India Sends Record Business Delegation to Canada for Free Trade Talks
India dispatches largest-ever business delegation to Canada as Piyush Goyal lands for high-stakes free trade talks
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Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has arrived in Canada leading a historic 150-member business delegation to accelerate free trade negotiations, aiming for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by 2026. The initiative seeks to boost bilateral trade from $8.5 billion to $50 billion by 2030.
- 01The delegation is the largest India has ever sent to Canada, indicating a strong commitment to enhancing trade relations.
- 02The goal is to expand bilateral trade from approximately $8.5 billion to $50 billion by 2030.
- 03Minister Goyal will engage with Canadian officials, including discussions on leveraging Canada's natural resources for India's energy transition.
- 04The visit includes efforts to attract investments from Canada's 'Maple 8' pension funds to support India's infrastructure projects.
- 05The trip follows a significant diplomatic thaw after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India in March.
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Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has arrived in Canada, leading a delegation of 150 business leaders, the largest ever sent by India to the country. This three-day visit aims to accelerate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) by the end of 2026. The delegation includes executives from key sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting India's strategy to diversify its economic partnerships amid global uncertainties. Currently, bilateral trade stands at around $8.5 billion, with a target to reach $50 billion by 2030. Goyal's itinerary includes meetings with Canadian officials, including Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu and Prime Minister Mark Carney, focusing on utilizing Canada's rich natural resources to support India's energy transition. Additionally, Goyal plans to engage with the CEOs of Canada's 'Maple 8' pension funds to secure long-term investments for India's infrastructure development.
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The initiative is expected to significantly enhance trade relations between India and Canada, potentially leading to increased investments and economic growth in both countries.
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