Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

27-August-2012 16:05 IST

Trade with Canada

India and Canada have commenced negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covering Trade in Services, Trade in Goods, Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Measures, Rules of Origin, Technical Barriers to Trade etc. Five rounds of negotiations have already taken place. The fifth round of CEPA negotiations between India and Canada was held recently in New Delhi from 24th to 26th July, 2012.

Before the commencement of CEPA negotiations with Canada, a Joint Study Group (JSG) was established in November, 2010. The JSG undertook a detailed study of bilateral economic relationship between the two countries and also identified the possible economic impact of trade liberalization and estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) gains ranging from US$ 6 to US$ 12 billion for India.

This information was given by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of State for Commerce, Industry and Textiles in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

DS/GK

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement talks advancing to address services, goods, sanitary measures and rules of origin. Negotiations between India and Canada toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement cover Trade in Services, Trade in Goods, Sanitary and Phyto sanitary Measures, Rules of Origin, and Technical Barriers to Trade; five negotiating rounds had been held. A Joint Study Group formed in November 2010 studied the bilateral economic relationship and produced an economic impact assessment to inform negotiating positions.