Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday launched the “UK-India CETA Business Utilisation Manual – A Practical Activation Guide for Indian and UK Businesses” in London ahead of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) coming into force on July 15.
The manual, developed by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) in collaboration with HSBC India, is intended to help businesses understand and utilise the opportunities arising from the trade pact. It was unveiled at an event organised by FICCI and supported by UKIBC, bringing together senior business leaders from both countries.
According to a press release, India and the UK have consistently emphasised the importance of strengthening their partnership through trade, innovation and advanced technologies. It highlighted recent high-level engagements, including discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Starmer’s visit to India in 2025, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy’s visit to India two years ago, and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle’s recent visit.
The release said bilateral trade between India and the UK touched around £47.9 billion (about USD 56-60 billion) in the four quarters ending Q4 2025, reflecting a 10 per cent increase over previous years.
Commenting on the launch, Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India, said, “Our extensive presence across both markets, combined with deep experience in international banking, trade finance and investment, positions us uniquely to help clients navigate this changing landscape and manage cross-border complexity. The CETA provides a framework for greater certainty, improved market access, and stronger commercial collaboration. I encourage you to explore this guide and use it as a starting point for action.”
Kishore Jayaraman, Group CEO of the UK India Business Council, said, “The UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement marks a defining moment in one of the world’s most consequential economic partnerships. The manual launched by the Commerce Minister is a first-of-its-kind business utilisation guide. It translates a complex trade agreement into a practical roadmap for businesses operating across both markets. We at UKIBC are committed to ensuring that businesses across both countries are equipped not only to understand the agreement, but to fully leverage its potential.”
UKIBC said it is a not-for-profit policy advocacy and strategic consulting organisation that supports businesses and universities seeking to explore, enter and expand in the India-UK market.
(ANI)
