Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has begun a five-day visit to Spain, Belgium and Finland as India intensifies efforts to conclude its long-awaited Free Trade Agreement with the European Union…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday began a five-day visit to Spain, Belgium and Finland, accompanied by a high-level business delegation, as India seeks to strengthen its economic engagement with the European Union and advance negotiations for the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The visit, scheduled from July 13 to July 17, reflects India’s focus on expanding trade, investment and technology partnerships with Europe while reinforcing cooperation in innovation, sustainability and advanced manufacturing, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, discussions across the three countries will centre on advanced manufacturing, clean energy and sustainability, digital and frontier technologies, gems and jewellery, as well as food and consumer industries.
The government said the visit demonstrates India’s commitment to deepening its engagement with the European Union, one of its largest trading partners, and advancing an ambitious, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. It added that the proposed FTA aims to support resilient supply chains, sustainable economic growth and a rules-based global trading system.
The ministry said the tour is expected to provide fresh momentum to India’s ties with Europe by promoting trade and investment, strengthening collaboration in emerging technologies, clean energy, innovation and advanced manufacturing, fostering closer business partnerships, and reinforcing India’s position as a trusted global partner for manufacturing, innovation and sustainability.
In Spain, Goyal is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with First Vice President of the Government of Spain and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo Caballero, Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu Boher, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares Bueno.
He will also chair an India-Spain Business Roundtable involving leading Spanish companies and industry associations to highlight investment opportunities in India and encourage greater business-to-business collaboration. In addition, Goyal will participate in a business roundtable organised with the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, CEOE and ICEX Spain Trade & Investment.
During his visit to Belgium, the minister will tour the Port of Antwerp and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. He is also scheduled to hold CEO-level meetings with Alain Queverin of Thales Group and Jean-Christophe Bogaert of Silox Group.
In Brussels, Goyal will co-chair the third ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), the highest institutional platform for cooperation between India and the European Union on trade, trusted technology and economic security.
The final leg of the visit will take him to Finland, where he will hold bilateral talks with Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs Dr Sakari Puisto. Goyal will also participate in the India-Finland Business Roundtable with leading Finnish companies to explore new avenues for economic cooperation and investment.
The Commerce Ministry said the visit is expected to strengthen India’s commercial engagement with Europe while expanding cooperation in strategic sectors and supporting efforts to conclude the India-EU FTA at the earliest.
