11	India is considering bilateral trade agreements with at least 10 potential partners which includes the EU, Asean, US and Canada, according to the Commerce & Industry Minister Kamal Nath. The possible pacts with US and Canada are still in the stage of conceptualisation, while negotiations with others have reached an advanced stage and are to be concluded very soon. According to the minister there is a need to import more cement as there is a big gap between demand and supply in the country.

Addressing the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, Kamal Nath said he was in favour of more cement import. The present zero duty on cement imports was to prevail for some more time.

Commenting on India's firm position in the global economy, the minister, pointed out that as a trading nation, India was now firmly established at the top table of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), irrespective of the outcome of the Doha Development Round. He also mentioned that currently, India's global economic engagement which is at $450 billion would now be targeted to $550 billion.