Goyal Holds Bilateral Talks With New Zealand, Canada To Boost Trade Ties

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(MENAFN- KNN India) ** New Delhi, Mar 30 (KNN)** Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held bilateral meetings with trade ministers from New Zealand and Canada on the sidelines of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC-14), focusing on advancing trade negotiations and strengthening economic cooperation.

During his meeting with New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd Michael McClay, both sides reviewed preparations for the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a range of deliverables under discussion and plans for a high-level business delegation.

Progress towards the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was also assessed, alongside opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as agriculture and sports.

“A productive interaction with Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand, during engagements at WTOMC14. Exchanged views on the progress of the MC14 agenda and reviewed ongoing work towards the signing of the recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA. Also discussed avenues to further enhance bilateral trade and investment while strengthening cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest,” Goyal said in a post on X.

On WTO-related issues, India reiterated its position on a member-driven reform process, emphasising the need to uphold foundational principles such as consensus-based decision-making and equity, while ensuring progress on longstanding commitments.

In a separate meeting with Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, discussions focused on expediting negotiations for the proposed India–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), along with expanding cooperation across sectors including shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, tourism and education.

“Met Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, on the sidelines of the WTOMC14. Exchanged views on the MC14 agenda, reviewed progress on the recently launched India-Canada CEPA negotiations, and explored ways to further strengthen our bilateral trade & economic cooperation,” he added.

Both sides also exchanged views on WTO reform priorities, including dispute settlement mechanisms and key agenda items, with an emphasis on maintaining the effectiveness and credibility of the multilateral trading system.

** (KNN Bureau)**

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