Goyal vows trade push at UNCTAD with WTO, EU chiefs
India reaffirmed its dedication to rules-based international commerce and expressed readiness to collaborate with the World Trade Organisation on expanding global business activity. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development session in Geneva. The minister separately engaged with World Intellectual Property Organisation Director General Daren Tang regarding the 50th anniversary of India-WIPO partnership and prospects for leveraging the nation’s growing innovation landscape. Goyal addressed the effects of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on Indian steel exports with European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera Rodriguez.
The commerce minister met EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic to advance the resolution of pending matters concerning the India-EU Free Trade Agreement before his scheduled Brussels trip. Both officials expressed optimism about progress in strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations. Goyal discussed with UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebecca Grynspan topics spanning equitable economic transformation, developed nations failing to meet Paris Agreement obligations, unjustified unilateral actions and South-South cooperation. Sefcovic welcomed the opportunity to reconnect with his Indian counterpart ahead of next week’s visit.
