First shipment of Varanasi-made biscuits exported to Oman under India-Oman CEPA: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, July 3
India has exported 40 metric tonnes of biscuits manufactured in Varanasi to Oman for the first time under the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday, adding that the preferential trade pact is helping Indian food products become more competitive in overseas markets.
Sharing the development on X, Goyal said, "For the first time, 40MT of biscuits manufactured in Varanasi have been exported to Oman under the India-Oman CEPA, advancing PM Narendra Modi ji's vision of taking 'Made In India' products to the world."
The minister also said an agreement has been signed to significantly expand exports of Indian biscuits to the Gulf region.
"An MoU has also been signed for the supply of nearly 700 MT of biscuits to Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during FY 2026-27," he said.
Highlighting the role of the trade agreement, Goyal said preferential tariff benefits under the India-Oman CEPA have enabled duty-free access for biscuits made in India.
"Preferential tariff benefits available under CEPA have allowed duty-free access for biscuits produced in India, making them more price-competitive in comparison to other key competitors in the Oman market," he said.
According to the minister, the tariff advantage is expected to improve export prospects for Indian manufacturers in the region.
"This is expected to translate into higher export volumes and repeat orders from importers in the region," Goyal said.
He added that the development would provide a boost to India's food processing sector through higher production and employment.
"Clearly a big boost to our food processing sector with increased production and job generation," the minister added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, it's wonderful to see small-scale industries from tier-2 cities like Varanasi getting global exposure. But I hope the benefits actually reach the local workers and not just big corporates. The MoU for 700 MT sounds promising, but we need to ensure fair wages and good working conditions for the people making these biscuits. Still, a positive step! 🙂
Interesting development. India's food processing sector has huge potential, and trade agreements like CEPA make sense for both sides. Oman gets quality products at competitive prices, India gains market access. Hope this sets a precedent for more such deals with other Gulf nations. The tariff advantage should help Indian manufacturers scale up.
So happy to see 'Made in India' reaching new shores! Varanasi biscuits in Oman - who would have thought? 😄 This is the kind of success story that gives hope to small businesses in our country. Just hope the government also focuses on quality control and hygiene standards so that we build a strong reputation globally.
Great example of how bilateral trade pacts can boost local economies. The fact that biscuits from Varanasi are now duty-free in Oman is a game-changer for price competitiveness. But I wonder how sustainable this is in the long run - will other Gulf countries follow suit? Hope the MoU with GCC materializes well.
Excellent! 🚀 This shows our 'Vocal for Local' is actually working. From banarasi paan to banarasi biscuits going global - love the diversity of exports. The duty-free access under CEPA is a big win.
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