Emerging trade opportunities between the United Kingdom and India after the signing in July of the Comprehensive Economic & Free Trade Agreement were explored at a high-level interaction today, organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). The initiative was part of the Niryat Bandhu scheme to promote exports from India.
Aimed at mentoring new and aspiring exporters, the session featured His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia,
Harjinder Kang, formerly the UK’s chief negotiator for the UK–India Free Trade Agreement. “The trade relations between India and the UK are extremely positive right now. Our trade has already gone up because of the confidence in the trade deal. And I think it’ll only get stronger,” he said..
Dr. Andrew Fleming, Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata, and senior members of the UK Trade Policy Team attended. “After months of negotiations, the trade agreement has been signed. It’s a turning point for businesses on both sides. The UK already
imports so much, but we estimate an increase of £9.9 billion. What truly distinguishes the UK is that customers are conscious about where their products come from. They are open to exploring new brands. Each is a potential customer for you because the agreement has liberalised itself by 99 per cent,” Dr Fleming pointed out.
Delivering a special address, Bipin Menon, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, presented key considerations for exporters, including compliance essentials, policy updates, and practical pathways for MSMEs and first-generation exporters under Niryat Bandhu.
The session was organised under the leadership of Abhishek Poddar, FIEO Eastern Region chairman, who played a pivotal role in connecting key stakeholders – from senior UK trade officials to DGFT leadership and regional exporters –
ensuring that Eastern India’s exporters had direct access to timely insights and policy expertise.