New Delhi, May 29 (H.S.): India and Canada have launched a new Trade and Investment Forum aimed at enhancing bilateral commercial cooperation and bringing businesses from both countries closer together.

Following the conclusion of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s three-day official visit to Canada from May 25 to 27, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on Friday that Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, reaffirmed the two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. The objective is to achieve robust outcomes that will accelerate economic growth and expand business opportunities in both countries.

According to the ministry, under the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum, both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing an ambitious and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). They also confirmed their shared goal of concluding negotiations by the end of this year.

India and Canada further agreed to enhance connectivity between the two countries, including people-to-people engagement, trade facilitation, and direct commercial linkages, all of which are considered crucial for expanding trade and investment.

Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu also confirmed that Canada will send a “Team Canada Trade Mission” delegation to India later this year.

A business delegation comprising more than 150 members, led by Piyush Goyal, visited Canada between May 25 and 27. During the visit, the minister held meetings with several prominent business leaders and also conducted bilateral discussions with Canada’s International Trade Minister.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar