During his visit to Toronto, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held discussions with key Canadian business leaders and institutional investors. His goal was to boost bilateral cooperation and attract investments across various industries. On the second day of his trip, Goyal delivered a keynote address at the Canada–India Building Bridges event, which Global Affairs Canada, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and ASSOCHAM organized at the World Trade Centre Toronto.
The event drew over 150 representatives from sectors such as advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, clean technology, energy, and oil and gas. After his speech, Goyal joined Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu for a fireside chat. During this conversation, Goyal pointed out the growing synergies between India and Canada and emphasized the need for a more predictable business environment, achievable through better cooperation between government and industry.
Minister Sidhu voiced his support for strengthening bilateral ties and noted that this delegation was the largest Indian business group ever to visit Canada. He also revealed plans for a Team Canada Trade Mission to India in November, which will help Canadian companies explore collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence, critical minerals, nuclear energy, renewable energy, semiconductors, clean technology, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
Both ministers reiterated their goal of raising bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030 and aimed to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations by year’s end. The day wrapped up with the Canada–India Investment Roundtable, co-chaired by Goyal and Sidhu, featuring prominent Canadian financial investors, pension funds, and banks, along with senior officials from both governments.
At the roundtable, discussions focused on India's ongoing infrastructure development, financial sector reforms, and efforts to improve the ease of doing business, all seen as promising prospects for global investors.
