Unprecedented Opportunities for Indian Exporters in the United Kingdom: Vrinda Desai

Udaipur, “India is making consistent efforts to provide alternative global markets for its exporters. Under the recently concluded trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom, Indian exporters will now be able to export their products to the UK at zero-duty tariff,” informed Ms. Vrinda Manohar Desai, IRS, Additional DGFT, while addressing exporters.

A seminar on India–UK Economic and Trade Agreement was organized jointly by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (UCCI), and the Kaldwas Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) to promote exports and provide first-hand information to exporters.

Purpose of the Programme

The objective of the seminar was to brief exporters from Rajasthan about the key features of the India–UK Trade Agreement, central and state charter schemes, and export promotion initiatives.

Address by FIEO

The event formally commenced with introductory remarks by Mr. Bhupinder Singh of FIEO.
FIEO (Northern Region) Chairman Mr. Arvind Goenka, in his welcome address, highlighted Rajasthan’s contribution to India’s exports. Gems & jewellery, handicrafts, marble & decorative stones, textiles, engineering goods and chemicals are among the state’s major export products.
He stated that the India–UK Trade Agreement will help reduce India’s trade deficit and emphasized that the real benefit of any foreign trade agreement is achieved only when its impact reaches industry and entrepreneurs.
He also mentioned the Export Promotion Mission proposed by the Union Cabinet and outlined FIEO’s role in export development.

Address by UCCI

UCCI President Mr. Manish Galundia, referring to his recent meeting with Union Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal in Delhi, informed that the Government has approved a ₹20,000 crore relief fund for traders in view of the US–India trade war. He further stated that the Jan Vishwas Bill–3 is expected to be implemented soon, giving traders significant relief from complex and unnecessary legal compliances.
Under the “Ease of Doing Business” initiative, the Government has done away with 396 obsolete laws. He reiterated that UCCI is focused on the economic growth of South Rajasthan and aims to contribute effectively to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

He said that sectors such as marble, minerals, handicrafts, engineering goods, agro-products, textiles and chemicals from South Rajasthan currently enjoy rising global demand. The proposed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will accelerate this growth by reducing tariffs, improving market access, promoting mutual recognition of standards and enabling MSMEs to enter high-value markets.

UCCI is committed to establishing Udaipur as an emerging export hub. Initiatives include setting up Export Facilitation Cells, conducting regular workshops with DGFT and DIC, assisting first-time exporters, building skills in documentation, packaging and compliance, and strengthening global market linkages for industries.
He suggested that DGFT further simplify compliance procedures for MSMEs, provide incentives for product diversification, packaging and branding, and introduce special export schemes for rural and tribal products from Mewar.

Address by KCCI

KCCI President Mr. Girish Sharma called for enhanced incentives to boost exports of regional products such as marble, handicrafts, engineering goods, chemicals and textiles.

Special Address by Chief Guest

Introducing the chief guest, FIEO’s Mr. Bhupinder Singh gave a brief profile.
In her keynote address, Ms. Vrinda Manohar Desai (IRS), Additional DGFT, highlighted Rajasthan’s export profile and said that foreign trade plays a vital role in economic development.
She noted that Rajasthan’s contribution to India’s GDP has increased from 15% to 46%. The India–UK Trade Agreement is expected to come into effect within 3–4 months after approval by both houses of the Indian Parliament.

Under the agreement, export duty on processed food products will be reduced from 70% to zero. She added that while other countries pay up to 16% duty on honey exported to the UK, India enjoys zero duty for honey exports.
She also mentioned the ₹25,060 crore budget allocated for export promotion for the next six years (2025–26 onward) and gave a detailed presentation on Central Government schemes like Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha.

Technical Presentations

FIEO DDG Mr. Ashish Jain provided an in-depth presentation on the key provisions of the UK–India Trade Agreement, its anticipated impact on trade and services, and emerging opportunities for businesses.
DIC General Manager Mr. Shailendra Sharma emphasized the importance of using “Made in India” products and briefed participants about Rajasthan Government’s export promotion schemes, urging entrepreneurs to benefit from them.

Interactive Session

During the interactive Q&A session, representatives from FIEO and DGFT addressed the queries of exporters in detail.

Vote of Thanks

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Bhupinder Singh.