A significant seminar on 'Export Promotion Mission, India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and Relief Schemes for MSME Exporters' was organized on Thursday under the joint auspices of the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and DGFT, Surat. The event took place on April 30, 2026, in Samhati, Sarsana, with a large number of exporters and industrialists in attendance.
In the inaugural session, Chamber President Nikhil Madrasi urged MSME entrepreneurs and exporters to take advantage of new opportunities in the changing landscape of global trade. Vice President Ashok Jirawala mentioned that after the implementation of the India-UK FTA, various products from Surat, including textiles, would have easier access to the UK market, thereby giving a new momentum to exports. Abhimanyu Sharma, Development Commissioner of Surat SEZ and Joint Director General of DGFT, provided detailed information about initiatives like 'Export Promotion' and 'Export Direction' under the 'Export Promotion Mission'.
He explained that the India-UK FTA, which will come into effect in May 2026, will simplify, expedite, and broaden trade and investment between India and the United Kingdom. It is expected to reduce or completely exempt import-export duties on several products. He noted that competitiveness in the UK market would increase for textiles, diamonds, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, chemicals, plastics, packaging, and engineering products.
Currently, the UK imports approximately 30 billion US dollars worth of textile products, with India's share being relatively low, indicating significant potential for increasing exports. Sharma expressed confidence that after the FTA is implemented, exports from India to the UK could increase by an average of 50 percent over the next 5-6 years. Additionally, this would lead to an increase in foreign investment, technical cooperation, and employment opportunities.
Saurabh Jain, head of the ECGC Surat branch, informed exporters about various security and guarantee schemes of the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India. He stated that these schemes help reduce risks in international trade and provide financial security.
The program was conducted by the Chamber's Honorary Treasurer CA Mitesh Modi, while CA Mukund Chauhan, Chairman of the GST Committee, presented the program outline. DGFT officials present at the seminar provided detailed guidance to exporters and MSME entrepreneurs about various schemes and opportunities.
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