SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
On 26 September 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Delhi Regional Authority organised an outreach programme titled “Gateway to Growth: Harnessing Opportunities under India–UK CETA”. The event convened government officials, diplomats, Export Promotion Councils, and industry stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and compliance requirements of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Speakers described the CETA as a milestone in bilateral trade relations, expected to boost market access for Indian goods and services, while also requiring industry to adapt to new regulatory and quality standards. The DGFT emphasised capacity building for exporters, including awareness on tariff lines, certification norms, and dispute resolution under the pact. The outreach highlighted potential benefits for MSMEs, labour-intensive sectors, and services exporters, alongside risks such as higher competition, stricter sustainability standards, and the need for compliance readiness.
What is DGFT? → The Directorate General of Foreign Trade is an attached office of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, responsible for implementing India’s foreign trade policy, export promotion schemes, and trade facilitation measures.
For India, the CETA with the UK offers opportunities in textiles, engineering goods, pharma, IT services, and startups, but success depends on export readiness, supply chain integration, and compliance with non-tariff measures. Outreach programmes like this bridge the gap between policy and industry, ensuring that exporters—especially MSMEs—can effectively utilise new market access.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India ensure that MSMEs and smaller exporters fully benefit from the India–UK CETA while remaining compliant with stricter quality and sustainability standards?
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