#efta

[die-katholische-kirche]

lol

[intelligentliving]

Norway Funds Two Carbon Capture Mega-Projects Worth $2.9B

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the state aid regulator, granted the Norwegian government permission to fund the scale-up of Carbon Capture and Storage technology (CCS). Norway will invest $2.4 billion (€2.1bn) – which is 80% of the total cost – in two large-scale CCS facilities and the infrastructure needed...

[evolvedfromtheashesart]

A new original character of mine, as well as my new mascot of sorts, Rosali the Phoenix.

[oneminutemoneymagazine]

The European Free Trade Association

EFTA was formed in 1960 in response to the EU (then known as the EEC or European Economic Community).  The initial members were Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK, hence it was often called the “Outer Seven”.  EFTA’s fundamental difference from the EU was and still is that it is purely about free trade between its members.  The EU always has had a commitment to “ever closer union” and its 28 members (as part of the Customs Union) are not allowed to agree their own trade deals.

Over the years, five of the original seven countries have left EFTA to join the EU.  Finland has joined EFTA and left.  Two new countries have joined, hence the present membership is Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.  Three of these countries are also in the European Economic Area (EEA), which will be covered in a future post.

EFTA is seldom mentioned in the news today and many older people probably believe that it no longer exists.  Many younger people have probably never heard of it.  Nevertheless, when the UK regains its independence in March 2019, it may be a convenient off the shelf mechanism to secure free trade with four countries.  We can be sure that Secretary of State for International Trade Liam fox and his team are looking into the details.

(22/08/2017)

[selenophile-vii]

Shape of my heart.

[selenophile-vii]

Eyes never lie.

[newsorbiter]

Piyush Goyal Calls For Leveraging Free Trade Agreements

NEW DELHI. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal addressed a gathering of industry leaders at the Prarambh 2026 summit today. He urged the Indian private sector to play a proactive role in nation-building. The Minister emphasized the importance of leveraging Free Trade Agreements to expand India's global footprint. He highlighted that the nation aims for a Viksit Bharat or "Developed India" status by 2047. Goyal called for a renewed focus on high-quality manufacturing standards. He introduced the "One Nation One Quality" mission as a core pillar of this strategy. This initiative seeks to align domestic production with international benchmarks. Minister Goyal believes that leveraging FTAs will drive exports toward the target of $2 trillion by 2030.

Quality Focus and Global Competitiveness

The Minister noted that global markets demand excellence and reliability from Indian suppliers. Industry can achieve significant growth by leveraging Free Trade Agreements with developed economies. He cited the recent landmark deal with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as a major success. This agreement secures an investment commitment of $100 billion over the next 15 years. Furthermore, the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) offers immediate duty-free access for many sectors. Goyal argued that leveraging Free Trade Agreements requires a "Zero Defect, Zero Effect" mindset. This approach ensures that Indian goods remain competitive and environmentally sustainable. He encouraged firms to invest heavily in research and development to stay ahead.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Impact

The government also prioritizes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a tool for social equity. Minister Goyal urged businesses to move beyond mere compliance with CSR regulations. He suggested that firms should align their social investments with the national development goals. Active participation in social welfare projects strengthens the fabric of the Indian economy. By leveraging FTAs , companies generate the profits necessary for these vital contributions. The Minister highlighted how successful businesses can transform rural education and healthcare systems. He believes that ethical business practices create long-term value for all stakeholders. The "Viksit Bharat" vision relies on this synergy between economic profit and social progress.

Leveraging Free Trade Agreements: Future Outlook

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry continues to negotiate high-quality pacts with the United Kingdom and the European Union. These future deals will offer even more opportunities for FTAs in the services sector. Minister Goyal emphasised that the government acts as a facilitator for private enterprise. He noted that the fundamentals of the Indian economy remain strong despite global volatility. Total merchandise exports reached a record high in the previous fiscal year. The government targets a $30 trillion economy by the year 2047. Sustained growth requires a balance between domestic consumption and aggressive export strategies. Finally, the Minister concluded that the "Made in India" brand must signify trust and world-class quality. Industry leaders must take the lead in leveraging Free Trade Agreements to conquer new markets. Most experts monitor the implementation of these trade pacts with a positive outlook. The world watches as India transforms into a global manufacturing and services hub. Future success depends on the resilience of the domestic supply chain and innovation. In summary, the road to $2047 requires bold action from the Indian business community. Industry & Trade Vision 2026 Parameter Detail / Status Leading Authority Union Minister Piyush Goyal. Primary Strategy Leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). National Goal Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by $2047$. Quality Mission "One Nation One Quality" for international standards. Major Pacts EFTA ($$100$ bn investment) and Australia ECTA. Export Target $$2$ trillion in total exports by $2030$.

[vajiraoiasacademydelhi]

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) established in 1960. EFTA is a regional trade organization & free trade area made up of four European

European Free Trade Association is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960 to promote free trade and economic integration among four countries members such as Iceland (IS), Liechtenstein (LI), Norway (NO) and Switzerland (CH). EFTA offers an alternative to the European Union as it maintains a vast network of global free trade agreements and facilitates economic cooperation.