By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Congress in-charge Harish Chaudhary on Monday met prominent traders at Shyamla Hills and Lakherapura Chowk market to discuss concerns surrounding the proposed India–US trade agreement.
Addressing members of the business community, Chaudhary said the deal would adversely affect not only farmers but also trade, industry and employment. He warned that key sectors such as soybean, maize and mustard would face long-term repercussions. He alleged that import of maize husk had been permitted and that customs duty on soybean oil had been reduced from 16 per cent to zero, threatening domestic processing industries. The cotton and textile sectors, among the country’s largest employers, would also suffer, he added.
Raising national security concerns, Chaudhary cautioned that sensitive data could be exposed abroad under the agreement. He further claimed that pressure regarding oil imports from Iran and Russia could result in substantial economic losses.
The Congress reiterated that it would oppose any agreement undermining farmers, traders and workers.
