Piyush Goyal Holds High-Level Talks In Canada To Advance CEPA Negotiations

New Delhi, May 26 (KNN) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal arrived in Ottawa on May 25 leading a delegation of more than 100 Indian companies as India and Canada intensified efforts to advance negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The visit covers Ottawa and Toronto from May 25–27 and focuses on trade, investment and sectoral cooperation.

During talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Goyal discussed expanding cooperation across trade, investment, technology and strategic sectors.

Carney described the proposed India-Canada CEPA as a “game changer” that could unlock major market opportunities for both countries. Both sides reiterated their commitment to concluding a balanced and commercially meaningful agreement by the end of 2026.

Goyal also held discussions with Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu to review progress in CEPA negotiations and explore measures to expand bilateral trade and investment flows. The two sides agreed to continue efforts toward finalising the agreement within the targeted timeline.

In separate meetings, Goyal met Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald to discuss cooperation in food security, sustainability and agri-technology, including opportunities in food processing.

 He also held talks with Foreign Minister Anita Anand on strengthening the broader India-Canada strategic and economic partnership.

The minister highlighted investment opportunities in India’s infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, digital infrastructure and consumer sectors during his engagements in Ottawa.

 He also addressed a reception hosted by Canada’s trade minister, where he spoke about India’s economic growth, entrepreneurial ecosystem and the contribution of the Indian diaspora to bilateral ties.

From May 26–27, the Indian delegation is scheduled to participate in business roundtables and B2B meetings in Toronto aimed at developing commercial partnerships across sectors including energy, mining, automotive, pharmaceuticals, telecom, artificial intelligence, textiles and leather.

India and Canada have set a target of increasing bilateral trade from the current level of about USD 8.5 billion to USD 50 billion by 2030. CEPA negotiations began after the Terms of Reference were signed in March 2025, with successive negotiation rounds held in 2026, including ongoing technical discussions in Ottawa.

(KNN Bureau)