Goyal-Artieda discussed crucial issues in London
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) have reaffirmed their commitment to expedite the conclusion of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), recognizing the potential for enhanced economic cooperation and trade between the two regions.
The successful conclusion of the TEPA will set the stage for a new deeper economic collaboration, driving growth and prosperity for both India and EFTA, said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met the EFTA, led by the Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, in London on 11-12 July 2023. Artieda was accompanied by the industry stakeholders from Pharmaceutical, Machinery and Electronics of EFTA states.
Both sides had detailed discussions on crucial issues, with the shared goal of swiftly concluding the TEPA negotiations to establish a fair, mutually beneficial and comprehensive trade deal between India and EFTA, said the Ministry in a release on 12 July 2023.
Over the past few months, India and EFTA have significantly intensified their engagement, highlighting the commitment of both parties to achieving an early conclusion to the TEPA negotiations.
The meeting in London further bolstered this commitment, with both sides demonstrating a strong willingness to progress towards a final agreement.
Goyal expressed his satisfaction with the progress made during the meeting, highlighting the constructive and collaborative nature of the discussions.
He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive trade deal that addresses the needs and aspirations of both India and EFTA, fostering closer economic ties and promoting sustained growth.
State Secretary Artieda echoed Minister Goyal’s sentiments and commended the Indian government’s proactive approach and expressed confidence in the positive outcomes that can be realized through a comprehensive TEPA, the Ministry said. Fiinews.com