Union Cabinet has provided its ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and Vietnam on Cooperation in the area of Information Technology. The MoU is with the objective of developing 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.<br/><br/>It's Implementation will result in significant mutual benefits in the IT sector, through institutional and capacity-building and Human Resource Development.The MoU will remain in effect for a period of five years and will be renewable by mutual written consent between the two countries. <br/><br/>The Cabinet provided its ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and Afghanistan on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.It envisages cooperation for application of space technologies in education, agriculture, weather forecasting, telecommunications, rural health, sanitation, urban development, and any other areas mutually agreed upon.<br/><br/>It also provided its nod to the MoU between India and Thailand in controlling narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and drug abuse.<br/><br/>The MoU is an effective framework to address issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation in these areas. It will facilitate effective institutional interaction between India and Thailand. The MoU, once in force, would help in addressing the issue of transnational narcotics trafficking.<br/><br/>The Cabinet also provided its ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and (UK) for Cooperation in the area of Intellectual Property (IP). The MoU was signed last month.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.<br/><br/>It also provided its ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) to support Ease of Doing Business in India.The MoU will facilitate sharing of best practises, offering technical assistance and enhanced implementation of reforms.