Kochi, Nov 4 There need be no apprehensions over
the impact of ASEAN Free Trade Agreement on Kerala as
ministers from the state at the Centre would unitedly fight to
ensure its interests are not affected, Defence Minister A K
Antony said here today.
"Kerala will only benefit from the pact. Ministers from
Kerala at the Centre will unitedly fight to see that Kerala
does not lose. But, the state government should stand behind
us," he said at an election meeting here in support of UDF
candidate Dominic Presentation for the November 7 bypoll.
He pointed out that 489 items have figured in the
negative list, which would come into effect once the agreement
came into force in January 2010. The Cabinet sub-committee,
headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Overseas Indian
Affairs minister Vayalar Ravi and himself would look into the
state's grievances, he said. - (Agencies)
Nov 05, 2009
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