Kerala stands to benefit across key export sectors under India-UK trade pact: British Deputy High Commissioner
Thiruvananthapuram, July 31
Kerala is expected to benefit across multiple export-oriented sectors under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, with tariff reductions set to make trade between the state and the United Kingdom faster, easier and more cost-effective, British Deputy High Commissioner to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, Sutapa Choudhury said.
Speaking to ANI during her visit to Thiruvananthapuram, Choudhury said the agreement, which came into force on July 15, is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade between India and the UK over the long term.
"We're really excited about the increase in bilateral trade between the two countries, projected to grow by £25.5 billion in the long run. Your state of Kerala stands to gain in a multitude of sectors, from marine products to textiles, yoga and wellbeing, all of the key strengths of Kerala where we're going to see tariff lines eliminated fully or reduced," she said.
She added that the agreement would create "a much easier, faster and cheaper way of doing trade between Kerala and the UK."
Highlighting the state's export infrastructure, Choudhury said Kerala is well placed to take advantage of the trade agreement.
"Kerala has got a really strong infrastructure to support a trade deal like this. Last night I went to visit the Vizhinjam Port myself and I saw what great potential there is both for the State but also for India and South Asia more widely," she said.
She added that exporters from sectors in which Kerala has established strengths are expected to benefit from the agreement.
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, brought into force on July 15, aims to strengthen bilateral trade and investment by improving market access and reducing tariffs across multiple sectors. The agreement is expected to support trade, investment and business opportunities between the two countries.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from Kochi who works in the seafood export industry, this is really encouraging. But I hope the small-scale exporters actually get the support they need to take advantage of these tariff cuts. The paperwork and compliance costs can be a hurdle for smaller players.
Great to see the Deputy High Commissioner acknowledging Kerala's strengths beyond just IT - our ayurveda, textiles, and marine products have always had global appeal. The yoga and wellness sector is going to boom! Namaste to that! 🧘♂️
As a British expat living in Trivandrum, I'm thrilled about this. The trade deal means I'll see more authentic Kerala products in UK stores, and hopefully more British tourists and businesses coming here. Mutual benefit at its best!
The Vizhinjam Port visit is a smart move. But let's not get carried away - we've heard promises before. The state government needs to ensure our local entrepreneurs, especially women-led co-ops in handloom and spices, are actually equipped to export. That's where the real growth will come from.
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical about all these trade deals. Yes, tariffs may be reduced, but our exporters need to meet British quality standards and food safety norms. I hope MSMEs in Kerala get proper training and certification support. Otherwise, only the big players will benefit.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.