Mr. Ed Fast, Canadian Minister for International Trade today called Minister of State (Independent Charge) Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to greet her on assumption of the Office of Commerce & Industry Minister. In the telephonic conversation, both the Ministers reviewed the bilateral trade issues between India and Canada. Smt. Sitharaman conveyed India’s desire to engage with Canada in sectors of mutual importance.

Pointing the anomaly of less Canadian investments in India, the Indian Minister said “we will be keen on ascertaining areas of interest and work out strategies to promote Canadian investments in India.”

Both the sides evinced interest in taking the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations forward. The Canadian Minister said that its country can fill up the gaps in areas of food processing, energy and education. Mr. Fast also noted “the emerging pro-business attitude and zeal for creation of jobs under India’s new Prime Minister.”

Bilateral trade engagement: Canada and India agree to advance Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiations and explore investment promotion. Bilateral trade engagement focused on advancing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations and promoting Canadian investment into India, with both Ministers expressing intent to identify investment barriers and develop strategies to enhance investment. The exchange highlighted sectoral cooperation potential in food processing, energy and education as areas where Canada can contribute, noting a favourable policy environment in India that could support business engagement and job creation.