New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) India has emphasized the significant opportunities for expanding exports to Japan across various sectors, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and services, during a high-profile meeting in Tokyo aimed at fostering a more balanced bilateral trade dynamic, as reported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday.

At the 7th Joint Committee meeting under the India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) held this week, both nations assessed the implementation of the agreement and discussed strategies to enhance economic collaboration.

The session was co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, and a Senior Deputy Minister from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On the sidelines, Agrawal met with the Vice Minister from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to address a broad spectrum of topics, including bilateral trade, investment, the business environment, and the forthcoming 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

During his discussion with the METI Vice Minister, Agrawal reiterated the mutual vision expressed by leaders of both nations at the annual summit in August 2025, stressing the necessity to enhance and diversify trade and investment.

He pointed out the compelling synergies between the two economies — Japan's strengths in technology, capital, and advanced manufacturing, alongside India’s skilled workforce, vast market, and swiftly growing economy.

Agrawal also highlighted the importance of maximizing the benefits of the CEPA, particularly regarding the movement of natural persons as envisioned in the leaders’ summit.

The Commerce Secretary further interacted with key representatives from the Japanese industry in a roundtable discussion. Later, a Trade and Investment Roadshow was conducted by the Indian Embassy in Japan in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Keidanren, aimed at promoting Indian trade and facilitating increased investment from Japanese firms.

Agrawal informed participants about India’s favorable policy landscape for trade and investment, which includes ongoing initiatives to enhance the ease of doing business and streamline regulatory processes.

He emphasized that the CEPA offers a robust framework that ensures tariff stability and regulatory predictability, thereby creating a conducive environment for deeper collaboration between India and Japan as trusted partners in global value and supply chains.