and competition policy

Emerging areas under consideration include gender and labour standards, innovation ecosystems, and sectoral collaboration in sports and tech.

Australian DFAT Consultation Scope Includes
• Market access (tariffs, quotas)
• Rules of origin and customs procedures
• Non-tariff and technical barriers
• Investment frameworks and dispute settlement
• Financial services and cross-border mobility
• IP rights, including geographical indications
• Trade facilitation in emerging sectors: biotech, AI, IT, etc.

Key Insight
With foundational commitments already secured under AI-ECTA, remaining issues, particularly those with domestic sensitivities, such as agriculture demand nuanced, win-win solutions. A phased, pragmatic approach that balances ambition with realism is critical.

Both countries recognise CECA as a strategic imperative to diversify trade relationships, future-proof economic ties, and signal long-term commitment. The roundtable highlighted the need to build forward-looking agreements that accommodate dynamic shifts in trade, regulation, and innovation.

A detailed policy brief capturing insights and actionable recommendations is available upon request. Please contact info@newlandglobal.com to receive a copy.