The first cargo consignment for Britain departed from Amritsar Airport under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement. Readymade garments have been sent in this. The agreement will provide zero-duty access to 99% of Indian products in the UK, which will be a big benefit to exporters.
Amritsar (Punjab) [भारत]July 15 (ANI): Following the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first cargo consignment to the United Kingdom was flagged off from the cargo terminal of Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport in Amritsar. The function was attended by officials of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), officials of the cargo department and exporters. During the event, the entire cargo handling process including packing, scanning and delivering the cargo containers to the aircraft was demonstrated. After this, the first consignment was formally flagged off and sent to Britain.
Indian products will get zero-duty access
Speaking to ANI on the occasion, Aditya Singh Chauhan, Deputy Director, DGFT, said, “Under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, about 99 per cent of Indian products will now enjoy zero-duty access to the UK market.” He said that earlier, there was an import duty of 12 percent to 20 percent on readymade garments, which made Indian products less competitive. By removing these duties, Indian exporters will get a significant benefit, which will increase exports and create better business opportunities.
New opportunities will open for exporters of Punjab
Azad Singh, in-charge of Amritsar Cargo, said that under the agreement, the first consignment includes ready-made garments, which are being exported to Britain. “Although exports from Amritsar to the UK were already taking place, the zero-tariff agreement is expected to encourage many more exporters to enter the international market,” he said.
He further informed that Amritsar Cargo mainly exports readymade garments, sporting goods, engineering products and perishable agricultural produce like Alphonso and Kesar mangoes, baby corn, green chillies and other vegetables. He expressed confidence that this agreement will open new opportunities for exporters from Punjab and further strengthen trade relations between India and the United Kingdom. (ANI)
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