On Monday, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union would begin on June 17 in Brussels, Belgium.

Goyal told the media that talks with the UK and Canada on such agreements are progressing, and efforts are being made to provide market access and opportunities for the country’s exporters.

“We also have free trade agreements with several countries. We have finalised such agreements with the UAE and Australia while negotiating such agreements with the UK and Canada. Formal negotiations on our free trade agreement with the EU will take place on June 17 in Brussels. Working hard to provide market access and new opportunities for our exporters and a better future for fishermen,” said Goyal. In early May, Goyal had said that India would be able to conclude a free trade agreement with the EU next year.