Will Piyush Goyal Lead a High-Level Trade Delegation to Canada Next Year?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Piyush Goyal will lead a trade delegation to Canada in 2024.
- The aim is to initiate CEPA negotiations.
- Bilateral trade reached $23.66 billion in 2024.
- Focus on expanding opportunities in aerospace and critical minerals.
- Strengthening supply chains in agriculture is a priority.
New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is poised to head a significant trade and investment delegation to Canada in the upcoming year, aimed at enhancing trade and commercial ties between the two nations.
Goyal stated that the primary goal is to initiate negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Canada. Recently, both countries agreed to maintain ongoing ministerial discussions with the trade and investment sectors in early next year.
“I had a fruitful conversation with Minister Maninder Sidhu to further our trade and commercial ties with Canada. We engaged in preliminary discussions regarding the overall strategy, objectives, and methods in preparation for the CEPA negotiations,” Goyal shared in a post on X.
He confirmed his commitment to lead a high-level delegation to Canada in the New Year.
Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, visited India last month, underscoring the importance of ongoing collaboration with the private sector to unlock fresh trade and investment prospects.
During their meeting, both ministers reinforced the strength and continuity of the India–Canada economic partnership. They noted that bilateral trade in goods and services reached $23.66 billion in 2024, with merchandise trade valued at $8.98 billion, reflecting a 10 percent year-on-year increase. They agreed to promote enduring supply-chain partnerships in critical minerals and clean energy to facilitate the energy transition.
The government reported that they intend to expand investment and trade opportunities in aerospace and dual-use capabilities, capitalizing on the growth of India’s aviation sector.
The ministers also emphasized the necessity of strengthening resilience in critical sectors like agriculture and highlighted the importance of diversified and reliable supply chains, as stated in an official announcement.