India–UK CETA Opens New Opportunities for Trade, Investment and MSMEs
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is set to create new opportunities for Indian exporters, MSMEs and businesses by strengthening market access, investment and bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was discussed at the “India–UK CETA Dialogue: Unlocking New Trade & Investment Opportunities”, organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai in association with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI). The dialogue brought together MSMEs, exporters, entrepreneurs and industry representatives to explore practical opportunities emerging from the trade agreement.
CETA Offers New Opportunities for Indian MSMEs
Addressing the gathering, Shri R.K. Mishra, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Mumbai, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, described CETA as a significant development in India–UK economic relations and highlighted its potential to help Indian exporters and MSMEs expand their presence in the UK.
“The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) marks a landmark step in bilateral economic relations and is one of India’s most ambitious trade agreements, covering goods, services, investment and mobility. It presents a major opportunity for Indian exporters and MSMEs to strengthen their presence in the UK, access new markets and integrate more deeply into global supply chains,” said Shri R.K. Mishra, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Mumbai, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, at the “India–UK CETA Dialogue: Unlocking New Trade & Investment Opportunities” organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai in association with All India Association of Industries (AIAI).
“The focus under CETA must now shift towards effective utilisation of the agreement by businesses, particularly MSMEs, through tariff benefits, simplified rules of origin, self-certification and opportunities in UK government procurement. The Government of India’s Export Promotion Mission will further strengthen MSME competitiveness through export credit, market intelligence, certification and compliance support. The UK’s strengths in technology, finance and advanced manufacturing, combined with India’s skilled manpower, manufacturing capacity and entrepreneurial strength, can create significant new opportunities. Stronger business-to-business connections and greater awareness at the enterprise level will be critical to realising CETA’s full potential,” said Shri R.K. Mishra.
UK Sees Opportunities Across Key Indian Industries
Mr. Mark Birrell, Trade Counsellor – South Asia, British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai, highlighted the importance of businesses actively utilising the agreement through exports, investment and collaboration.
“CETA is a landmark agreement between two of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. It makes trade cheaper, quicker and easier, but its success will ultimately depend on businesses using the opportunities it creates through exports, investment and collaboration. The agreement opens significant opportunities across advanced manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, automotive, clean energy, textiles, engineering goods and processed foods, as well as services such as finance, education, research and innovation. Mumbai and Maharashtra will have an important role to play in strengthening the India–UK trade and investment corridor.”
Zero-Duty Access to Boost Indian Exports
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President, AIAI, highlighted the potential benefits for Indian industries from improved tariff access.
“CETA provides zero-duty access to nearly 99% of India’s exports to the UK, covering almost 100% of India’s export value, while India will remove or reduce tariffs on 90% of tariff lines for UK goods, covering 92% of existing UK goods exports to India. Key Indian sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, engineering goods and other labour-intensive industries stand to benefit significantly from improved market access and lower tariffs. Effective implementation, greater awareness among MSMEs and stronger business-to-business linkages will be crucial to converting these advantages into higher exports, investments and long-term commercial partnerships.”
Financing, Investment and Technology Collaboration
Ms. Garima Jain, International Market Advisor, Export Support Service; Mr. Sandeep Kudtarkar, Country Head, UKEF; and Mr. Abhishek Jha, Head of Inward Investment – Western India, shared insights into the practical opportunities available through CETA.
The speakers highlighted increasing interest among UK companies in partnering with Indian businesses, government-backed export finance for eligible trade transactions and opportunities for Indian companies to use the UK as a platform for international expansion.
They also identified potential opportunities across technology, healthcare, advanced engineering, energy, professional services, research and development and innovation, while highlighting the benefits of the Double Contribution Convention for Indian companies deploying professionals to the UK.
CETA and India’s Global Competitiveness
Ms. Priya Pansare, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, emphasised the wider economic potential of the agreement.
“The India–UK CETA opens significant opportunities for both trade and services, with several sectors poised to benefit from greater market access, investment, technology collaboration and business partnerships. By enabling Indian enterprises, particularly MSMEs, to integrate more deeply with global markets and value chains, the agreement can contribute meaningfully towards strengthening India’s competitiveness, creating employment and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The dialogue highlighted the importance of translating the India–UK CETA into tangible business opportunities through trade, investment, financing, technology partnerships and stronger market linkages, particularly for India’s MSME and export community.
