Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday unveiled the "UK-India CETA Business Utilisation Manual – A Practical Activation Guide for Indian and UK Businesses" in London, ahead of the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is set to take effect on July 15.

Prepared jointly by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and HSBC India, the manual is intended to help businesses understand and take advantage of the opportunities created by the landmark trade agreement. The guide breaks down the provisions of the deal into practical, sector-specific recommendations, offering companies a roadmap for maximizing its benefits. The launch took place at a business event organized by FICCI with support from UKIBC, bringing together senior corporate leaders from India and the United Kingdom at a significant juncture in bilateral economic relations.

According to a statement released on the occasion, leaders from both nations have consistently emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, innovation, and advanced technologies. The statement also highlighted a series of recent high-level interactions, including discussions involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India in 2025, earlier engagements by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, and a recent visit by UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle.

Trade ties between the two countries have continued to expand, with bilateral commerce reaching approximately £47.9 billion (around USD 56–60 billion) in the four quarters ending in Q4 2025. This represents a 10 percent increase compared to previous years and reflects the growing strength of the India-UK economic partnership.

Speaking at the launch, HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave said the bank’s strong presence in both markets and expertise in international banking and trade finance would help businesses navigate evolving cross-border opportunities. He noted that the CETA framework is expected to improve market access, increase certainty for businesses, and encourage deeper commercial collaboration.

UKIBC Group CEO Kishore Jayaraman described the agreement as a milestone in one of the world’s most important economic relationships. He said the newly launched manual serves as a practical guide that translates the complexities of the trade pact into actionable steps for businesses operating in both countries. He added that UKIBC remains committed to helping companies fully understand and benefit from the agreement. UKIBC, a not-for-profit organization focused on policy advocacy and strategic consulting, works to promote trade and investment between the UK and India by assisting businesses and universities seeking opportunities in both markets.