Piyush Goyal concludes landmark Canada visit, pushes for stronger economic ties and CEPA talks
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday concluded a landmark three-day visit to Canada, aimed at deepening bilateral economic engagement and accelerating negotiations for the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Leading the largest-ever Indian business delegation to Canada, comprising representatives from over 100 Indian companies, Goyal held a series of high-level meetings in Toronto and Ottawa with policymakers, investors, business leaders, academia, and members of the Indo-Canadian community. The visit focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, technology, clean energy, infrastructure, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
Addressing faculty, researchers, and students at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, Goyal highlighted India’s rapid economic transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasised the growing scope for deeper India-Canada collaboration in trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.
The minister also visited the Ontario Centre of Innovation and interacted with Canada-India Tech Connect, where discussions centred on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, cleantech, agritech, and deep tech. Goyal underlined India’s thriving startup ecosystem and called for stronger innovation partnerships between the two countries.
In a significant engagement, Goyal met Ontario Premier Doug Ford to discuss expanding India-Ontario cooperation across manufacturing, infrastructure, food processing, critical minerals, clean energy, and technology sectors. He also held talks with Business Council of Canada President and CEO Goldy Hyder on enhancing industry-led partnerships and strengthening the India-Canada CEO Forum.
The Union Minister further met senior executives of major Canadian institutional investors, including Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan President and CEO Jo Taylor and CPP Investments President and CEO John Graham. Discussions focused on expanding investments into India across infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, financial services, healthcare, transportation, and digital infrastructure.
During interactions with regional chambers operating in the India-Canada corridor, Goyal sought feedback on ways to boost bilateral trade and investment flows. He appreciated the role of business organisations and the Indo-Canadian community in strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Goyal also held discussions with the accompanying Indian business delegation and encouraged companies to explore opportunities in clean energy, aerospace, food processing, infrastructure, technology, and critical minerals. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Indian enterprises in expanding their global footprint.
The minister concluded the visit with an interaction with members of the Canada-India Foundation, where he acknowledged the contribution of the Indo-Canadian community in fostering stronger business and people-to-people connections.
India and Canada are currently targeting an increase in bilateral trade from around USD 8.5 billion to USD 50 billion by 2030, with both sides committed to advancing the ongoing CEPA negotiations.
