New Delhi: India and Canada have discussed accelerating negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, expanding investments and creating new economic opportunities between the two countries.
The discussions took place on Wednesday during a meeting between Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canada’s visiting Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, who is leading a Canadian delegation to India.
Both ministers reviewed progress on negotiations for the proposed India Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and explored ways to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
A key focus of the discussions was the need to develop a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that provides meaningful market access to businesses in both countries. The ministers also highlighted the complementary strengths of the Indian and Canadian economies, which could help expand commercial engagement and encourage greater investment flows.
The proposed agreement is expected to create fresh opportunities for businesses across multiple sectors while strengthening trade relations and improving access to each other’s markets.
Both sides emphasised the importance of ensuring that the agreement delivers tangible benefits to businesses, investors and the wider economies of India and Canada.
The discussions also reflected a shared interest in taking bilateral economic relations to a higher level through stronger commercial partnerships and increased cooperation.
The proposed CEPA is expected to serve as an important framework for expanding trade and investment ties, while opening new avenues for collaboration between the two countries.
Both governments remain focused on advancing negotiations towards an agreement that supports long term economic growth and shared prosperity.
