Department of Commerce Hosts ‘Chintan Shivir’ to Highlight Seafood Sector Opportunities Under India-EFTA TEPA

New Delhi, Jul 7(KNN) The Department of Commerce organised a Chintan Shivir on opportunities for the seafood sector under the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) at the Chennai Trade Centre on Friday, alongside Seafood Expo Bharat 2026.

The brainstorming session brought together officials from the Department of Commerce, Invest India, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Export Inspection Council (EIC), Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), and seafood exporters to discuss investment opportunities, export facilitation and market access under the trade agreement.

Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce Mohit Yadav highlighted the trade and investment opportunities available under TEPA, while Invest India presented opportunities across the seafood value chain. Representatives from DGFT, EIC and FIEO briefed participants on export promotion schemes, regulatory requirements and quality standards.

The discussions also covered the investment potential under TEPA, which aims to facilitate USD 100 billion in investments into India and support the creation of one million direct jobs, while promoting technology partnerships, joint ventures and greater collaboration with EFTA countries.

Participants reviewed the tariff concessions available under the agreement, including the elimination of import duties on fish and shrimp feed by Norway and Iceland, and the removal of duties on fish fats and oils by Switzerland, which are expected to improve market access for Indian seafood exporters.

An interactive open-house session enabled exporters to raise issues related to market access, regulatory compliance and export facilitation directly with government officials.

The Chintan Shivir concluded with a commitment from government and industry stakeholders to leverage the opportunities under TEPA and strengthen India's seafood exports to EFTA markets.

(KNN Bureau)