Event Overview & Highlights
The Conference on “Leveraging India's Modern FTAs: Unlocking Export Opportunities in UK & European Markets – Reshaping Punjab's Export Driven Economy” was organized on 12 June 2026 at Hotel Radisson Blu, Ludhiana by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) in collaboration with FICCI and industry stakeholders. The conference was convened at a crucial time when India is deepening its trade and economic engagement with Europe through modern Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), and ongoing negotiations with the European Union.
The objective of the conference was to enhance awareness among exporters, MSMEs, industry representatives, policymakers and trade professionals regarding the opportunities emerging from India's evolving trade architecture. The event focused on helping businesses understand market access opportunities in the United Kingdom, European Union and EFTA countries while equipping them with knowledge about regulatory requirements, standards, certifications and compliance obligations necessary for successful exports to developed markets.
Mr Kunal Yadav, Co-Chair, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh State Council gave the welcome address. Dr Senu Duggal, IAS, MD Punjab Financial Corporation joined as Chief Guest during the program. Discussions highlighted Punjab's strong export potential in sectors such as engineering goods, bicycles, sports goods, textiles, hosiery, pharmaceuticals and food processing. Speakers emphasized that modern FTAs offer significant opportunities through tariff reductions, improved market access and integration into global value chains.
Technical sessions by CTIL experts provided detailed insights into India's FTAs with the UK, EU and EFTA countries, export promotion schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy, Rules of Origin requirements and strategies for improving export competitiveness. A dedicated session on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) highlighted the importance of quality standards, certifications and regulatory compliance in accessing European markets. Participants were also introduced to the Trade Remedies Advisory Cell (TRAC), which supports industries facing unfair trade practices and import-related challenges.
The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on enhancing Punjab's export readiness through capacity building, compliance preparedness, market diversification and greater utilization of FTA benefits. Participants acknowledged that while tariff concessions create new opportunities, long-term success will depend upon innovation, quality enhancement, sustainability adoption and stronger integration into global value chains. The deliberations reinforced the need for continued collaboration between industry, government and trade institutions to maximize the benefits of India's modern FTAs and accelerate Punjab's export growth.
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