Statement in Support of Strengthened Trade between Canada and India

The Canadian Pulse and Special Crops Trade Association (CPSC), Pulse Canada, and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), have concluded productive meetings, including a tour of the western Canadian pulse industry.

The three organizations have a profound appreciation for the strength of the existing relationship between India and Canada, and the potential for closer cooperation in the future. With Canada being the largest exporter of pulses in the world, and India being the largest producer and consumer, continued collaboration between Canada and India on matters impacting the production, consumption, and trade in pulses will be paramount to strengthening the relationship and ensuring the long-term availability and affordability of pulses to provide nutritional security.

Canada and India have enjoyed a longstanding and mutually beneficial bilateral trade relationship, supported by strong diaspora and cultural ties. In this ongoing collaborative spirit, the CPSC, Pulse Canada and NAFED are supportive of the Governments of Canada and India’s ongoing free-trade negotiations and stated objectives of signing an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) as a transitional step towards a broader India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). As noted in the March 11, 2022 Joint Statement issued at conclusion of the 5th India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade & Investment, CPSC, Pulse Canada, and NAFED agree with Canada and India’s mutual resolve to further strengthen the bilateral ties and economic partnership between our two countries.

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Original signed by:

Murad Al-Katib
President
Canadian Pulse & Special Crops Trade Association

Dr. Bijender Singh
Chairman
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India

Kevin Auch
Chair
Pulse Canada