Demanding India’s withdrawal from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (RECP) negotiations, intellectuals, farmers’ organisations and trade unions have planned parallel sessions to explain to the people the adverse impact that the pact would have on the country.

Crucial negotiations of the 19th round of RECP conference would begin in Hyderabad on July 24, with chief negotiators from 16 Asian-Pacific countries taking part in the meet.

Single market

The partnership is aimed at creating a single market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Farmers organisations, trade unions and intellectuals have alleged that the free trade region would have adverse impact on livelihoods in the country.

Addressing a press conference here, A Prasada Rao of Rythu Sangham, who is also Convener of the People’s Resistance Forum Against FTAs and RCEP, said the parallel conference, People’s Summit Against FTAs and RCEP, would throw light on how dangerous the provisions of the partnership will be for the country.

As the RCEP sits for deliberations from July 24, the activists would organise workshops on the impact on e-commerce, intellectual property rights, access to medicines, impact on Dalits, women, adivasis and nomads.

The summit will also air views on RCEP’s impact on agriculture, service sector and the industry.

Kiran Kumar Vissa, Co-convener of the Forum, called for immediate withdrawal of India from the RCEP negotiations.

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