Goyal's Historic Liechtenstein Visit Boosts India-EFTA Trade & Green Tech

Union Minister Piyush Goyal made a historic first visit by an Indian Cabinet Minister to Liechtenstein to strengthen bilateral economic ties. The discussions centered on implementing the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement to boost investment, manufacturing, and job creation. Goyal met with Prime Minister Brigitte Haas and Deputy PM Sabine Monauni, focusing on combining India's talent with Liechtenstein's advanced industrial and engineering capabilities. The minister also extended an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Hereditary Prince Alois to visit India for a future summit.

Key Points: India, Liechtenstein Strengthen Ties Under EFTA Trade Pact

  • First visit by Indian Cabinet Minister
  • Focus on investment & job creation
  • Collaboration on clean tech & green finance
  • Strengthening manufacturing under "Make in India"
  • Operationalisation of India-EFTA TEPA
3 min read

Piyush Goyal meets Liechtenstein leadership to strengthen economic ties under India-EFTA TEPA

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal meets Liechtenstein leadership to deepen economic cooperation, investment, and green tech under the India-EFTA TEPA.

"combining India's young talent with Liechtenstein's advanced industrial capabilities - Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, January 7

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with the top leadership of Liechtenstein on Wednesday to discuss the strengthening of economic ties and the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.

The visit marks the first time an Indian Cabinet Minister has visited the country, signalling a deepening of bilateral relations following the operationalisation of the landmark trade pact.

In a series of posts on X, Goyal emphasised that the partnership aims to boost investment flows, manufacturing growth, and job creation. During his meeting with Brigitte Haas, Prime Minister of Liechtenstein, Goyal focused on combining India's young talent with Liechtenstein's advanced industrial capabilities.

"We discussed strengthening economic and investment ties, with a focus on the India-EFTA TEPA to boost investment flows, manufacturing growth & job creation, resulting in mutual prosperity for both our nations. Also, exchanged views on cooperation in skill development, vocational training, and industry-academia linkages, combining India's young talent with Liechtenstein's advanced industrial capabilities," he said.

The Minister also met with Sabine Monauni, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss trade expansion and innovation.

"We discussed opportunities for trade expansion, innovation & clean tech, and explored ways to deepen our mutually beneficial ties, especially after the operationalisation of the India-EFTA TEPA. Emphasised that our unique partnership, where India brings talent, scale & demand, and Liechtenstein contributes high-value manufacturing & specialised engineering, offers significant scope to accelerate trade, investment, and technology flows," Goyal said on X.

During a courtesy call on H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, Goyal highlighted how the TEPA brings the two economies closer together. He noted that Liechtenstein's industrial capabilities complement the "Make in India" priorities and create opportunities for sustainable finance and green investments.

Goyal stated that this collaboration "will also generate opportunities for our skilled workforce through cooperation in sustainable finance, green investments, energy transition, and climate action."

"My visit, which is first by an Indian Cabinet Minister to this country, reflects how the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is bringing our two economies closer. I also handed over a letter from PM @NarendraModi ji inviting H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois to visit India to attend the India-AI Impact Summit being held in New Delhi in February 2026," the Minister said on X.

The India-EFTA TEPA, signed in March 2024 and entered into force on October 1, 2025, involves Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Goyal previously noted that the agreement brings capital and technology to India, aligning with the objective of building resilient global supply chains. The commerce ministry has indicated that the partnership strengthens links between the nations as trusted partners in investment and innovation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting to see India strengthening ties with European nations like this. The emphasis on clean tech and sustainable finance is crucial. If this brings green investment and technology for our energy transition, it's a win-win. 🤝
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Vikram M
Good step for 'Make in India'. We need more such partnerships that bring in specialized engineering and capital. My only concern is that these agreements should translate into real opportunities for our MSMEs and not just benefit large corporations. The proof will be in the implementation.
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Priya S
Finally, our skilled youth getting global recognition! Partnerships for skill development and industry-academia links are exactly what we need to bridge the gap between education and employment. Hope our engineering graduates get more such international exposure. 🇮🇳
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Rohit P
While expanding global ties is good, I hope the government is equally focused on strengthening our domestic manufacturing ecosystem. Attracting foreign investment is one part, but we also need to support our homegrown innovators and entrepreneurs.
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Michael C
The India-AI Impact Summit invitation is a strategic touch. Bringing global leaders to see India's tech ecosystem firsthand is how you build long-term partnerships. This seems like a well-thought-out diplomatic and economic outreach.

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