Union Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Jitin Prasada, participated in Day-1 proceedings of the G20 Trade & Investment Ministers’ Meeting (TIMM) in Gqeberha. The Minister attended an informal interaction on WTO issues and held bilateral meetings with counterparts from member countries.

In his bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry & Competition, South Africa, both sides discussed deepening trade and technology partnerships, value-chain linkages, and opportunities for investment. They agreed to advance workstreams on standards, MSME participation and skills.

In discussions with H.E. Mr. Yeo Han-Koo, Minister of Trade, Industry & Energy, Republic of Korea, the focus areas included collaboration in manufacturing, digital technologies and clean technologies. The two sides agreed to explore joint initiatives in electronics, EV components, and trusted digital supply chains.

During the meeting with the State Secretary for Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthen trade ties and foster inclusive growth through innovation, logistics efficiency and sustainable partnerships, including support mechanisms for MSMEs.

In the interaction with Mr. Koga Yuichiro, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan, the discussion covered strategic trade ties and innovation-led industrial cooperation with emphasis on resilient supply chains and advanced manufacturing.Shri Jitin Prasada also met H.E. Ms. Liz Lloyd CBE, UK Minister for Digital Economy, to advance India–UK trade and cooperation in the digital economy.

In the discussions on WTO, Minister Prasada underscored commitment to a rules-based, transparent and inclusive multilateral trading system anchored in MFN principle and non-discrimination. He called for restoration of a fully functional, two-tier dispute settlement system with an operational appellate body.

The Minister of State reiterated a development-centred reform agenda, affirming meaningful Special & Differential Treatment linked to capacity gaps and development needs. Highlighting India’s position as leader of the Global South, Shri Prasada emphasised the mandate for a permanent solution on Public Stockholding for food security, noting the importance of affordable access to food. India also highlighted policy space for development and adequate transition periods for developing members.

The G20 is the forum for international economic cooperation. It comprises 19 countries, the European Union and the African Union. G20 members account for around 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and roughly two-thirds of the world’s population. The African Union became a member of the G-20 during India’s Presidency of the group in 2023. The forum was established in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis and was elevated to Leaders’ level in 2009 to strengthen coordination on growth, stability and global challenges.

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Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Shabbir Azad