Ahead of the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal launched a practical business utilisation manual in London aimed at helping companies in both countries understand and maximise the benefits of the landmark trade pact.
The ‘UK-India CETA Business Utilisation Manual – A Practical Activation Guide for Indian and UK Businesses’ was launched during an event organised by FICCI and supported by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC).
The manual, developed jointly by the UKIBC and HSBC India, provides a sector-wise roadmap by converting key provisions of the agreement into actionable insights for businesses.
According to the press release, the document is designed to act as a living guide, helping companies effectively utilise the opportunities created by CETA.
The launch comes ahead of the India-UK trade agreement coming into force on July 15, which is expected to improve market access, reduce trade barriers and strengthen economic engagement between the two countries.
The two-day programme in London brought together senior business leaders from India and the UK at a crucial stage in bilateral economic relations.
I am in London with one of India’s largest-ever business delegations to the UK, comprising over 160 pioneering companies, to translate a historic economic vision into meaningful action.
Addressing the Business Plenary Session today, I highlighted the strong momentum in India-UK… pic.twitter.com/8W3Cm7Gsas
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) June 26, 2026
Industry leaders highlight CETA potential
Dr. Kishore Jayaraman, Group CEO, UK India Business Council said that the UK–India CETA represents a defining moment in one of the world’s major economic partnerships.
He said the manual launched by the Commerce Minister is a first-of-its-kind business utilisation guide that transforms a complex trade agreement into a practical roadmap for companies operating across both markets.
“We at UKIBC are committed to ensuring that businesses across both countries are equipped not only to understand the agreement, but to fully leverage its potential,” according to Jayaraman.
HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave said the agreement provides greater certainty, improved market access and stronger commercial collaboration, while encouraging businesses to use the manual as a starting point for expanding cross-border trade and investment.
India-UK trade ties gain momentum
India and the UK have seen increasing trade engagement in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching around 47.9 billion pounds (roughly $56-60 billion) in the four quarters ending Q4 2025.
The figure reflects an increase of about 10 per cent over previous years, the release added.