Will the India-Israel FTA Propel Our Shared Prosperity?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The India-Israel FTA is a crucial step towards shared economic prosperity.
- It aims to strengthen bilateral trade and strategic partnerships.
- Negotiations will focus on diverse sectors including agriculture and defense.
- Active participation from CEOs highlights the importance of collaboration.
- Trade in gems and jewelry is a key area of discussion.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) — With India and Israel initiating the journey towards a free trade agreement (FTA), this trade pact is poised to be a vital step towards our mutual prosperity, asserted Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Following the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) with Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, in Tel Aviv, Goyal emphasized that this marks the first significant milestone in facilitating discussions aimed at concluding a balanced, comprehensive, and mutually advantageous FTA that will bolster and enhance our trade, economic, and strategic collaboration.
“Our collective goal is to diversify and elevate bilateral trade, fostering a broader market by identifying new collaborative avenues while addressing sensitivities across various sectors,” Goyal highlighted. He reiterated, “We are dedicated to utilizing our respective strengths to achieve a mutually beneficial result for both parties.”
Goyal also participated in the India-Israel CEOs Forum alongside Barkat, which featured active engagement and discussions among CEOs from both nations as they strive to deepen their strategic partnership across various sectors.
“The commencement of FTA negotiations underscores our synergies in agriculture, water management, healthcare, defense, infrastructure, the digital economy, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and high-tech innovation,” Goyal stated.
Additionally, he attended a Gala hosted by Barkat, uniting prominent business associations and trade organizations from both countries.
“I was encouraged by the mutual commitment to expanding bilateral trade and investment, and I had the opportunity to interact with key members of the Indian diamond merchant community in Israel. I recognized their contribution to fortifying India-Israel commercial relations and explored ways to boost bilateral trade in the gems and jewelry sector,” the minister shared on X.