Piyush Goyal concludes historic visit to Norway, eyes deeper trade ties

First visit by an Indian Commerce Minister in over 25 years marks a turning point in bilateral economic cooperation

April 30, 2025

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held high-level talks with Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth, to advance bilateral trade under the India-EFTA TEPA framework

At the Norwegian Parliament, Goyal engaged with lawmakers on trade cooperation and shared values of democracy and people-first governance

The Minister co-chaired the Norway-India Business Executive Roundtable, focusing on expanding business engagement and fostering innovation-driven growth

During his interaction at Innovation Norway, he presented India as an attractive investment destination with improved business ease and technology leadership

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has wrapped up a landmark visit to Norway, the first by an Indian Commerce Minister in more than two decades. The visit aimed to usher in a new era of trust, trade, and technological collaboration between the two nations.

Goyal’s visit, described as “productive” in a social media post shared Thursday, involved a series of high-level engagements with Norwegian political and business leaders. “My engagements with the political and business leadership in the country give me immense confidence that our ties are set to enter a new phase of trust and growth,” he stated.

In a key bilateral meeting, Goyal held talks with Cecilie Myrseth, Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry. The discussions centred around the recently signed India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), with both sides exploring new avenues to deepen bilateral trade and investment.

The ministers also co-chaired the Norway-India Business Executive Roundtable. This flagship dialogue spotlighted innovation-led growth, expanded economic cooperation, and strategies for accelerating business engagement across emerging sectors.

Goyal was also received at the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget), where he met distinguished members to discuss shared democratic values and people-centric governance models. Reflecting on the visit, he said, “It was an honour to visit the Norwegian Parliament – Stortinget – and interact with some of the distinguished members. We exchanged views on our strong democratic traditions and commitment to development, rooted in people-centric governance.”

At the Innovation Norway centre, the Minister addressed members of the India-Norway business community, highlighting India’s strong fundamentals—from improved Ease of Doing Business and a favourable investment climate to its leadership in global talent and digital transformation.

He also spotlighted the investment potential created under TEPA, urging Norwegian companies to leverage India’s growing consumer market and its expanding role in global supply chains.

In a dedicated panel with leading Norwegian investors, Goyal pitched India’s International Financial Services Centre – GIFT City – as a strategic opportunity for global financial institutions. He emphasised India’s evolving capital markets and positioned GIFT City as a future-ready financial hub amid shifting global economic dynamics.

Source: Economic Times

Recent Articles

India and EU push to finalise trade deal by end of 2025

May 2, 2025

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, held a …

Read More

India’s factory output hits 10-month high as exports surge

May 2, 2025

India’s manufacturing sector grew at its fastest pace in 10 …

Read More

Trump’s second term reshapes US-India ties with moves on trade, defence, diplomacy

April 30, 2025

The first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term in …

Read More