The focus of India-Australia free trade agreement negotiations is services and is a fresh approach towards such negotiations which usually focus on goods, said Australia's Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, on Friday.
“We are on track to shape a deal by the end of the year and after that some legal work needs to be completed before it is in place,” said Robb.
He added that the two sides have taken a fresh approach to the negotiations by focussing on services.
“We have given a strong push to increasing Indian access to services in Australia and vice-versa. We want a greater presence of Australian companies in India and see whether Australian companies can tender for Government projects, even if it is in consortium,” said Robb.
On the issue of Australia exporting uranium to India, Robb said the technical issues are being worked out in Australia.
“The finishing line is in sight. If Canada and US can conclude their agreements, we can too. I do know that commercial talks have begun between the companies,” he said.