Bali: Goh Chok Tong, Prime Minister of Singapore, a key partner of the powerful ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations), on October 7 said that he would sign the major Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with India when he visits New Delhi in April 2004 to receive the coveted Jawaharlal Nehru award for International Understanding.

This was conveyed by Goh when he met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on the fringes of the 9th ASEAN Summit in this Indonesian Island resort.

The accord assumes significance as the 10 members of the ASEAN have decided to form a free trade zone within the region by 2020. India would also sign a key Framework Agreement with the grouping on October 8 to pave the way for a free trade arrangement in the next 10 years.

ASEAN has also decided to put eleven sectors in the 'fast track' for enhanced for free trade.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said Goh voiced his gratitude to Vajpayee for being chosen for the Nehru Award, saying it enhanced both his and his country's prestige.

PTI