Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Senator Don Farrell and Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles in Melbourne on Saturday to review the progress of negotiations for the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
The discussions, described as constructive and forward-looking, centred on deepening the India-Australia Economic Partnership through an ambitious and balanced CECA. The ministers also reviewed ongoing work under the existing Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which came into effect in December 2022.
According to official data, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries reached USD 24.1 billion in FY 2024-25, with India’s exports growing by 14 per cent in FY 2023-24 and a further 8 per cent in FY 2024-25.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to conclude the CECA at the earliest, highlighting its potential to strengthen cooperation in goods, services, investment, and other mutually beneficial sectors.
During his visit, Goyal also interacted with members of the Indian business community in Australia, accompanied by Ministers Farrell and Giles. The engagement focused on expanding commercial linkages and recognised the Indian diaspora’s growing role in promoting trade and investment ties between the two nations. |
