Indian exporters have been urged to capitalise on the recently concluded India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to expand their footprint 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.
Chairing the event, DGFT Director General and Additional Secretary Ajay Bhadoo highlighted the strategic significance of CETA, emphasising 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, Department of Commerce, Saket Kumar, provided the strategic context of the negotiations, noting the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for Indian industry. Representatives from the UK government, including Deputy Trade Commissioner South Asia, Anna Shotbolt, and Minister (Economic) Nidhi Mani Tripathi, lauded the Agreement as a milestone in bilateral trade and urged exporters to meet UK sustainability and quality standards to capture premium segments.
The event featured sectoral perspectives from leading Export Promotion Councils. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted opportunities in agri and processed food, including ethnic, organic, and ready-to-eat products. FIEO DG Dr. Ajay Sahai called on exporters to leverage digital tools and explore multi-sector opportunities. ESC Chairman Veer Sagar and SEPC Director Swati Saraf noted prospects in IT, education, creative industries, and professional services.
Manufacturing and creative sectors were also represented, with GJEPC Vice Chairman Shaunak Parikh emphasizing gems and jewellery in luxury markets, EPCH Additional Executive Director Rajesh Rawat discussing handicrafts and carpets, EEPC Executive Director Adhip Mitra focusing on engineering goods and auto components, and AEPC GM Dr. Saurabh Kumar highlighting apparel and textiles.
Buyers’ perspectives were also shared, stressing supply chain transparency and timely delivery. UKIBC and HSBC highlighted the importance of resilient trade partnerships.
The programme concluded with an interactive Q&A and closing remarks from Additional DGFT Vrunda Manohar Desai, reaffirming DGFT’s commitment to supporting Indian exporters in effectively leveraging CETA.