India and Japan recently convened the seventh meeting of the Joint Committee under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Tokyo to assess the progress of their bilateral trade pact and identify ways to deepen economic collaboration. The high-level meeting brought together senior officials from both governments to evaluate how effectively the agreement has been implemented and to explore strategies that could further strengthen trade and investment ties between the two nations.
The discussions were jointly led by Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary in India’s Department of Commerce, and the Vice Minister for International Affairs from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Both sides reviewed the performance of the CEPA framework and discussed measures that could improve its practical benefits for businesses and industries operating in the two countries.
A major focus of the meeting was improving market access and addressing procedural challenges that may affect trade flows. Officials examined various ways to streamline trade processes, reduce barriers, and encourage businesses to make greater use of the CEPA agreement. Enhancing trade facilitation mechanisms was also highlighted as a priority to ensure smoother commercial exchanges between Indian and Japanese companies.
The dialogue further explored opportunities to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, technology, and investment. Participants emphasized that strengthening bilateral trade relations would require not only improved policy coordination but also greater participation from industries in both countries. Encouraging companies to fully utilize the provisions of the CEPA agreement was identified as a key step toward achieving this objective.
Officials also highlighted the growing strategic importance of the India–Japan economic partnership in the context of global economic changes. The two nations see strong potential for collaboration in areas such as resilient supply chains, advanced technologies, and innovation-driven industries. Strengthening these areas of cooperation could contribute significantly to economic stability and long-term growth for both countries.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Japan to expanding their economic engagement. By addressing trade barriers and improving operational aspects of the agreement, both governments aim to ensure that the CEPA framework continues to support stronger trade flows, higher investments, and deeper economic ties in the years ahead. Such regular consultations are expected to play an important role in maintaining momentum in the bilateral partnership and encouraging sustained business collaboration between the two economies.
