Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Saturday held bilateral meetings in Melbourne with Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator Don Farrell and Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles to review the progress of the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations.
The discussions focused on unlocking the full potential of the India–Australia economic partnership through an ambitious and balanced CECA. Both sides reviewed the progress made so far under the negotiations and explored pathways to deepen cooperation in trade, services, investment, and other key sectors.
According to official data, bilateral merchandise trade between India and Australia reached USD 24.1 billion in FY 2024–25, with India’s exports growing by 14% in 2023–24 and a further 8% in 2024–25.
The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively towards the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial CECA, building on the foundation of the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which came into force in December 2022.
During his visit, Goyal also interacted with select business representatives from the Indian diaspora, accompanied by Ministers Farrell and Giles. The interaction highlighted emerging opportunities for expanding commercial linkages and underscored the vital role of the Indian community in strengthening economic and trade ties between the two countries.