Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will attend the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, today and tomorrow. The meeting is being held at the invitation of the United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer.
During his visit to the United States, Mr Goyal will also hold discussions with his US counterpart on advancing negotiations for the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. The Commerce Ministry said the talks will focus on finalising an interim deal in line with the Joint Statement issued on the 7th of February this year.
Mr Goyal is on a US visit from September 29th to October 5th. At the G20 meeting, India is expected to engage with member countries on strengthening a rules-based, open, inclusive and transparent multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core. The minister will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines of the G20 meet.
During his visit to Milwaukee and Chicago, Goyal is scheduled to meet chief executives of leading American companies from sectors including manufacturing, consumer goods, agri-business, retail and technology. He will also participate in discussions with businesses, startups and innovative companies.
The Commerce Ministry said Goyal will highlight opportunities in India as a manufacturing and investment destination and invite American companies to deepen their partnerships with Indian enterprises.
The visit comes amid ongoing trade discussions between India and the United States and is expected to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.
The United States holds the G20 presidency this year. US President Donald Trump is scheduled to host the G20 Summit on December 14th and 15th in Doral, Florida.
Mr Goyal’s visit also assumes significance following President Trump’s signing of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on September 18th. The legislation authorises the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, including India and China.
