Indian exporters urged to leverage India-UK trade agreement for growth

Indian exporters have been urged to capitalise on the recently concluded India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to expand their presence in the UK market. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Regional Authority Delhi, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, hosted an outreach programme titled “Gateway to Growth: Harnessing Opportunities under India-UK CETA” at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi,on Monday.Chairing the event, DGFT Director General and Additional Secretary Ajay Bhadoo highlighted the strategic importance of CETA, emphasizing tariff concessions, simplified market access, and enhanced opportunities for Indian MSMEs to integrate with global value chains. He encouraged exporters to explore new markets and diversify their offerings under the Agreement.Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Saket Kumar, outlined the strategic context of the negotiations, noting the government’s commitment to creating new avenues for Indian industry. From the UK side, Deputy Trade Commissioner South Asia Anna Shotbolt and Minister (Economic) Nidhi Mani Tripathi lauded the Agreement as a milestone in bilateral trade. They urged Indian exporters to adhere to UK sustainability and quality standards to capture premium market segments.
The programme also featured sectoral insights from leading Export Promotion Councils. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted opportunities in agri and processed foods, including ethnic, organic, and ready-to-eat products. FIEO DG Dr. Ajay Sahai encouraged exporters to leverage digital tools and explore multi-sector opportunities. ESC Chairman Veer Sagar and SEPC Director Swati Saraf discussed prospects in IT, education, creative industries, and professional services.Manufacturing and creative sectors were represented by GJEPC Vice Chairman Shaunak Parikh, EPCH Additional Executive Director Rajesh Rawat, EEPC Executive Director Adhip Mitra, and AEPC GM Dr. Saurabh Kumar, who highlighted opportunities in gems and jewellery, handicrafts, carpets, engineering goods, auto components, apparel, and textiles.Buyers’ perspectives emphasized supply chain transparency and timely delivery, with UKIBC and HSBC underlining the importance of resilient trade partnerships.The programme concluded with an interactive Q&A session and closing remarks from Additional DGFT Vrunda Manohar Desai, reaffirming the DGFT’s commitment to supporting Indian exporters in effectively leveraging the India-UK CETA.

(Business Correspondent)