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Goyal Urges Liechtenstein Firms to Seize $100 Billion India-EFTA Deal

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a business roundtable in Liechtenstein, urging firms to utilize opportunities under the new $100 billion India-EFTA trade pact. He emphasized the agreement as a framework for investment, technology collaboration, and building resilient supply chains. The minister also visited Hilti Group headquarters, discussing localisation and scaling exports from India. Concurrently, Indian negotiators in Brussels are pushing for a decisive conclusion to the broader India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Key Points: India's $100B EFTA Deal: Goyal Courts Liechtenstein Investment

  • $100B EFTA investment over 15 years
  • Aims to create 1 million jobs in India
  • Focus on tech, clean energy, and manufacturing
  • Part of broader India-EU FTA push
  • Seeks market access for Indian textiles & gems
2 min read

Piyush Goyal urges Liechtenstein firms to use $100 bn India-EFTA deal opportunity

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urges Liechtenstein businesses to leverage the $100 billion India-EFTA trade pact for investment and job creation.

"the India-EFTA TEPA is not just a trade agreement, but a framework to promote investment, technology collaboration... - Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, Jan 8

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal have held a business roundtable with entrepreneurs of Liechtenstein firms asking them to explore opportunities offered by the $100 billion commitment to invest in India by European Free Trade Association nations.

Goyal highlighted that "the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is not just a trade agreement, but a framework to promote investment, technology collaboration, skill development, and resilient value chains," his X post said.

The minister said opportunities span across segments from precision engineering, clean energy, smart infrastructure, advanced materials, digital manufacturing and financial services.

He urged Liechtenstein businesses to consider India as a long‑term base for their ambitions, citing the $100 billion investment commitment by EFTA nations.

Under the agreement, the European bloc has committed an investment of $100 billion over a period of 15 years which would facilitate the creation of one million direct jobs in India.

In another X post he informed on visiting Hilti Group headquarters in Liechtenstein and meeting its CEO, Jahangir Doongaji.

"With the group's presence in India's construction sector for over 25 years, discussions focused on advancing localisation, increasing value addition, and scaling global shipments from India, aligned with our manufacturing and export growth objectives," he said in the post.

The minister also discussed technology collaboration for safer, smarter infrastructure supported by expanding investments, rapid innovation, and strong domestic capacity building.

Goyal had earlier held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Liechtenstein Sabine Monauni on expanding trade, innovation and clean‑tech cooperation. The India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) officially became operational in October 2025, with the four-nation bloc comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Goyal two-day trade talks in Brussels aimed at a decisive push toward concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The Indian delegation aimed at zero-duty access for its labour-intensive sectors - such as textiles, leather, apparel, gems and jewellery, and handicrafts, an official statement said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see ministers actively promoting India as an investment destination. The emphasis on technology collaboration and skill development is the right approach. Let's hope this deal brings in high-quality manufacturing and not just assembly units.
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Rohit P
While the numbers sound impressive, I hope there is strong monitoring of where this investment actually flows. We've seen big promises before. The key is ensuring it benefits MSMEs and creates sustainable jobs, not just headlines.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the renewable sector, the mention of clean energy collaboration is exciting. If this brings advanced tech and R&D to India, it could be a game-changer for our energy security and climate goals.
K
Karthik V
The link to the India-EU FTA talks is crucial. Getting zero-duty access for our textiles and handicrafts in the EU market would be a massive win for lakhs of artisans and workers. This EFTA deal seems like a strategic stepping stone. Fingers crossed! 🤞
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the focus on Liechtenstein, a small but highly advanced economy. Partnering with such niche, high-tech nations could give India an edge in precision engineering and digital manufacturing. Smart diplomacy.

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