New Delhi: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Regional Authority Delhi, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, recently conducted a high-profile outreach programme at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to help Indian exporters and MSMEs capitalise on the newly ratified India-UK CETA (India UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement).
Themed “Gateway to Growth: Harnessing Opportunities under India-UK CETA,” the event convened senior government officials, diplomats, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), trade associations, and industry stakeholders to explore how India-UK CETA can enhance India’s trade footprint in the UK.
Chairing the programme, DGFT Director General and Additional Secretary Ajay Bhadoo stressed the strategic significance of CETA, highlighting its tariff concessions, simplified market access, and opportunities for MSMEs to integrate more deeply with global value chains.
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Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, provided key insights into the negotiation process, reiterating the government’s focus on expanding export avenues for Indian businesses.
India-UK CETA: Milestone in Bilateral Trade Ties
Representing the UK government, Deputy Trade Commissioner Anna Shotbolt described CETA as a “milestone in bilateral trade ties” and encouraged Indian exporters to meet sustainability and quality standards to access premium segments in the UK market.
Minister (Economic), High Commission of India in London, Nidhi Mani Tripathi, shared emerging opportunities in sectors like food, textiles, and services, highlighting practical pathways for Indian businesses to scale in the UK.
Export Promotion Councils offered sector-focused perspectives. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev outlined the growing UK demand for Indian agri and processed foods, including organic and ready-to-eat products.
FIEO Director General Dr Ajay Sahai emphasised multi-sector export growth and digital engagement strategies. ESC Chairman Veer Sagar and SEPC Director Swati Saraf highlighted India’s IT, knowledge services, creative industries, and professional services potential in the UK market.
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Manufacturing and creative industries also received attention. Gems and jewellery, handicrafts, carpets, engineering goods, auto components, and apparel were identified as sectors with high growth potential under India-UK CETA. Leaders urged exporters to align with innovation, compliance, and sustainability standards to succeed in niche UK markets.
Buyers’ representatives, including the General Secretary of Buying Agents Association, UKIBC, and HSBC, stressed transparent supply chains and timely delivery as crucial for fostering trust and long-term business partnerships.
The programme concluded with a Q&A session and closing remarks from Additional DGFT Vrunda Manohar Desai, reaffirming DGFT’s support for Indian exporters in leveraging CETA effectively.
Assistant DGFT Hemant Kumar noted that the outreach marked a significant step in strengthening India–UK trade relations and positioning Indian exporters for future growth.
