New Delhi [India], August 24 (ANI): Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on an official visit to Canada and USA from August 25 to September 2, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The mission aims at 'strengthening bilateral economic and financial partnerships, deepening investment linkages and advancing cooperation on shared global economic priorities,' the ministry stated.

During the first leg of her tour in Toronto, Canada, Sitharaman will take part in the inaugural Economic and Financial Dialogue alongside Canada's Minister of Finance and National Revenue, Francois-Philippe Champagne. The ministry noted that this forum will provide an avenue for both sides to discuss macroeconomic trends, financial sector ties, and mutual investment opportunities.

The Ministry of Finance said the bilateral dialogue will serve to 'exchange views on macroeconomic developments, financial sector cooperation, bilateral investment opportunities and shared international priorities, and to further strengthen the economic and financial pillar of the renewed India-Canada partnership.'

The ministry also added that recent bilateral discussions have emphasized 'opportunities in areas including energy, critical minerals, technology, innovation and resilient supply chains, alongside ongoing efforts towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).'

In Toronto, the Finance Minister will engage in an Investment Roundtable featuring executives from energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals sectors. She will also attend a Business Roundtable with senior leaders and top executives of Indian Public Sector Banks to explore financial sector avenues and opportunities in GIFT City-IFSC. Sitharaman will join a fireside conversation hosted by the Canadian Club of Toronto and the Canada-India Business Council, conduct one-to-one corporate meetings, and interact with the Indian diaspora.

The United States leg of the tour will span Chicago, Asheville, and New York from August 28 to September 2. In Chicago, the Minister will hold an investor roundtable, meet corporate leaders, visit the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, and meet local community members.

From August 31 to September 1, Sitharaman will lead the Indian delegation at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, held under the US Presidency of the G20.

'India's participation in the G20 Finance Track provides an important platform to contribute to discussions on global economic growth and stability, international financial cooperation and other issues of significance to emerging and advanced economies,' the Ministry added. 'An opportunity for India to advance its perspectives on contemporary global economic challenges and strengthen cooperation with G20 partners.'

The Minister will conclude her tour in New York with investor meetings and a bell-ringing ceremony at NASDAQ to examine developments in financial market platforms. (ANI)