Business leaders urged to tap new supply‑chain opportunities under TEPA

In a speech to export councils, the senior commerce official stressed that the TEPA is a platform for building integrated value chains with EFTA partners. The agreement’s tariff reductions—covering more than 92 % of EFTA lines—unlock almost the entire Indian export basket, while India’s concessions open the majority of EFTA exports to domestic markets.

The secretary called on manufacturers, service providers and logistics firms to collaborate with European counterparts, creating seamless supply‑chain networks that reduce costs and improve product quality. Such collaboration, he argued, will reinforce the competitive edge of Indian firms in global markets.

The pact also secures a ten‑year horizon of stable tariffs, offering businesses the confidence needed for long‑term capital allocation. By aligning production schedules with predictable customs duties, companies can optimise inventory, enhance pricing strategies and attract further investment.

Beyond trade, the TEPA envisions $100 billion in direct foreign investment from the four EFTA nations, alongside the creation of one million jobs, underscoring the agreement’s broader economic ambition.