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Business Standard
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Goyal, Israeli economy minister discuss boosting trade, innovation ties
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with Israel's Minister of Economy Nir Barkat in Paris on Tuesday (local time). The discussions focused on diversifying the trade basket, fostering innovation, and strengthening cooperation in high-tech and emerging sectors. In a post shared on X, Piyush Goyal stated, "Excellent meeting with Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry, @NirBarkat, in Paris. Our discussions focused on diversifying our trade basket, fostering innovation, and strengthening cooperation in high-tech and emerging sectors, paving the way for the next phase of our partnership." Goyal addressed the India-France Business Conference, highlighting the 'India Opportunity', driven by a skilled and talented workforce and the government's commitment to ease of doing business, and how it offers promising avenues for French firms. During the interaction, Goyal encouraged companies from India and France to collaborate by building on shared interests and leveraging each other's competencies. He emphasised that deeper engagement between the businesses of the two nations will play a key role in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France. In a post on X, Goyal stated, "It was a pleasure to address the India-France Business Conference, which brought together several Indian and French companies. Highlighted the 'India Opportunity', driven by a skilled & talented workforce and the government's commitment to ease of doing business, and how it offers promising avenues for French companies. Encouraged companies from both sides to collaborate by building on shared interests and leveraging each other's competencies. Deeper engagement between our businesses will play a significant role in further strengthening the India-France strategic partnership." He also addressed the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting in Paris, along with Laurent Saint-Martin, the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad. Goyal highlighted how French companies believe in the India story and how the two nations are committed to advancing economic and trade relations and cultivating a smarter future together. In a post on X, Goyal stated, "Addressed the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting today in Paris along with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad @LaurentSMartin. During the interactive discussion, attended by Indian & French companies, we covered a wide range of aspects of India-France cooperation, including technology, AI, education, and startups. I further highlighted how French companies believe in the India story and how both sides are committed to advancing economic and trade relations and cultivating a smarter future together." Piyush Goyal met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Paris and emphasised India's commitment to strengthening a fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system. "Had a productive meeting with @NOIweala, Director General of @WTO, in Paris. Emphasised India's commitment to help strengthen a fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system," Goyal posted on X. He also met Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce, Majid Al-Kassabi, and discussed enhancing bilateral trade and exploring new investment opportunities. Sharing details regarding his meeting with Saudi Arabia's counterpart on X, Goyal wrote, "Held a productive meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce H.E. @MAlKassabi. Discussed enhancing bilateral trade, exploring new investment opportunities, and strengthening our economic partnership." Piyush Goyal held a meeting with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Laurent Saint-Martin, on Tuesday. During the meeting, the two leaders explored new avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investments and facilitate business-to-business engagement. After his meeting with Saint-Martin, Goyal on X wrote, "Good meeting with the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, @LaurentSMartin. Explored new avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investments, and facilitate business-to-business engagement. We also reaffirmed our shared commitment to making technology a new cornerstone of the Indo-French economic partnership, especially in the context of the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation 2026." The discussions, which took place during Goyal's three-day official visit to France, also reviewed the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, signalling a strong intent to bolster bilateral ties amidst a shared commitment to innovation and economic growth. Goyal commenced his three-day official visit to France on Sunday. After concluding his visit to France, Piyush Goyal will travel to Italy.


