Piyush Goyal discusses trade, investment, India-EU FTA with Finland ministers
New Delhi, July 16
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held separate meetings with Finland's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Riikka Purra and Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral economic ties and exploring how the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement could further boost trade and investment between the two countries.
In a post on X, Goyal said he met Finland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Riikka Purra and discussed strengthening economic and financial cooperation between the two countries.
"Pleased to meet Finland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ms. Riikka Purra. We discussed strengthening economic and financial cooperation, enhancing trade and investment ties, and expanding collaboration in digitalisation and emerging sectors," Goyal said.
He added that both sides "also explored opportunities to further deepen India-Finland engagement under the India-EU FTA."
In a separate post on X, Goyal said he held "productive discussions" with Finland's Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto on expanding cooperation across several high-growth sectors.
"Had productive discussions with Finland's Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr. Sakari Puisto. We discussed ways to deepen India-Finland cooperation in investments, innovation, R&D, startups and business partnerships," the minister said.
Goyal said the discussions also covered collaboration in emerging technologies and strategic sectors.
"We also explored collaboration across AI, 6G, quantum technologies, semiconductors, space and sustainability, while discussing how the India-EU FTA can further strengthen trade and investment between our countries," he said.
The meetings come as India and the European Union continue efforts to conclude a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, with both sides seeking to expand trade, investment and cooperation in emerging technologies.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see India engaging with Nordic countries. Finland's expertise in sustainability and green tech is world-class. But I hope the FTA doesn't mean we just become a market for European goods without reciprocal access for our textiles and pharma. Needs to be balanced.
These bilateral meetings are crucial while the big FTA drags on. Finland has great R&D culture; Indian IITs and startups can learn a lot. But honestly, we need to push harder for mobility agreements — easier visas for Indian professionals and students. That's real partnership.
Trade talks with Europe always sound promising, but the devil is in the details. Indian agriculture and dairy sectors have legitimate concerns. Hope our negotiators are protecting small farmers while chasing tech deals. 'Sustainability' can't be a cover for protectionism against Indian exports.
Love the focus on AI and semiconductors! India has the talent, Finland has the innovation ecosystem. If this FTA includes provisions for joint research and co-development, we could leapfrog in deep tech. Also, kudos to Goyal for keeping the momentum despite global uncertainties. 🙌
Every time we hear 'FTA' I'm cautiously optimistic. But look at what happened with the EU-Brexit mess — European bureaucrats are tough negotiators. India must not give away market access in services (IT, healthcare) without getting meaningful concessions in labor mobility. Let's see the fine print.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.