MoU between India and Vietnam in the field of Information Technology (IT)
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and Vietnam on Cooperation in the field of IT.
The MoU aims to develop a long-term and sustainable cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual interest in the areas of IT in line with each country’s laws and regulations. Implementation of the MoU will result in significant mutual benefits in the IT sector, through institutional and capacity-building in the field of IT and Human Resource Development.
The MoU will remain in force for a period of five years and will be renewable by mutual written consent between India and Vietnam. It will be implemented by establishing a Joint Working Group on IT with representatives from both the countries.
MoU between India and Afghanistan on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and Afghanistan on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
The MoU envisages cooperation between the two countries for application of space technologies in education, agriculture, weather forecasting, telecommunications, rural health, sanitation, urban development, resource mapping navigation, remote sensing and any other areas mutually agreed upon.
The MoU will benefit both countries in the following manner:
-Development of space sector in Afghanistan;
-Burnish India’s credentials as a nation with advanced space technology, one that can also assist other countries;
-Afghanistan will move towards self-reliance in the space sector;
-Help deepen bilateral ties and mutual understanding and trust between India and Afghanistan;
-Provide India with a foothold in Afghanistan’s strategic space and communication sector.
MoU between India and Thailand on Cooperation in controlling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the MoU between India and Thailand in controlling narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their precursors and chemicals and drug abuse.
The MoU is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation in the above areas. It will facilitate effective institutional interaction between India and Thailand. The MoU, once in force, would help in curbing transnational narcotics trafficking.
MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) for Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) for Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property (IP). The MoU was signed on 7.11.2016.
The MoU seeks to establish a wide-ranging and flexible mechanism for developing and furthering the cooperation in the development of automation, new documentation and information systems in IP.
It provides an opportunity for collaboration in training programmes, exchange of experts and technical exchanges and outreach activities.
Implementation of the MoU will result in enhancement of the capacity of the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks to examine patent applications, which in turn will impact innovation positively.
MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) to support Ease of Doing Business in India.
This MoU shall enable exchange of officials from both the Governments to facilitate sharing of best practises, offering technical assistance and enhanced implementation of reforms.
The collaboration shall also cover State Governments in its ambit. The UK government has shown interest to offer expertise in the following areas:
a) Support to small businesses and start ups
b) Starting business and registration
c) Paying taxes and tax administration
d) Insolvency
e) Construction permits
f) Getting electricity
g) Risk based framework for inspection and regulatory regimes
h) Trading across the borders
i) Competition economics
j] Getting credit
k) Drafting of laws and regulations
I) Reducing stock and flow of regulation
m) Impact assessment of regulations
Currently, India is ranked 130th out of 190 economies (as per Doing Business Report, 2017). The UK Government has achieved phenomenal improvement in Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) rankings in recent years.
