The first cargo shipment to the United Kingdom under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was flagged off from the cargo terminal at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar on Tuesday, marking the operational rollout of the landmark trade pact.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by officials from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), cargo department representatives and exporters.
During the event, officials demonstrated the complete cargo handling process, including packing, scanning and transportation of cargo containers before the shipment was ceremonially flagged off for the UK.
Speaking on the occasion, Aditya Singh Chauhan, Deputy Director of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), said the agreement would provide a major boost to Indian exports.
“Under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, nearly 99 per cent of Indian products will now enjoy zero-duty access to the UK market,” Chauhan said.
He noted that ready-made garments previously attracted import duties ranging between 12 per cent and 20 per cent, reducing the competitiveness of Indian products. With the elimination of these tariffs, Indian exporters are expected to gain a significant competitive advantage, leading to higher exports and expanded business opportunities.
Azad Singh, In-charge of Amritsar Cargo, said the first consignment exported under the agreement comprises ready-made garments.
“Although exports from Amritsar to the UK were already taking place, the zero-tariff agreement is expected to encourage many more exporters to enter the international market,” he said.
He added that Amritsar Cargo regularly exports ready-made garments, sports goods, engineering products and perishable agricultural produce, including Alphonso and Kesar mangoes, baby corn, green chillies and other vegetables.
Expressing confidence in the agreement’s potential, Singh said the India-UK FTA would create new opportunities for exporters from Punjab while further strengthening trade ties between India and the United Kingdom.
-ANI
