DGFT Urges Exporters to Tap Opportunities Under India–UK CETA

New Delhi, September 30: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on Monday hosted an outreach programme in New Delhi to familiarise exporters with the opportunities created by the recently concluded India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Held at Bharat Mandapam under the theme “Gateway to Growth: Harnessing Opportunities under India–UK CETA”, the event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, industry associations, and Export Promotion Councils (EPCs).

Chairing the programme, DGFT and Additional Secretary Ajay Bhadoo underlined the Agreement’s role in opening new markets for Indian goods and services through tariff concessions and simplified access. He urged MSMEs to leverage the framework to integrate more deeply into global value chains.

Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Saket Kumar, provided context on the negotiations, while UK Deputy Trade Commissioner Anna Shotbolt described the pact as a “milestone in bilateral trade ties” and called on Indian businesses to align with sustainability and quality standards to capture premium segments of the UK market.

Industry voices also highlighted sector-specific opportunities. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev pointed to rising demand for Indian agri-products and niche foods in the UK, while FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai urged exporters to diversify beyond traditional markets and adopt digital tools. Leaders from the gems and jewellery, textiles, handicrafts, engineering, and IT sectors also stressed innovation, sustainability, and compliance as key to success under the new trade framework.

The dialogue included perspectives from UK buyers and business councils, with emphasis on transparency and supply chain resilience. Concluding the event, Additional DGFT Vrunda Manohar Desai assured exporters of continued government support in maximising gains from CETA.