Indian and Japan are expected to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of the year. Japan has expressed keen interest in pursuing this agreement with India after an India-Korea joint study group proposed a similar agreement. Korea also has been working very hard to secure India as a partner who uses that country to reach North East Asian markets. The Indo-Japan study group has met twice last year and is expected to meet again twice this year before a final agreement is reached.