Paris, June 1, 2025 – Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, has embarked on a three-day official visit to France from June 1–3, 2025, marking the start of a strategic trip to France and Italy. His visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its economic relations with Europe and enhancing its global trade influence.
Strengthening Indo-French Economic Partnership
In France, Shri Goyal will hold high-level bilateral meetings with key French ministers including the Minister of Economy, Mr. Eric Lombard, and the Trade Minister, Mr. Laurent Saint-Martin. These meetings aim to deepen the Indo-French economic partnership, with a focus on expanding trade and investment ties.
A series of engagements with major French companies such as Vicat, Total Energies, L’Oréal, Renault, Valeo, EDF, and ATR are scheduled. These discussions are expected to explore new avenues for cooperation in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, automotive, and consumer goods.
Additionally, the India-France Business Round Table and the India-France CEO Forum will be held during the visit. These forums will facilitate dialogue between leading industry stakeholders from both countries, providing opportunities to advance strategic business initiatives and partnerships.
Global Trade at the Forefront
While in France, Shri Goyal will also participate in an informal gathering of World Trade Organization (WTO) ministers. This event will take place on the sidelines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting.
At this global forum, the Minister will represent India’s stance on crucial multilateral trade issues, sharing the country’s priorities and perspectives in a fast-evolving global trade environment.
Expanding International Partnerships
Apart from engagements in France, Shri Goyal will meet several top trade and economic leaders from across the world. These include:
- Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade
- Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore
- Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kasabi, Minister of Commerce, Saudi Arabia
- Nir Barkat, Israel’s Minister for Trade and Investment
- Dr. Jumoke Oduwole OON, Nigeria’s Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment
- Mauro Vieira, Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
These meetings aim to foster strategic cooperation and build long-term economic partnerships. A key focus will be aligning mutual trade interests and pushing forward ongoing negotiations, especially the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Engagement with the European Union
Reinforcing India’s outreach to regional blocs, Shri Goyal is also scheduled to meet key European Union officials:
- Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security
- Christophe Hansen, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food
These meetings are expected to strengthen India-EU cooperation in trade, agriculture, and food security, and support India’s broader engagement with the EU as a strategic trade partner.
Next Stop: Italy
After completing his engagements in France, Shri Goyal will travel to Italy on the next leg of his visit. Details of the Italy visit are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and exploring business opportunities with Italian industries.
This visit marks a significant step in India’s proactive foreign trade strategy, aimed at expanding its global economic footprint and attracting investments from key global markets.