[{"bbox": [85, 153, 1124, 287], "category": "Text", "text": "inevitably continue to be part of EU-India trade relations. The EU must therefore work towards a sound, transparent, open, non-discriminatory and predictable regulatory business environment for European companies, including SMEs, trading with or investing in India. This includes, for instance, the protection of their investments, securing a level playing field for EU exporters, respect of international standards, including promotion of human rights due diligence standards, and intellectual property."}, {"bbox": [85, 312, 1124, 552], "category": "Text", "text": "In the context of increasing complexity of doing business in India, alongside the size of the Indian market, the magnitude of EU interests and the competitive pressure from other third countries, the need for a strong unified business-driven voice advocating for EU companies has become critical to EU interests. Learning from EU experience in India (e.g. the European Business Group - EBG), the region and internationally, an industry-led **EU Chamber of Commerce**, with support from EU Member States' bilateral chambers of commerce, could play the role of a trusted entity that acts as a credible intermediary between government and the EU businesses. Furthermore, a strong and unified voice of EU business can inform EU trade and investment negotiations on a timely basis and inform the implementation of future trade and investment agreements through structured policy advocacy."}, {"bbox": [85, 577, 1124, 764], "category": "Text", "text": "In addition to trade and investment India considers **digital transition** as a unique opportunity to support innovative, affordable and good quality public services and business opportunities. With regards to innovation and digitalisation, some of the key issues include the lack of a platform where business operators from the EU and India can have practical exchanges and avail of cooperation and business opportunities. In addition, it is imperative to focus on robust global ethics in digital practices, including focusing on data protection and protecting human values as well as reducing the gender digital divide while conducting businesses and developing policy frameworks."}, {"bbox": [85, 789, 1124, 976], "category": "Text", "text": "Regarding **gender equality**, India dropped 28 places to rank 140 out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2021, notably due to rising disparity in women's economic participation. Through adequate gender mainstreaming, the action has the potential to positively influence women's economic empowerment opportunities as well as access to services and markets. Given the existing UN/ILO Conventions provisions on gender equality in the world of work and the EU commitment to promoting gender equality through its trade policy, the action will contribute to the implementation of the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP III) in particular in key areas of the green deal and of the digital transformation agenda."}, {"bbox": [85, 1002, 1062, 1056], "category": "Text", "text": "Identification of main stakeholders and corresponding institutional and/or organisational issues (mandates, potential roles, and capacities) to be covered by the action:"}, {"bbox": [85, 1081, 1124, 1295], "category": "Text", "text": "The proposed action will target a variety of stakeholders including public entities, private sector and civil society organisations, where relevant. Specific stakeholders include the Government of India, at central and state levels, as well as EEAS and European Commission DGs. Additional stakeholders will include EU MS, (policy makers and regulators), EU MS National Chambers of Commerce, EU private business initiatives, the EU Chamber of Commerce (once established), Indian Trade Federations, trade-related fora, think tanks, private sector organisations and civil society organisations especially those involved in work on clean energy, climate change, biodiversity, circular economy, responsible trade, digitalisation, global challenges or fundamental values of the EU. Participation of women and youth organisations will also be particularly fostered, where possible."}, {"bbox": [85, 1347, 603, 1380], "category": "Section-header", "text": "# 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION"}, {"bbox": [85, 1412, 508, 1445], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 3.1 Objectives and Expected Outputs"}, {"bbox": [85, 1530, 1135, 1612], "category": "Text", "text": "The **Overall Objective** (Impact) of this action is to - Reinforced EU-India cooperation on sustainable modernisation, clean energy, climate action, trade and investment in line with mutually agreed priorities, including digitalisation, circular economy and innovation."}, {"bbox": [1038, 1681, 1144, 1707], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 7 of 24"}]