India's FTA Surge: Piyush Goyal Motivates Industry Associations

In a strategic push for economic expansion, Union Minister Piyush Goyal convened with over 1,000 delegates from industry bodies in the capital on Wednesday. He exhorted them to harness the extraordinary openings presented by India's rapidly growing web of Free Trade Agreements. Through an X update, Goyal stressed urgency in gearing up, scouting fresh markets, fortifying 'Brand India', refining quality metrics, ramping up productivity, and achieving superior international standing. 'Fueled by PM Modi's vision, I've called on industry to transform challenges into triumphs through joint endeavors in innovation, efficiency, logistics, R&D, export ecosystems, and Viksit Bharat 2047,' he shared. Preceding this, Goyal presided over the India-Chile Business Dialogue with Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna, Under Secretary Paula Estevez, and trade luminaries. The agenda zeroed in on immense collaboration scopes in critical resources, food tech, medical care, green power, knowledge exchange, and nascent industries under CEPA. Goyal affirmed, 'We explored dynamic opportunities via India-Chile CEPA to intensify partnerships and foster new growth paths for our businesses and populace in diverse fields.' Reflecting on recent strides, he spotlighted export boosts, FTA talks momentum, and dialogues with global powerhouses—Airbus, L'Oréal, Carrier, LVMH—to reinforce domestic manufacturing. Among highlights: Assam ODOP honey's inaugural US shipment and the second round wrap-up of India-Canada CEPA. Critical reviews covered FTA strategies, export promotions, and SPS advancements for smoother global entry of Indian agriculture and fisheries.