India Gazette
17 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Goyal, Israel's Economy Minister Barkat discuss diversifying trade basket, fostering innovation
Paris [France], June 4 (ANI): Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with Israel's Minister of Economy Nir Barkat in Paris on Tuesday (local time). The discussions focused on diversifying the trade basket, fostering innovation, and strengthening cooperation in high-tech and emerging sectors. In a post shared on X, Piyush Goyal stated, 'Excellent meeting with Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry, @NirBarkat, in Paris. Our discussions focused on diversifying our trade basket, fostering innovation, and strengthening cooperation in high-tech and emerging sectors, paving the way for the next phase of our partnership.' Goyal addressed the India-France Business Conference, highlighting the 'India Opportunity', driven by a skilled and talented workforce and the government's commitment to ease of doing business, and how it offers promising avenues for French firms. During the interaction, Goyal encouraged companies from India and France to collaborate by building on shared interests and leveraging each other's competencies. He emphasised that deeper engagement between the businesses of the two nations will play a key role in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France. In a post on X, Goyal stated, 'It was a pleasure to address the India-France Business Conference, which brought together several Indian and French companies. Highlighted the 'India Opportunity', driven by a skilled & talented workforce and the government's commitment to ease of doing business, and how it offers promising avenues for French companies. Encouraged companies from both sides to collaborate by building on shared interests and leveraging each other's competencies. Deeper engagement between our businesses will play a significant role in further strengthening the India-France strategic partnership.' He also addressed the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting in Paris, along with Laurent Saint-Martin, the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad. Goyal highlighted how French companies believe in the India story and how the two nations are committed to advancing economic and trade relations and cultivating a smarter future together. In a post on X, Goyal stated, 'Addressed the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting today in Paris along with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad @LaurentSMartin. During the interactive discussion, attended by Indian & French companies, we covered a wide range of aspects of India-France cooperation, including technology, AI, education, and startups. I further highlighted how French companies believe in the India story and how both sides are committed to advancing economic and trade relations and cultivating a smarter future together.' Piyush Goyal met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Paris and emphasised India's commitment to strengthening a fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system. 'Had a productive meeting with @NOIweala, Director General of @WTO, in Paris. Emphasised India's commitment to help strengthen a fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system,' Goyal posted on X. He also met Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce, Majid Al-Kassabi, and discussed enhancing bilateral trade and exploring new investment opportunities. Sharing details regarding his meeting with Saudi Arabia's counterpart on X, Goyal wrote, 'Held a productive meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce H.E. @MAlKassabi. Discussed enhancing bilateral trade, exploring new investment opportunities, and strengthening our economic partnership.' Piyush Goyal held a meeting with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Laurent Saint-Martin, on Tuesday. During the meeting, the two leaders explored new avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investments and facilitate business-to-business engagement. After his meeting with Saint-Martin, Goyal on X wrote, 'Good meeting with the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, @LaurentSMartin. Explored new avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investments, and facilitate business-to-business engagement. We also reaffirmed our shared commitment to making technology a new cornerstone of the Indo-French economic partnership, especially in the context of the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation 2026.' The discussions, which took place during Goyal's three-day official visit to France, also reviewed the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, signalling a strong intent to bolster bilateral ties amidst a shared commitment to innovation and economic growth. Goyal commenced his three-day official visit to France on Sunday. After concluding his visit to France, Piyush Goyal will travel to Italy. (ANI)


India Gazette
21 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
India-France CEO Forum: Indian business leaders pushes for strengthening bilateral trade and investment, FTA
Paris [France], June 3 (ANI): At the India-France CEO Forum in Paris saw enthusiastic discussions on strengthening bilateral trade and investment on Tuesday. The forum highlighted the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries, which would not only boost trade but also build trust and chemistry between India and France. The Indian business leaders highlighted the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries, which would not only boost trade but also build trust and chemistry between India and France. Both Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his French counterpart Laurent Saint-Martin expressed optimism over the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union. Indian industry leaders, including Sanjay Nayar (ASSOCHAM), Sunil Vachani (Dixon Technologies), Rikant Pittie (EaseMyTrip), and Ravi Limaye (Wockhardt), shared their insights on the opportunities and challenges in the India-France partnership. They emphasised the potential for collaboration in areas like manufacturing, tourism, and technology. 'Three things stood out for me, the enthusiasm of both the ministers, our minister Piyush Goyal and the French Minister Laurent Saint-Martin about getting the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) done. The message coming out is more than just a trade. It is more about building trust and chemistry, which we have, it takes it to a new level with FTA...,' said Sanjay Nayar, President, Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) on India-France CEO Forum and meeting between Union Minister Piyush Goyal and French Minister Laurent Saint-Martin. The forum drew participation from several leading French companies. Indian delegation urged French businesses to explore India as a key manufacturing and investment destination. Sunil Vachani, Chairman of Dixon Technologies, pointed out, 'There was a big attendance of French companies, they showed a great interest from their side. The biggest reason for this is that France's biggest companies are looking for an alternative supply chain and a reliable partner that can manufacture globally. Minister Piyush Goyal kept this fact forward, saying that they won't get a better alternative than is a big was to come forward and invest in India...' Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder and CEO of EaseMyTrip, spoke about the potential for collaboration in tourism and human capital. 