New Delhi: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Regional Authority Delhi, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, hosted an outreach programme on the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Titled “Gateway to Growth: Harnessing Opportunities under India–UK CETA,” the event convened senior officials, diplomats, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), industry leaders, and trade bodies to discuss the transformative impact of this landmark trade agreement on Indian exporters.
Strategic Significance of India–UK CETA
Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Director General of Foreign Trade & Additional Secretary, emphasized CETA’s role in broadening Indian exporters’ access to the UK market through tariff concessions and simplified regulatory mechanisms. This agreement unlocks duty-free access to nearly 99% of Indian exports to the UK, covering almost the entire trade basket. He highlighted especially the scope it offers to MSMEs to integrate with global value chains and expand their export footprints.
UK Perspective and Sectoral Opportunities
Ms. Anna Shotbolt, Deputy Trade Commissioner at the British High Commission, hailed the deal as historic in bilateral trade relations. She urged Indian exporters to align with sustainability and quality standards to capture premium segments in the UK market.
Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi from the High Commission of India in London shared insights on emerging UK market opportunities for Indian businesses, particularly in food, textiles, and services.
Sectoral Highlights from Export Promotion Councils
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Agriculture and Food Processing: Shri Abhishek Dev, APEDA Chairman, pointed to the increasing UK demand for Indian ethnic foods, organic products, and ready-to-eat categories.
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Multi-sector Expansion: Dr. Ajay Sahai, DG FIEO, encouraged exporters to explore new sectors and leverage digital tools for enhanced access to UK buyers.
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Information Technology and Services: Shri Veer Sagar (ESC) and Ms. Swati Saraf (SEPC) emphasized opportunities in IT, knowledge-based services, creative industries, education, and professional services facilitated by the Agreement.
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Manufacturing and Creative Goods: Leaders like Shri Shaunak Parikh (GJEPC), Shri Rajesh Rawat (EPCH), and Shri Adhip Mitra (EEPC) highlighted potential growth in gems & jewellery, handicrafts, carpets, engineering goods, and auto components, stressing innovation and regulation compliance.
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Textiles and Apparel: Dr. Saurabh Kumar (AEPC) noted how sustainability and ethical sourcing under CETA offer expansion avenues for Indian textiles.
Industry and Buyer Insights
Buyers’ representatives, including Ms. Anchal Kansal from the Buying Agents Association, underscored the importance of supply chain transparency and reliability in building trust with UK buyers. UKIBC and HSBC emphasized strengthening collaboration and resilient supply chains to boost India–UK trade.
Concluding Remarks and Outlook
The programme concluded with an interactive session and closing remarks by Additional DGFT, Smt. Vrunda Manohar Desai, reiterating DGFT’s commitment to empowering Indian exporters to effectively utilize CETA’s benefits. Assistant DGFT Shri Hemant Kumar described the event as a pivotal step to fortify India–UK trade relations and unlock vast market opportunities.
Conclusion
India–UK stands as a milestone in bilateral trade, offering Indian exporters, especially MSMEs, unprecedented duty-free market access and streamlined regulations. This agreement is expected to spur export growth, job creation, and deeper economic ties between both nations, fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
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Source: PIB
