GCCI organized Focused Discussion on the India-UK Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA)
GCCI jointly with Industries & Mines Department, Government of Gujarat and Directorate General of Foreign Trade organized “Focused Discussion on the India-UK Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA).”
Ahmedabad, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry joined hands with Industries & Mines Department, Government of Gujarat and Directorate General of Foreign Trade to organize “Focused Discussionon the India-UK Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA) on Tuesday, 29th July, 2025.
Shri Balvantsinhji Rajput, Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Civil Aviation, Rural Development, Labour & Employment, Government of Gujarat graced the occasion. The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Ms. Mamta Verma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries & Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, Shri Rahul Singh, Joint Director, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Shri Swaroop P, IAS, Industries Commissioner, Government of Gujarat and Shri K C Sampat, IAS, Managing Director, INDEXTB, Government of Gujarat.
Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Civil Aviation, Rural Development, Labour & Employment, Government of Gujarat, Shri Balvantsinhji Rajput gave details about Gujarat’s Development model. He took proud note of the fact that India has emerged as the fourth world power through determined strategic steps taken by the leadership. He added that CETA will further add momentum towards becoming the third biggest world power. He mentioned about Gujarat’s record of Textile export to UK which will now gain further momentum. He also remarked about the MOU for Foodpark and remarked about Government’s steps to reduce logistic costs. He mentioned that the industries like Plastics, Textiles, Chemicals etc. will gain a lot through this agreement.
Welcoming the participants, GCCI President Shri Sandeep Engineer remarked that CETA was a significant milestone in India’s engagement with the UK and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening economic integration. He made a special mention of India managing to secure unprecedented duty-free access for 99% of India’s exports to the UK, covering nearly 100% of the trade value and added that this will open new opportunities for various industries such as textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, sports goods, toys, and gems and jewellry, alongside fast-growing sectors like engineering goods, auto components, and organic chemicals.
In her address Ms. Mamta Verma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat remarked that CETA has been a moment of great pride for our nation. It is a historic & strategic agreement and towards the vision “Viksit Bharat 2047” this is an important step forward. She remarked that there are some sectors which shall now attract zero duty in their exports to UK. She further added that this agreement will be of huge advantage to Gujarat State in its mission to increase export multifold.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Swaroop P, IAS, Industries Commissioner, Government of Gujarat gave details of the products with duty free access for India which contributes about 86% to UK’s imports. He emphasized the fact that India and Gujarat are one of the leading exporters of such products where Gujarat leads with prominence in the sectors like Mineral Fuel & Oils, Paper Products, Electrical Machinery & Equipment, Pharmaceuticals, Gems & Jewelry, Ceramics and Nuclear Reactors, Boilers & Machinery. He explained in details how CETA will help generate Trade Surplus over the coming years. He mentioned that UK has always been our trading partner of choice. He also provided details of the sectors like RMG, Home Textiles, Carpets and Handicrafts that are poised for exponential growth.
Shri Rahul Singh, Joint Director, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ahmedabad called this to be the most comprehensive Free Trade Agreement negotiated by India. He particularly emphasized the fact that it will give huge boost to India’s exports with the duty elimination of 99% tariff lines covering nearly 100% of Trade value. He remarked that over the past three financial years, India’s trade with the UK has shown an overall positive trajectory in exports indicating a shift towards more favourable trade balance for India.
The entire CETA was further elaborated upon through the open forum discussion. The event concluded after the vote of thanks proposed by GCCI International Trade Committee Chairman Shri Anil Jain.
