London: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced the deployment of 1,000 advisory personnel across India to help businesses maximise benefits under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is set to come into force on July 15.
Speaking during the 10th Annual UK-India Week in London, Goyal said the government would also upgrade its trade portal to assist exporters and businesses in taking advantage of opportunities arising from the landmark agreement.
Describing CETA as India’s most comprehensive free trade pact to date, the minister said it is expected to boost bilateral trade between the two countries by £25.5 billion annually.
Goyal noted that India-UK relations have expanded beyond traditional trade to include strategic sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, defence and clean energy. He also highlighted the importance of regional partnerships, citing links between Birmingham and Gujarat, and Manchester and Maharashtra, as drivers of future growth.
The minister said the agreement would improve market access, enhance the competitiveness of Indian businesses, facilitate greater mobility for professionals and create new opportunities in goods, services and investment.
He also pointed out that eligible Indian professionals working in the UK would benefit from a five-year exemption from social security contributions under the agreement.
Encouraging Indian businesses to emerge as early movers, Goyal urged them to adopt global quality standards and strengthen trade and investment partnerships with the United Kingdom.
