New Delhi, May 26 (IANS). Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu have committed to complete negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries by the end of 2026.
At present, Goyal has gone on a three-day tour to Canada. The visit, scheduled from May 25-27, aims to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Canada and rapidly advance negotiations on the India-Canada CEPA.
During his first day of visit to Ottawa, Goyal held a series of high-level meetings with senior Canadian leaders and ministers to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, agriculture and strategic sectors, a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said.
The ministry further said that while meeting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Goyal extended warm greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both sides held forward-looking discussions to further deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields and expressed hope for the early conclusion of the India-Canada CEPA.
Prime Minister Carney said that the proposed free trade agreement with India will bring a revolutionary change and open the doors to a huge new market. Both sides reiterated their commitment to a balanced, commercially meaningful and ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and directed their respective teams to work towards an agreement that strengthens economic partnerships and delivers tangible benefits to businesses and citizens of both countries.
Additionally, Goyal also held bilateral discussions with Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu to take forward the India-Canada CEPA negotiations. The two Ministers reviewed the outcomes of the negotiations concluded so far and identified future opportunities to enhance trade and investment flows. Both sides committed to conclude a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement by the end of 2026.
–IANS
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