Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal holds bilateral meeting with EU Trade Commissioner Mr Maros Sefcovic on the sidelines of WTO MC-14 in Yaounde, Cameroon

**Executive Summary** On March 28–29, 2026, Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal met with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic during the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress toward signing the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and aligning on WTO reform agendas. Both parties committed to expediting the necessary administrative processes to finalize the FTA and enhance bilateral economic cooperation. **Key Points / Main Content** **WTO Reform and MC-14 Agenda** * Agreed on the necessity of comprehensive WTO reforms. * Emphasized that the WTO reform agenda must remain strictly member-driven. * Exchanged views on the moratorium of customs duties regarding electronic transmissions. * Discussed the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. **India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)** * Acknowledged the successful conclusion of India-EU FTA negotiations. * Commended the pragmatic approach taken by both sides to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. * Committed to completing the remaining technical and legal processes at the earliest to facilitate the official signing. * Highlighted that the FTA is designed to deliver tangible benefits to businesses and citizens in both regions. **Bilateral Cooperation** * Explored various options for further enhancing trade and economic ties between India and the EU. * Noted the preliminary bilateral engagement held between the Indian Commerce Secretary and the EU Director-General for Trade (DG-Trade). **Impact Analysis** **Government Officials and Negotiators** **Impact** Indian and EU trade departments are tasked with the transition from concluded negotiations to a finalized, signed treaty. **Action Required** Strive toward completing all necessary internal and technical processes required to facilitate the signing of the FTA at the earliest date. **Businesses and Citizens (India and EU)** **Impact** These groups are the intended beneficiaries of the trade concessions and economic cooperation outlined in the recently concluded FTA. **Action Required** Monitor the progress of the official signing to prepare for the realization of expected trade and economic benefits. **WTO Member Nations** **Impact** The joint stance of India and the EU on member-driven reforms and electronic transmission duties influences the broader MC-14 agenda. **Action Required** Participate in the reform process under the member-driven framework advocated by India and the EU.

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