New Delhi, 27 October (H.S.): India is in discussions with several countries and regional groupings to conclude free trade agreements (FTAs), with negotiations with Chile nearing finalisation and talks with Canada making good progress, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said during his visit to the Netherlands.

Speaking at a press conference, Goyal said, “I think the ongoing negotiations with Chile are quite close to finalising an agreement. There is very good progress with Canada.” He added that negotiations with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) had only recently begun and would therefore take some time to conclude.

The minister said discussions had commenced with SACU, a regional bloc led by South Africa. In August, India and SACU signed the terms of reference (ToR) to formally initiate negotiations towards a preferential trade agreement. SACU comprises five member countries: Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar