India and Australia have launched negotiations to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, CECA. Addressing a joint press conference with the Australian Trade Minister Craig Emerson,at Canberra, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, termed the proposed CECA as a high-quality, truly-liberalising pathway to closer economic integration between the two countries. The two ministers also agreed to double the bilateral trade to 40 billion Australian dollars in the next four years. According to an official release, the CECA is expected to assist in broadening the base of merchandise trade, remove non-tariff barriers impeding trade in services, and facilitate two-way investment. The first round of negotiations will take place in India next year.Mr Sharma also met the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who re-affirmed her strong commitment to the India- Australia strategic partnership.