New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday met Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo in Madrid and explored ways to deepen business ties between the two countries.

Kicking off official engagements in Spain during his three-nation visit, Goyal said: “We had productive discussions on strengthening the India-Spain economic partnership through greater trade, investment and technology collaboration, with a focus on renewable energy, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, infrastructure and innovation.”

“We also exchanged views on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and explored ways to deepen business ties and expand India’s commercial engagement with Spain as a valued partner,” he said in a post on X.

As India and the European Union work towards the early implementation of the India-EU FTA, Commerce Minister Goyal embarked on a three-nation visit on Monday with a high-level business delegation.

The visit to Spain, Belgium, and Finland from July 13-17 underscores India’s commitment to strengthening economic partnerships across Europe, with a focus on trade, investment, technology, innovation and sustainability, according to an official statement.

In Spain, Goyal was set to hold bilateral meetings with Cuerpo, Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu Boher, and Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno.

Goyal will also chair an India-Spain Business Roundtable with leading Spanish companies and industry associations to showcase India’s investment opportunities and encourage greater business-to-business partnerships.

In February this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez in New Delhi, and discussed ways to expand cooperation across trade, economy, health, digital technology, innovation and several other key sectors.

Key areas discussed include trade and economy, digital, innovation, health, climate action, and education, among others. PM Modi conveyed his appreciation for Spain’s consistent support for strong India-EU relations.

–IANS

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