Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emphasized the government’s accomplishments over the past 10 days. These include initiatives to boost exports, advancements in free trade agreement negotiations, and discussions with global firms to enhance manufacturing investments in India. Notably, Assam’s One District One Product (ODOP) honey was exported to the US for the first time, and India and Canada successfully wrapped up the second round of talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Goyal also mentioned engagements with industry leaders like Airbus, L’Oréal Groupe, Carrier, and LVMH to bolster manufacturing and investments in India. The government conducted crucial meetings to assess the progress of India’s FTAs, export strategies, and approvals related to market access for Indian agricultural and fisheries products. This aims to enhance global trade opportunities for these sectors.
The Commerce Ministry had earlier announced the inaugural export of 20 metric tonnes of honey from Assam’s Baksa district to the US under the ODOP initiative. This move, supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), is expected to enhance income prospects for local beekeepers and farmers. It also seeks to promote value-added agricultural exports from Aspirational Districts, fostering economic growth in these regions.
Moreover, recent discussions between India and Canada during the CEPA negotiations covered various aspects such as trade in goods and services, intellectual property rights, rules of origin, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The next round of negotiations between the two nations is set to take place in Ottawa in July 2026. Goyal’s interactions with executives from LVMH and L’Oréal Groupe focused on expanding sourcing, manufacturing, and exports from India. While talks with LVMH emphasized strengthening manufacturing, promoting local talent, and boosting exports, discussions with L’Oréal explored opportunities in India’s beauty and personal care sector following the company’s investment plans in Hyderabad.
