New Delhi: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a series of high-level meetings in Brussels with senior European Commission officials and European industry representatives to discuss ways to strengthen the economic and strategic partnership between India and the European Union (EU).
Agrawal met Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE); Koen Doens, Director-General of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA); and Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD).
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Trade and Economic Cooperation
During his meeting with Jørgensen, discussions focused on facilitating two-way trade, improving market access, strengthening supply chains and creating new business opportunities. Both sides reiterated their commitment to a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement and agreed to continue engagement on outstanding procedural and implementation-related issues.
In his meeting with Doens, Agrawal discussed strengthening India-EU development cooperation, with particular attention to sustainable development, clean energy and green technologies.
The meeting with Thomas focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation and preparations for implementing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both sides highlighted the importance of transparent, efficient and digitally enabled customs procedures to reduce transaction costs and facilitate the movement of legitimate trade.
Engagement with Diamond Industry
Agrawal also met representatives of the diamond industry, including stakeholders associated with Antwerp's diamond ecosystem. Discussions covered the global diamond value chain, certification and traceability requirements, responsible sourcing and opportunities in India's expanding diamond market and manufacturing sector.
India and Belgium have identified gems and jewellery as an important area for deeper cooperation, with Antwerp, Mumbai and Surat serving as major diamond centres.
BusinessEurope Roundtable
The Commerce Secretary also participated in a BusinessEurope roundtable with European industry representatives. The discussions covered trade and investment opportunities, market access, supply chain resilience and cooperation under the proposed India-EU FTA.
Agrawal highlighted India's economic growth, ongoing reforms and investment opportunities across key sectors. He invited European businesses to expand their engagement with India and become part of its growing value chains.
The meetings covered a broad range of areas, reflecting the expanding scope of India-EU cooperation in trade, investment, development, taxation and customs.
