Canada optimistic on India trade deal by year-end

MUMBAI, Sept 19: Canada is optimistic about concluding negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with India by year-end, the country's minister for international trade said on Saturday.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously said during a trip to New Delhi in March that the two countries would aim to agree a free trade pact by the end of the year.

"I'm feeling very, very optimistic and energetic that we can get it done in the coming months," Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu told Reuters in an interview during a visit to India's financial capital Mumbai.

Indian trade negotiators are expected to be in Canada next month and leaders from the two countries are likely to meet on the sidelines of the G-20 gathering in December, Sidhu said.�" REUTERS