What Insights Did India and EU Gain from Their 'Intense but Very Productive' Talks on the FTA?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Piyush Goyal engaged in productive talks with Maros Sefcovic on the India-EU FTA.
- The discussions aimed to address outstanding trade issues.
- The agreement is expected to foster job creation and economic growth.
- Strengthened ties between India and Germany were also discussed.
- First-ever shipment of GI-tagged agricultural products to the UK is a milestone for Indian farmers.
New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal declared that his discussions with EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic were "intense yet highly productive" as they worked towards advancing a comprehensive India–EU free trade agreement (FTA). The minister engaged in high-level talks with Sefcovic during a two-day visit to Brussels, where both parties have stepped up efforts to finalize a thorough, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade agreement promptly.
Goyal shared on an X post, "I concluded my visit to Brussels after intense yet highly productive engagements with Maros Sefcovic on propelling the comprehensive India–EU FTA. The discussions have significantly addressed our outstanding issues and enabled us to forge a framework that promises a win-win scenario for our economies."
The ongoing negotiations have established a solid groundwork for a balanced agreement, which is expected to greatly aid businesses on both sides and enhance potential for collaborative growth, he added.
"We are dedicated to actualizing the shared vision of our leaders, PM Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, aimed at fostering the prosperity of our people through innovation, trade, investments, and job creation," Goyal stated.
He highlighted, "The dedication of our teams has been commendable. I eagerly anticipate welcoming my colleague Maros Sefcovic and the EU team again soon, as we collaborate to turn this dialogue into a reality."
Goyal’s visit commenced with a meeting with Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul.
"Our dialogue covered essential areas of mutual interest and growth, reinforcing the strong India-Germany strategic partnership and our collective commitment to swiftly concluding the India–EU FTA," he noted.
This visit occurs in the context of the India–EU partnership gaining renewed strategic significance following the earlier meeting between PM Modi and European Commission President Von der Leyen this year.
Moreover, Goyal announced a significant boost for farmers, revealing that the APEDA has facilitated the "first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime from Karnataka and Puliyankudi Lime from Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom."
He emphasized, "This milestone will empower farmers, create new opportunities, and enhance the presence of India’s agricultural products in global markets."