At an outreach program focused on strengthening trade ties with the United Kingdom, Ajay Bhadoo, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry urged Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to seek out new global markets and deepen their integration into international supply chains.

Titled 'Gateway to Growth: Harnessing Opportunities under India–UK CETA', the event brought together government officials, diplomats, and major Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) to discuss the transformative potential of the impending Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Anna Shotbolt, Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia, British High Commission, hailed the CETA as a milestone and advised Indian exporters to prioritize sustainability and quality compliance to successfully enter the UK’s premium market segments.

Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA, informed, the agri-food sector sees the CETA as a gateway to niche UK categories, including organic produce, ethnic foods, and ready-to-eat products, according to APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev.

The Gems & Jewelry sector is focused on positioning luxury Indian items in the UK retail landscape. Handicrafts and Carpets are expected to secure niche spaces in the premium UK market while Engineering Goods and Auto Components have strong potential, with success hinging on innovation and strict compliance, he added.

Shotbolt further opined, the Apparel and Textiles sector can boost exports significantly by aligning with ethical and sustainable sourcing standards, a growing requirement for UK buyers.

Ultimately, organizations like the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) urged exporters to look beyond traditional markets, embrace digital tools, and leverage the multi-sector opportunities that the CETA is expected to unlock.