Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Food and Consumer Affairs and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal and Mr. Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Australia held talks this week to expedite the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations.

During the video conference on 21 December 2021, the Ministers appreciated the progress made in various rounds of talks between the chief negotiators of both sides and discussed the way forward for an early conclusion of interim agreement.  In this regard, both the Ministers appreciated that bilateral trade talks have been very progressive and both the ministers have decided to deepen the engagement and directed the officials to speed up the negotiations to pave the way for a comprehensive agreement.

The Ministers agreed they look forward to a balanced trade agreement that benefits both the economies and their people, and that reflects their shared commitment to a rules-based international trading system.

Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement negotiations to be expedited, with ministers directing officials to accelerate talks for an early interim pact. Ministers of India and Australia agreed to accelerate negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), directing officials to intensify rounds of talks and pursue an early interim agreement, while stressing that the agreement should be balanced, mutually beneficial, and consistent with a rules-based international trading system.