Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal on Sunday held high-level meetings with European Commission officials and industry representatives in Brussels to discuss trade facilitation, market access, customs cooperation and preparations for implementing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
In his meeting with Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General, Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), the two sides discussed ways to facilitate two-way trade, improve market access, strengthen supply chain resilience and create opportunities for Indian and European businesses.
They reaffirmed their commitment to a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement and agreed to remain closely engaged on outstanding procedural and implementation-related issues, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Agrawal’s meeting with Koen Doens, Director-General, Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), focused on development cooperation and strategic partnerships, including sustainable development, clean energy and green technologies.
Customs cooperation and preparations for implementing the India-EU FTA featured in his discussions with Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General, Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), European Commission. Both sides stressed the importance of efficient, transparent and digitally enabled customs procedures to reduce transaction costs and facilitate the movement of legitimate trade.
The Commerce Secretary also met diamond industry stakeholders, including representatives associated with Antwerp’s diamond ecosystem. Discussions covered the global diamond value chain, certification and traceability requirements, responsible sourcing and opportunities offered by India’s diamond market and manufacturing sector.
India and Belgium have identified gems and jewellery as an area for deeper cooperation, with Antwerp, Mumbai and Surat recognised as major diamond centres.
At a BusinessEurope roundtable, Agrawal discussed opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties, improve market access and advance cooperation under the FTA with European industry representatives.
Highlighting India’s economic growth, reforms and investment opportunities across key sectors, he invited European businesses to expand their engagement with the country and participate in its growing value chains.
The Ministry said the engagements reflected the expanding scope of India-EU cooperation across trade, investment, development partnerships, taxation and customs.
(PIB)
