Industry Bodies Express Optimism On Economic Survey 2025–26, Highlight Positive Growth Outlook

New Delhi, Jan 29 (KNN) Industry bodies Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) have hailed the Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled today in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Survey presents a forward-looking assessment of India’s economic resilience, emphasising the critical role of exports, services, and the external sector in driving growth and global confidence.

Positive Outlook for GDP Growth

Dr A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), noted, “The survey clearly reflects the government’s progressive and growth-oriented vision for a Viksit Bharat. The Economic Survey projecting FY27 GDP growth at 6.8–7.2 per cent indicates the resilience of the economy despite global headwinds.”

He welcomed the Survey’s forward-looking assessment, noting its focus on structural reforms, policy stability, and competitiveness. 

Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), described the Survey as a credible and confident depiction of the economy. He noted that India’s sustained growth amid global slowdown, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty demonstrates strong economic fundamentals.

“The Economic Survey provides a strong foundation for the forthcoming Union Budget and strengthens confidence among traders, MSMEs, investors and citizens that India is firmly progressing towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047,” added Khandelwal.

Record Export and Services Performance

FIEO President S.C. Ralhan highlighted, “India’s record-breaking exports, strong performance in services, a comfortable current account position, and robust foreign exchange reserves clearly reflect the success of the government’s sustained policy reforms, and rising competitiveness of Indian exporters and service providers.” 

India’s record-breaking exports, which reached USD 825.3 billion in FY25, a 6.1 per cent increase over the previous year. Services exports surged to USD 387.6 billion, up 13.6 per cent, while non-petroleum exports also reached historic highs, reflecting successful diversification efforts.

“The near doubling of India’s share in global merchandise exports and more than doubling of its share in global services exports since 2005 is a powerful validation of the government’s long-term, consistent, and strategic export vision,” Ralhan observed.

Future Outlook

Dr Sakthivel said, “The apparel export industry looks forward to progressive reforms and continuity in policy direction, which are essential for fostering long-term investments, enhancing global competitiveness, and strengthening India’s position as a trusted manufacturing and sourcing destination.” 

“With sustained reform momentum, stable macroeconomic fundamentals and a clear, confident external sector strategy under the government’s leadership, India is exceptionally well positioned to achieve higher export growth and move decisively towards becoming an indispensable force in global trade,” Ralhan said.

(KNN Bureau)