With focus on trade and industry, India holds talks with Ecuador-Colombia

New Delhi, May 23 (KNN) Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia recently led an official business delegation to the South American countries Ecuador and Columbia. The prime focus of the visit was to strengthen the bilateral relations with the two countries and to focus on cooperation in trade and industry. 

During the visit to Ecuador, Teaotia along with representatives from the Indian industries held decision with the Minister of Commerce of Ecuador Juan Carlos Cassinelli. The discussion was to explore the ways to enhance investment the two sides. Also discussions on the sectors including pharma, IT, Auto, Agro-chemicals, Mining, Iron and Steel and Textiles were held.

The Commerce Secretary also co-chaired the First Meeting of the Join Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) in Ecuador.  Both the sides expressed interest to explore the potential sectors of the industry and further boost the bilateral relations. Also Ecuador proposed for a preferential trade agreement between   India and Ecuador.

The Commerce secretary in Columbia met the counterparts from the Columbian Ministry headed by Francisco Echeverri Lara, Vice–Minister Multilateral Affairs. The two sides discussed expanding the trade relations and attend to the various new opportunities for investments.

Teaotia also attended the 3^rd meeting of the Joint Committee for India Columbia Business Development Cooperation in Columbia.

Last week the Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a press conference spoke of the ministry’s interest in strengthening the South-South relationship by extending trade to the countries that fall in the southern hemisphere including the South American countries Ecuador and Colombia. (With inputs from PIB) (KNN/ DA)