India and Canada discuss advancing free trade agreement negotiations
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian Minister Maninder Sidhu met in New Delhi to review the proposed economic partnership.
India and Canada met in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss progressing negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement intended to increase bilateral commerce and investments, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle and The Hindu.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with Maninder Sidhu, the Canadian Minister of International Trade, who is leading a delegation to India. The talks focused on the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Goyal stated in a social media post that the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral economic ties through the CEPA. He noted that the ministers talked about creating a fair agreement that provides market access and uses the strengths of both economies to generate new trade and investment opportunities.
Goyal said the meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to elevating the economic partnership, describing the CEPA as a way to drive deeper commercial engagement and prosperity.
Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planned to visit Canada in December. Cooter stated that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will be ready in time for that visit, suggesting the trade deal could be finalised by the end of the year.