India has decided to put the process of bringing down duties on edible oil on the fast track to reach an early agreement with the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) for a free trade agreement (FTA). Every year the duties will be brought down by 2-3 percent. This will see duties on crude palm oil coming down to 50 percent from 80 percent and refined palm oil to 60 percent from 90 percent. The reduction will now be achieved by 2018 instead of 2022 as was originally proposed.

India had earlier wanted to put palm oil in negative list but as this commodity accounts for bulk of exports by Malaysia and Indonesia, there was resistance. On tea and coffee, the duties will be reduced to 50 percent from 100 percent. On pepper too they will come down to 50 percent from 70 percent during the period. These items are of special interest to Vietnam.