FIEO, DGTS Organize Seminar on Effective Utilization of Free Trade Agreements

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) and Directorate General of Tax Payer Services (DGTS) on 12 August 2025 organised a seminar on ‘Effective Utilization of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preparation for India – UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)’ in Chennai.

With the aim to discuss on emerging product diversification opportunities in the context of ongoing US Tariff imposition, FIEO invited senior government officials, trade experts, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on enhancing India’s export competitiveness through strategic use of trade agreements.

The seminar commenced with a welcome address by Unnikrishnan K, Joint Director General, FIEO, who highlighted the importance of understanding and leveraging FTAs and BTAs to unlock new market opportunities for Indian exporters.

Delivering the Inaugural Address, Neerav Kumar Mallick, Principal Additional Director General, Directorate General of Taxpayer Services, Chennai Zonal Unit, emphasised on compliance, documentation, and the evolving policy landscape under global trade frameworks.

He said that the FTA is expected to reduce or remove tariffs on a wide range of goods, giving Indian products—especially textiles, apparel, leather, gems & jewellery, agricultural goods, and engineering products—more competitive pricing in the UK market. He urged Indian exporters to prepare them self to create demand in UK markets by scaling up, produce quality products and ensure goods qualify for reduced duties by follow Rules of Origin criteria.

While delivering keynote address, Bidhan Chandra, Import Commissioner, Chennai Customs, outlined procedural facilitation and the customs perspective on trade agreement implementation. With geopolitical shifts and supply chain realignments, the FTA can help integrate Indian businesses into UK-centric supply chains, especially in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and critical raw materials.

Dr. Punnam Kumar, Joint Director General, Foreign Trade and Development Commissioner, IFFCO KISSAN SEZ, stressed the need for capacity building among exporters to fully harness the benefits of trade agreements.

D.K. Vora, Retired Assistant Commissioner, Mumbai Customs, conducted an in-depth presentation on “Safeguarding Indian Industry under FTAs/BTAs through Trade Remedies” and strategies for exporters under the India–UK FTA, detailing measures to mitigate unfair trade practices.

Amal Bahuleyan, Asst. DGFT, provided valuable insights into “Exploring Opportunities and Understanding Rules of Origin”, guiding exporters on how to leverage FTAs effectively while maintaining compliance with origin criteria.

The programme saw active participation from exporters, trade bodies, and industry representatives, who engaged in discussions on optimising the benefits of India’s trade agreements to expand into newer markets. FIEO & DGTS reiterated its commitment to supporting Indian exporters through policy advocacy, knowledge dissemination, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s share in global trade.

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