India, Canada target year-end completion of CEPA negotiations
Key Points:
- Canada to send Team Canada Trade Mission to India
- Both nations reaffirm commitment to stronger trade ties
- CEPA negotiations targeted for completion this year
New Delhi – India and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, with both countries aiming to expand economic cooperation and commercial opportunities.
The commitment was highlighted during recent ministerial engagements. Canadian Minister Maninder Sidhu welcomed Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and a large Indian delegation.
In addition, both sides identified several sectors for deeper collaboration. These include clean energy, critical minerals, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and skills development.
Meanwhile, Sidhu confirmed that Canada will lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to India later this year. The move reflects growing interest among Canadian businesses in the Indian market.
Following the discussions, both ministers reiterated their support for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. They expressed confidence in concluding negotiations by the end of the year.
According to the Commerce Ministry, the agreement is expected to improve market access. It will also help strengthen supply chains and support two-way economic growth.
Furthermore, the two countries launched the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum. The platform aims to connect business leaders and encourage new commercial partnerships.
The ministers also stressed the importance of improving connectivity between the two nations. People-to-people ties, business mobility, and direct commercial links were identified as key enablers of trade growth.
In addition, India and Canada agreed to promote long-term investment in priority sectors. They also pledged support for greater collaboration among businesses, innovators, and institutions.
Both sides committed to maintaining regular dialogue. They will continue working toward concrete outcomes in the coming months.
(Based on information received from IANS)
