New Delhi: India and Japan reviewed the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and discussed ways to deepen economic engagement at the 7th India–Japan CEPA Joint Committee Meeting held in Tokyo on March 2.
The meeting was co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Japan’s Senior Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, where both sides assessed progress under the trade pact and explored measures to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.
During the discussions, Agrawal called for a more diversified and balanced trade relationship between the two countries and highlighted the need to fully utilise the potential of CEPA to expand market access and economic cooperation.
He pointed to strong complementarities between the two economies—Japan’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, technology and capital, and India’s skilled workforce, expanding market and fast-growing economy.
The Commerce Secretary also highlighted opportunities to boost Indian exports to Japan across sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and services, while stressing the importance of ensuring long-term sustainability in bilateral trade.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Agrawal held discussions with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and interacted with Japanese industry leaders during a trade and investment roadshow organised by the Embassy of India in collaboration with industry bodies.
The engagement focused on promoting trade from India, facilitating greater Japanese investment, and strengthening collaboration in global value and supply chains under the CEPA framework.