India, Canada aim to close FTA by year end

PTI New Delhi

India and Canada are looking at concluding negotiations for a free trade agreement by the end of this year, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said. Goyal is in Canada for a three-day official visit, which started on May 25. He is leading a delegation of industry leaders from over 100 companies. 

"Our prime ministers have tasked us not only with completing the free trade agreement with a comprehensive outlook before the end of this year or earlier, but also tripling our trade from a current $17 billion level to $50 billion by 2030," Goyal said, while jointly addressing the media in Ottawa with Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu on Monday. 

Goyal also called on Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney. Both sides expressed optimism about the early conclusion of the trade pact negotiations. 

In a social media post, Carney said, "We're negotiating a free trade deal with India. This will be a game changer for Canadian workers and businesses, unlocking a massive new market. We're working fast, I met Minister @PiyushGoyal to review our progress so far and explore the opportunities ahead for both our countries in energy, agri-food, tech, and education."