New Delhi, March 29: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal engaged in discussions with ministers and ambassadors from African nations during the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference in Cameroon on Sunday. The focus was on strengthening trade and investment ties between India and Africa.
Following the meeting, Goyal shared on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “Meaningful dialogue took place with ministers and ambassadors from the African group during the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC-14). We had in-depth discussions on investments, particularly regarding the expansion of Indian investments in Africa.”
He further emphasized, “Our discussions reaffirmed the deep cultural and historical ties as well as trade relations. We also deliberated on enhancing trade between India and Africa and discussed the MC-14 agenda.”
During the WTO ministerial conference, Goyal met with Maroš Šefčovič, the European Union’s Trade and Economic Security Commissioner. They discussed priorities under the MC-14 agenda and reviewed the progress of the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2026 in New Delhi.
Goyal mentioned, “We also explored opportunities to deepen our bilateral economic and trade partnership.” He met with Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, where they discussed the MC-14 agenda and explored ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
In a constructive dialogue with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, they exchanged views on the MC-14 agenda and discussed strengthening bilateral trade relations and expanding the India-Mercosur PTA.
At the WTO meeting, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, India courageously stood alone on sensitive issues regarding the Investment Facilitation Development (IFD) agreement, refusing to agree to its inclusion as an Annex-4 agreement within the WTO framework.
Goyal stated, “Including the agreement risks undermining the operational boundaries of the WTO and its core principles.”
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