India, Japan discuss economic issues

New Delhi, July 18 (UNI) The first meeting of the 'India-Japan Strategic Dialogue on Economic Issues' held here today took up key bialateral issues pertaining to Official Development Assstance(ODA) along with trade and infrastructure.

The strategic dialogue was initiated recently and was held under the co-chairmanship of India's Finance Secretary and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan.

During the meeting, a review was made of the current status of agreed minutes as a follow up of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Japan in December 2006 as reflected in the Joint Statement signed on December 15, 2007. It also took note of the subsequent summit meetings in ths regard.

The discussions covered a wide range of topics including Official Development Assistance from Japan, infrastructure, trade and investment, finance, IT, science and technology, Human Resource Development, energy and environment.

The discussions relating to infrastructure sector focussed on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and the Dedicated Freight Corridor projects.

The status of current negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between India and Japan was also discussed. Both sides agreed to firm up concrete deliverables before the forthcoming visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to India in August 2007.

UNI