Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday that India is negotiating free trade agreements with the US, European Union, New Zealand, Oman, Peru and Chile.
He said the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) would be happy to join hands with the Andhra Pradesh government to develop a world class convention centre, Andhra Mandapam, here like Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The minister said lowering trade barriers globally will help promote free flow of goods, services and capital.
India has already implemented free trade agreements with countries like the UAE, Australia and the four-nation European bloc EFTA. "We are currently negotiating with the EU, US, Oman, New Zealand, Chile and Peru and many more wanting us to start negotiations," he said here at CII Partnership Summit 2025.
To promote ease of doing business, Goyal said the Centre has removed 42,000 compliance requirements and abolished 1,500 laws. Later speaking at the event, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said he will provide land for the construction of a world class convention centre.
Goyal suggested steps to expand global cooperation. He suggested promoting two-way investments by lowering trade barriers and creating an open transparent environment that enables a free flow of goods, services and capital. The other suggestions include technology cooperation and building a predictable policy framework to promote long-term partnership. These remarks assume importance in the wake of growing protectionism globally.
Goyal said that India's trust-based diplomacy is reflected in its expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The minister also laid the foundation stone for Drone City and Space City in Andhra Pradesh through virtual mode on the sidelines of the event, along with Naidu. He said India should be self-reliant in the production of high-quality drones and the upcoming Drone City in Kurnool will be a step in this direction.
Also read: India, Aus aiming for early conclusion of CECA: Goyal
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