'We had a very insightful discussion today with the French companies. I briefed about what the different potential collaboration opportunities are between India and could be a potential synergy between India and France on the diversified talent pool. India currently has approximately 1.5 million engineering graduates every and France can deepen their relationship with tourism corridors,' he added. Ravi Limaye, Managing Director of Wockhardt, welcomed the momentum towards the FTA. 'I think this was a very important meeting, as the minister said, the trade between India and France is about USD 15 billion, which hardly indicates the kind of potential these two countries have. There are lots of opportunities to increase this trade and do business that will help both these countries. So I think this is a good start,' he added. Limaye further emphasised that the two countries of lots of potential and can increase trade and business. 'The trade between India and France is about $15 billion, which hardly indicates the kind of potential these two countries have. Lots of opportunities to increase this trade and do business that will help both these countries. I think this is a good start...' Moreover, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the need for reforms in the multilateral trading system. She emphasized India's crucial role in shaping the future of the WTO and its potential to lead the way for other developing countries. 'I am very happy that we have the occasion of the mini-ministerial and certainly happy that Minister Piyush is here and will participate, I think he will give a chance to ministers invited by the Australians to be able to talk to each other about the possible reforms to the WTO. Of course the multilateral trading system has been disrupted in a way it hasn't been before. But, sometimes I see challenges as opportunities and I think this is a very good opportunity for the WTO members to look at what are those things that work and should be members think that it is a very valuable organisation but it should be repositioned and that's why the mini-minsterial is very important because ministers are going to start that discussion prior to MC14,' said Okonjo-Iweala. Union Minister Piyush Goyal met WTO DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi in Paris, France. 'Meeting with Minister Goyal was very productive. We spoke about all these issues, about reforms, about the issues India is interested in - like agriculture and how MC14, we need India as a leader. India is a leading country and India is doing well. So, India needs to open the way for other developing countries...,' added the WTO Director-General. Goyal also me with ATR Aircraft CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude in Paris. The underscored India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for cooperation. (ANI)


Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Piyush Goyal calls for steps to boost India-France trade
Paris: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that India and France must work to strengthen bilateral economic ties as there was ample scope to boost trade between the two countries from the current level of $15 billion. Addressing the India-France CEO Forum here, the minister said both countries must work towards deeper cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors. "We cannot be satisfied with just $15 billion. The scope is far greater," Goyal remarked. He suggested forming joint working groups in the private sector under the CEO Forum to explore collaborations in artificial intelligence, tourism, manufacturing, and global capability centres as well. Goyal also announced that India and France would activate a fast-track mechanism at the ambassadorial level to help businesses overcome trade and regulatory hurdles. "This will help us find new areas of trade and support each other in crossing the Rubicon of regulation," he remarked. He pointed out that Indian businesses are often "foxed" by the EU's complex regulatory environment. "It's a maze, especially with each EU member state having its own set of rules," Goyal said. The minister reaffirmed that India and the EU remain committed to concluding a comprehensive trade deal before the end of 2025. He also held a meeting with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and discussed ways to boost economic ties and huge opportunities in the Indian shipping sector. Goyal also plans to hold bilateral meetings in Paris with the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce, Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kasabi, among others. The Indian Minister is on an official visit to France and Italy, reflecting India's continued commitment to deepening strategic and economic ties with key European partners and advancing a shared vision for resilient and inclusive global growth. As part of the visit, he will also be meeting top leadership of major French companies such as Vicat, Total Energies, L'Oreal, Renault, Valeo, EDF and ATR. Goyal will also participate in the informal gathering of WTO Ministers on the margins of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. At this crucial forum, he will engage with global counterparts on key multilateral trade issues and articulate the perspectives and priorities of the country.


India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Piyush Goyal holds talks with Nigeria's Trade Minister on WTO reforms, bilateral trade
New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a bilateral meeting with Nigeria's Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite in Paris. The talks held on Monday focused on boosting bilateral trade and pushing forward reforms at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the minster said. Sharing the update on social media, the minister said, 'A fruitful discussion with Nigeria's Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment @JOduwole, in Paris. We explored avenues to boost bilateral trade and strengthen economic cooperation between India and Nigeria. Also, discussed World Trade Organisation reforms. Our shared vision for growth will drive this partnership forward.' During his 3-day visit to France, Goyal also met Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The minister posted on social media, 'Glad to meet Dr.@FBirol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (@IEA). Had a good discussion on the overall global energy scenario and the deepening partnership between India and the IEA.' Goyal on Sunday commenced his three-day official visit to France, which is part of his ongoing visit to France and Italy from June 1 to 5. During his engagements in France, Goyal is holding bilateral meetings with key French Ministers, including Eric Lombard, Minister of Economy, and Laurent Saint-Martin, French Trade Minister. These discussions are focused on strengthening the Indo-French economic partnership and exploring new avenues for enhancing trade and investment cooperation. As part of the high-level visit, a comprehensive agenda of strategic business meetings and engagements has been also scheduled with top leadership of major French companies such as Vicat, Total Energies, L'Oreal, Renault, Valeo, EDF and ATR. The visit also includes the India-France Business Round Table and the India-France CEO Forum. These platforms will foster dialogue between leading industry stakeholders from both countries. In addition, the minister will participate in the informal gathering of WTO Ministers on the margins of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. At this crucial forum, he will engage with global counterparts on key multilateral trade issues and present India's priorities and perspectives. Goyal will holding a series of high-level bilateral meetings with key international partners during the course of his visit. (ANI)