Piyush Goyal's Zurich Visit Boosts India-EFTA TEPA and Global Trade Ties

Minister Goyal also connected with prominent members of the Indian diaspora in Zurich, recognizing their valuable contributions to the Swiss economy and Indo-Swiss relations.

On the first day of his visit to Zurich to discuss the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal engaged in a series of high-level meetings. These discussions underscored India's impressive growth under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Minister Goyal's agenda included significant dialogues with the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), interactions with the Indian diaspora, and meetings with potential investors, promoting India as a prime destination for trade and investment.

Shri Piyush Goyal's pivotal meeting with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO, focused on ongoing negotiations and the progress since the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO. Their conversation reiterated India's dedication to achieving fair trade outcomes and ensuring free and equitable trade among member nations.

Minister Goyal also connected with prominent members of the Indian diaspora in Zurich, recognizing their valuable contributions to the Swiss economy and Indo-Swiss relations. He encouraged them to invest in India, emphasizing the extensive opportunities available under Prime Minister Modi's leadership and the newly signed India-EFTA TEPA.

In his meetings with leading business figures and potential investors, including representatives from MSC Cargo, Shri Goyal discussed potential collaborations and investment opportunities across various sectors. These discussions aimed at attracting investments and fostering partnerships to support India's continued growth and development.

A productive meeting was held with senior officials from Zurich Airport, including Mr. Josef Felder, Chairman of the Board of Directors. They explored collaboration opportunities to enhance airport infrastructure and advance ancillary air services in India. The discussions centered on leveraging best practices and innovations to significantly improve the Indian aviation sector.

Shri Piyush Goyal also convened a meeting with India's WTO team in Geneva, led by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India at the WTO, along with senior officers from the Department of Commerce. They thoroughly discussed priority issues currently under discussion or at various stages of negotiation in the WTO, reinforcing India's strategic approach to international trade.

The series of meetings and interactions on the first day of Minister Goyal's Zurich visit have laid a strong foundation for deeper economic engagement and strategic collaborations, highlighting India's commitment to global trade and sustainable development.