New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held detailed discussions on the upcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations during a meeting with Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, Maninder Sidhu. Following the talks, he announced plans to lead a high-level trade and investment delegation to Canada in the coming year to accelerate progress on the proposed agreement.
Goyal noted that the meeting included broad conversations on the structure, objectives and overall roadmap for the CEPA framework. He described the interaction as constructive, highlighting that both nations explored the initial scoping needed to prepare for the next phase of negotiations.
The engagement builds on the momentum of Minister Sidhu’s visit to India last month, during which Canada reaffirmed its interest in deepening ties with Indian businesses and expanding collaboration with the private sector. Officials on both sides view the upcoming discussions as an opportunity to revitalise bilateral economic cooperation.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India and Canada recorded goods and services trade worth 23.66 billion dollars in 2024. Merchandise trade alone reached nearly 8.98 billion dollars, reflecting a ten per cent rise compared to the previous year and underscoring the potential for further growth.
Formal negotiations for the economic partnership had been put on hold in 2023 following a diplomatic downturn between the two countries. The pause came after allegations raised by then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. With renewed communication now underway, both nations appear prepared to re-examine the framework and rebuild momentum toward a comprehensive agreement.
The planned visit by the Indian delegation next year is expected to mark an important step toward strengthening trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
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