Goyal to lead US trade talks

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead a team of senior Indian officials to Washington starting May 17 for discussions with their US counterparts on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), an official said Tuesday.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

During the visit, Goyal will hold meetings with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on the agreement.

The four-day talks (May 17-20) come against the backdrop of both countries exploring the possibility of an interim trade arrangement in goods to secure "early mutual wins" ahead of finalising the first phase of the trade agreement by fall (September-October) this year.

The chief negotiators of both countries will hold meetings from May 19-22 to discuss main issues that will figure in the negotiations include market access, rules of origin, and non-tariff barriers.