Canadian Trade Minister Calls Nirmala Sitharaman

Mr. Ed Fast, Canadian Minister for International Trade today called Minister of State (Independent Charge) Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to greet her on assumption of the Office of Commerce & Industry Minister. In the telephonic conversation, both the Ministers reviewed the bilateral trade issues between India and Canada. Smt. Sitharaman conveyed India’s desire to engage with Canada in sectors of mutual importance.

Pointing the anomaly of less Canadian investments in India, the Indian Minister said “we will be keen on ascertaining areas of interest and work out strategies to promote Canadian investments in India.”

Both the sides evinced interest in taking the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations forward. The Canadian Minister said that its country can fill up the gaps in areas of food processing, energy and education. Mr. Fast also noted “the emerging pro-business attitude and zeal for creation of jobs under India’s new Prime Minister.”