Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu on Friday said India and Canada are committed to speeding up negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both sides aiming to conclude the pact by the end of 2026.
Speaking to Reuters during his visit to Mumbai, Sidhu said he was optimistic about completing the negotiations in the coming months.
“I’m feeling very, very optimistic and energetic that we can get it done in the coming months,” he said.
The two countries are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks. Indian trade negotiators are likely to travel to Canada next month, while the leaders of both countries could meet on the sidelines of the G20 gathering in December, Sidhu said.
Energy Emerges As Key Area Of Discussion
Energy
is among the key sectors being discussed as India and Canada work towards closer economic ties.
Canada opened a Shell-led liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility last year. The country also has five other LNG projects at different stages of development.
Sidhu said Canadian authorities are in talks with Indian companies about accessing these projects, as well as potential investments and long-term supply arrangements.
“We’re having conversations with Indian firms on how they can access those projects, but also how they can invest and secure supply in those projects,” Sidhu said.
He did not provide further details about the discussions.
The proposed CEPA is expected to cover a broad range of economic areas and is aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between India and Canada.
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