Udaipur: Indian exporters, particularly from Rajasthan, are poised to gain significant competitive advantages in the United Kingdom marketplace under the upcoming India–UK Trade Agreement, senior DGFT official Vrinda Manohar Desai, IRS, said on Saturday. She emphasized that the deal will allow Indian industries to export goods to the UK at zero tariff, creating unprecedented business opportunities.
Desai was speaking at a seminar jointly organized by the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (UCCI) and the Kaldaawas Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI). The session aimed to provide exporters with clarity on key provisions of the new trade agreement and central state export support schemes.
Growth Potential for Rajasthan Exporters
In his opening remarks, Bhupinder Singh from FIEO introduced the objectives of the seminar and welcomed participants.
Arvind Goenka, Regional Chairman of FIEO (North Zone), highlighted Rajasthan’s growing contribution to India’s export basket with sectors such as:
- Gems and jewellery
- Handicrafts and decorative stones
- Marble and minerals
- Textiles
- Engineering items
- Chemical products
Goenka said reduced trade barriers with the UK would not only strengthen India’s market presence but also help bridge the bilateral trade gap. He encouraged industrialists to fully leverage government led trade agreements.
Policy Measures Supporting Exporters
UCCI President Manish Galundia shared updates from recent discussions with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on reforms intended to support exporters. These include:
- A ₹20,000 crore relief package following US India trade disruptions
- Jan Vishwas Bill 3 aimed at reducing compliance complexities
- Repeal of 396 outdated laws to improve business efficiency
Galundia said UCCI remains committed to helping South Rajasthan become a key driver in India’s target of achieving developed nation status by 2047.
Speaking about the export potential of the region, he said local products like agriculture produce, handicrafts, minerals and chemicals are well positioned to gain stronger market access under the agreement. He termed the pact a “game changer” for regional exporters.
Zero Duty Advantage on Key Products
Chief Guest Vrinda Desai stressed the importance of foreign trade in India’s economic growth. She said Rajasthan’s GDP contribution to national exports has significantly improved in recent years, reflecting industrial expansion.
She informed that the India–UK agreement is expected to be rolled out within three to four months, following UK Parliamentary approval.
Key takeaways shared by Desai included:
- Export duty on processed food items to be reduced from 70% to zero
- India to continue zero duty access on honey exports to the UK, unlike competitors facing a 16% tariff
- ₹25,060 crore allocated toward export facilitation between 2025–2031
Desai encouraged industries to explore new product lines suited for premium consumer markets in the UK.
Export Assistance Explained
DGFT Deputy Director General Ashish Jain detailed the policy framework and tariff benefits through a presentation, also addressing queries on documentation and compliance.
Shailendra Sharma, GM of the District Industries Center, encouraged youth to adopt indigenous brands and utilize government backed incentive schemes.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Bhupinder Singh, appreciating the participation of exporters, key officials and business leaders.
Officials and stakeholders agreed that strengthening global partnerships such as the India–UK pact will significantly enhance Rajasthan’s presence in international trade.
