Punjab Industries Set to Gain from India’s Modern FTAs with UK and Europe: Dr. Senu Duggal
FICCI to undertake a study on Accelerating Exports from Punjab while leveraging the FTAs
Ludhiana, June 12: Punjab’s export-oriented industries are poised to benefit significantly from India’s recently concluded and proposed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the United Kingdom, European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA), industry leaders and policymakers said at a conference organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) in Ludhiana. The conference focused on leveraging India’s modern trade agreements to unlock export opportunities and strengthen Punjab’s position as a leading export-driven economy.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Senu Duggal IAS, MD, Punjab Financial Corporation said the state has always been among India’s most entrepreneurial and export-oriented regions. She highlighted Punjab’s strengths in sectors such as sports goods, bicycles, hand tools, engineering products, textiles, agri-food products and pharmaceuticals, adding that the state’s skilled workforce and strong MSME ecosystem make it well-positioned to capitalize on new trade opportunities.
The conference was also addressed by Amandeep Grewal Deputy Head of Mission British Deputy Commission in Chandigarh who described the UK-India Free Trade Agreement as a landmark achievement that will significantly deepen economic cooperation and unlock new trade and investment opportunities for both countries. He said the agreement reflects the shared commitment of India and the United Kingdom to build a modern, forward-looking economic partnership focused on growth, innovation, and long-term collaboration. He emphasized that the UK’s decision to liberalize 99 percent of tariff lines for Indian products would provide major opportunities for exporters from sectors including textiles, leather, footwear, food processing, engineering goods, and advanced manufacturing. He also stated that the agreement would support SMEs and industrial hubs such as Ludhiana by simplifying compliance systems, improving customs procedures, reducing delays at borders, and encouraging alignment of international standards.
FICCI Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh Co-Chair Kunal Yadav while welcoming the participants emphasized on the importance of these FTAs and mentioned that FICCI will undertake a study on Accelerating Growth of Exports from Punjab highlighting how FTAs could be leveraged to boost Punjab’s export performance. The Study findings will be presented to the Government of Punjab.
During the event, experts stressed that Punjab’s businesses must also focus on meeting international quality standards, sustainability norms and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements to fully utilize the benefits of FTAs. Presentations and panel discussions covered opportunities arising from the India-UK FTA, India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and the proposed India-EU FTA, along with strategies for improving export competitiveness.
A team of officials from CTIL including Mr Ridhish Rajvanshi, Ms Shrona Mann and Ms. Tanvi Praveen made detailed presentations on the opportunities emerging for Indian industries through the UK, European Union (EU), and EFTA Free Trade Agreements, highlighting their potential to boost exports, investment, manufacturing, and global market access for Indian businesses, trade remedies, nontariff barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The conference was also addressed by Mr. Pranav Narang, Associate, Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Mr Ajay Mahajan, MD, Uma International, Mr Sunil Kumar, CFO International Tractors Ltd, Mr Rajan Rikhi, Director, RSR International and Secretary- Textile Association of India (Ludhiana chapter), Mr. Santosh Kumar, Branch Manager ECGC, Mr. Shirish Gupta, Regional Head, North and East, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Mr Upkar Singh Ahuja, President, Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), Punjab
Industry leaders expressed confidence that the FTAs would open new growth avenues for Punjab’s exporters and contribute significantly to India’s broader economic and trade ambitions.
