Cabinet clears proposals on scientific institute, trade with CIS

The Union Cabinet on Friday cleared a proposal related to the setting up of a centre for space, science and technology for Asia Pacific at Dehra Dun, to be partly funded by the United Nations. The Cabinet also gave the all-clear to the proposal on trade through Iran and Turkmenistan.

An official spokesperson said associated countries will voluntarily contribute towards the scientific institute, with some assistance from the United Nations. India has already agreed to contribute towards setting up the institute. So far, 12 countries had signed the agreement to become members, including North and South Korea, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

The centre had already begun operations with a few courses for people from the member countries, the spokesperson said.

The other proposal cleared on Friday made operational the agreement signed between India, Iran and Turkmenistan early this year.

With this, trade with Commonwealth of Independent States countries is expected to increase substantially.

An MoU between these countries was signed in April, 1995 to allow transit of all types of goods between these countries but the proposed agreement will also be open to other CIS countries too.