“Exporter’s Interaction with the Officials of DGFT & Customs on Export Promotion via India-UK Free Trade Agreement” Organized by DGFT and FIEO

Ludhiana, November 20, 2025: Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Regional Authority, Ludhiana in association with Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Punjab Chapter jointly organized an “Exporter’s Interaction with Vrunda Manohar Desai, Zonal Additional DGFT (CLA) and Nasim Arshi, Principal Commissioner of Customs, Customs Commissionerate, Ludhiana at Ludhiana. The objective of the session was to sensitize the trade fraternity on the export promotion opportunities emerging from the India–UK Free Trade Agreement, enabling exporters to understand the benefits, procedural aspects and future potential under the new trade framework.

Vrunda Manohar Desai, Zonal Additional DGFT (CLA), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, highlighted major components of the Export Promotion Mission and explained initiatives under Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha such as interest subvention for export credit, collateral support, quality upgradation assistance, branding, packaging and market access support. She also spoke about relief measures like the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) and RBI’s extension of the export realization period to 15 months. She further presented Punjab’s export profile, Districts as Export Hubs progress and key highlights of the India–UK FTA including tariff reductions, sector-wise benefits and mobility provisions for Indian professionals.

Nasim Arshi, Principal Commissioner of Customs, Customs Commissionerate, Ludhiana emphasised India’s strong economic momentum and the critical role of trade in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He outlined new digital initiatives by Indian Customs, including the warehouse module, e-bond and EBG systems, and assured exporters of continued support in resolving clearance-related issues such as IGST refunds and Drawback.
 
Utpal Kumar Acharya, ITS, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Ludhiana has pointed out that various initiatives have been taken by his department to promote export from the districts with the aim to reach India’s export target. He gave detailed information about the Trade Connect portal on which exporters can get all information on a single website, something that can help them remain updated.
 
S C Ralhan, President, FIEO urged MSMEs in Punjab to enhance innovation, explore new markets and adopt best practices to increase their contribution to the state’s export growth.

Upkar Singh Ahuja, President, Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings shared that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement presents opportunities for Indian exporters by reducing market entry barriers and enhancing preferential access to the UK market. The FTA aims to create a business-friendly environment, enabling exporters to expand their global footprint.

Satyam Tiwari, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, India Post said that, “India Post has always tried to connect with the public through its multifaceted services. It has always been the endeavor of the Postal Department to deliver the postal packages safely to the destination in the least possible time.

Santosh Kumar, Branch Manager, ECGC Limited shared various policies and schemes offered by ECGC. Exporters can take such policies while exporting their products to overseas markets. ECGC policies safeguard exporter’s payments and other interests.

Virendra Pal Singh Mongia, Regional Head, EXIM Bank, Chandigarh shared various schemes and support provided by their organization to Indian exporters for promotion of exports.

The session was well attended by close to 120 delegates representing various prominent export houses.