The flag-off ceremony was attended by officials from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), cargo department representatives, and exporters. During the event, authorities showcased the complete cargo handling process, including packing, scanning, and transportation of cargo containers to the aircraft before the shipment was ceremonially dispatched to the United Kingdom.
Speaking to ANI during the occasion, Aditya Singh Chauhan, Deputy Director of DGFT, said, "Under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, nearly 99 per cent of Indian products will now enjoy zero-duty access to the UK market."
He explained that ready-made garments previously attracted import duties ranging from 12 per cent to 20 per cent, which affected the competitiveness of Indian products in the UK market. With the removal of these duties, Indian exporters are expected to gain a major advantage, resulting in increased exports and improved business prospects.
Azad Singh, in charge of Amritsar Cargo, said the first shipment under the agreement comprises ready-made garments being exported to the United Kingdom.
"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 stated that Amritsar Cargo primarily handles exports of ready-made garments, sports goods, engineering products, and perishable agricultural commodities, including Alphonso and Kesar mangoes, baby corn, green chillies, and other vegetables.
Azad Singh expressed confidence that the agreement would create new opportunities for exporters from Punjab and further strengthen trade relations between India and the United Kingdom. The launch of the first shipment under the trade agreement highlights the growing potential for Indian businesses to expand their presence in global markets through reduced trade barriers and enhanced export opportunities.
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