Industry Speaks, Government Listens
The meeting brought together senior officials from the Department of Commerce, Department of Revenue, and members representing key trade sectors such as textiles, apparel, gems & jewellery, engineering, medical devices, services, and AYUSH. Major associations like FIEO, ASSOCHAM, and Council for Leather Exports were also present.
Industry leaders shared insights on existing FTAs, outlined challenges in their implementation, and offered feedback on ongoing trade negotiations. Discussions revolved around how businesses can utilize FTAs more effectively and where procedural improvements are needed.
SEZs as Engines of Growth
Officials from the Department of Commerce made a comprehensive presentation on the current performance of SEZs and proposed reforms to revive them. The reforms aim to:
- Simplify administrative procedures
- Enable capacity utilization
- Boost scale of production and exports
- Support the $5 trillion economy goal by 2027
ICEGATE Implementation Takes Centre Stage
A significant portion of the breakout sessions was dedicated to the implementation of ICEGATE—India’s electronic interface for customs processes—across SEZs. Participants discussed how a unified digital platform could ease customs documentation, enhance transparency, and reduce delays.
Both Revenue and Commerce departments engaged in real-time problem-solving with exporters, signaling a strong intent to streamline digital compliance.
Vision for an Atmanirbhar Trade Ecosystem
Minister Goyal reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to create a facilitative trade environment. He emphasized the need for:
- Greater manufacturing capacities
- Diversified global supply chains
- Reduced import dependence
He called upon Indian exporters to leverage FTAs strategically and align with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“India must become a global supplier. For that, we need speed, scale, and smart policy support,” he said, urging industries to innovate, digitize, and compete globally.
Industry Reaction: Positive and Proactive
Stakeholders across sectors appreciated the consultative approach adopted by the Minister. Many welcomed the ease of doing business reforms and proposed SEZ restructuring.
Export Promotion Councils noted that India’s recent FTAs with UAE, Australia, and European nations had opened significant new markets, but procedural clarity and awareness needed improvement.
Way Forward: Consult, Reform, Perform
The meeting marks another step towards building a more inclusive, transparent, and performance-oriented export policy ecosystem. With structured inputs from the industry, reforms in SEZs, and smarter FTA utilization, India could unlock new trade potential.
