India, Japan Review CEPA Implementation, Discuss Expanding Trade & Investment

New Delhi, Mar 5 (KNN) The seventh joint committee meeting under the India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was held in Tokyo earlier this week, seeking to further diversify and balance the bilateral trade.

The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, India and the Senior Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan.

Review of CEPA Implementation

During the meeting, officials from both sides reviewed the progress in implementing the CEPA and discussed ways to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. 

The discussions focused on enhancing trade and investment ties and addressing issues related to the agreement’s implementation.

Talks with Japan’s METI Vice Minister

On the sidelines of the meeting, Agrawal also met the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). 

The discussions covered bilateral trade and investment, improving the business environment, and preparations for the upcoming 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation.

Agrawal referred to the shared vision outlined by the leaders of both countries during their annual summit in August 2025 and stressed the need to expand and diversify bilateral trade and investment. 

He highlighted the complementary strengths of the two economies, noting Japan’s capabilities in technology, capital and advanced manufacturing, and India’s skilled workforce, large market and fast-growing economy.

Scope for Expanding Trade

The Secretary pointed to significant potential for increasing India’s exports to Japan in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and services. He also underlined the importance of developing a more balanced bilateral trade relationship to support long-term economic sustainability.

Agrawal also interacted with leading representatives of Japanese industry at a roundtable meeting. 

He emphasised that the CEPA provides tariff certainty and regulatory predictability, creating a stable framework to deepen cooperation between India and Japan as trusted partners in global value and supply chains.

(KNN Bureau)