Background
Overview
UPSC frequently examines India's trade agreements, their strategic implications for economic growth, foreign policy, and their impact on various sectors like manufacturing, services, and MSMEs. Understanding the structure, objectives, and challenges in implementing such agreements is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreements (CETAs) are extensive international treaties between two or more countries designed to liberalize trade in goods and services, facilitate investment, and foster deeper economic cooperation across various sectors. They go beyond traditional Free Trade Agreements by often including provisions on intellectual property rights, competition policy, sustainable development, and regulatory coherence.