New Delhi [India]: In a significant step to enhance economic engagement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, along with top EFTA dignitaries, will inaugurate the EFTA Desk at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Monday.
This initiative is part of Chapter 7 of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which was signed on March 10, 2024.
A Dedicated Platform for Trade & Investment
The India-EFTA Desk will serve as a one-stop facilitation centre, offering:
✔ Market insights
✔ Regulatory guidance
✔ Business matchmaking opportunities
✔ Support for navigating India’s investment policies
It is expected to significantly boost trade, investment, and business collaborations between India and EFTA nations—Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Key Dignitaries Attending the Event
The inauguration will witness the presence of top EFTA representatives, including:
- Helene Budliger Artieda – Swiss State Secretary
- Tomas Norvoll – State Secretary of Trade and Industry, Norway
- Martin Eyjolfsson – Permanent Secretary of State, Iceland
- Dominique Hasler – Minister of External Affairs, Education, and Sport, Liechtenstein
Additionally, senior officials from the EFTA Secretariat, including:
- Markus Schlagenhof – Deputy Secretary General
- David Sveinbhornsson – Senior Officer
Senior representatives from India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) will also address the gathering.
EFTA-India Business Roundtable to Follow
Following the inauguration, a high-level EFTA-India Business Roundtable will convene, bringing together over 100 leading businesses from both regions.
Discussions will focus on key sectors, including:
- Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
- Financial Services & Fintech
- Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
- Energy & Sustainability
- Seafood & Maritime
- Food Processing & Agritech
This roundtable will explore opportunities for joint ventures, investment partnerships, and technology collaborations under the TEPA framework.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relations
India’s trade relationship with EFTA nations has been growing steadily. With the establishment of the EFTA Desk, India aims to further streamline business processes, attract more investment, and strengthen economic partnerships with these European nations.