New Delhi, January 27 – Business leaders across India and Europe are celebrating the newly inked India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark achievement that promises to reshape economic landscapes on both sides.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Indo-EU Business Forum, Frank Schlodder, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd India Private Limited, described the deal as a ‘historic moment’ emerging from years of intense negotiations. ‘This comes at a time when the rules-based global order is facing unprecedented turbulence,’ he noted. ‘As business leaders, our goal is to maximize the opportunities this pact unlocks.’
The agreement is set to create a massive unified market, easing trade barriers and fostering deeper economic integration. Rajosh Vohra, CEO of Artisana India-Chicco, an Italian firm, praised the deal for simplifying imports and exports. ‘This will open new doors for businesses, making operations smoother and more efficient,’ Vohra said.
Vinod Sharma, MD of Dixon India Electronics Limited, highlighted the long-term benefits for India’s manufacturing sector. With over 40 years in electronics production, his company stands to gain from enhanced collaboration. ‘Europe isn’t just a market for us; it’s a source of cutting-edge technology and increased investments,’ Sharma explained.
YS Chi, Chairman of Elsevier, emphasized the deal’s role in streamlining trade, talent mobility, and intellectual property cooperation. ‘This pact benefits not only India and the EU economies but the entire world,’ he asserted.
Frederik Persson, President of Business Europe, underscored the timeliness of the agreement. ‘India and Europe together form one of the world’s largest markets. This deal bridges India’s skilled workforce with Europe’s technological prowess, all within a rules-based framework,’ Persson stated. The consensus among leaders is clear: the India-EU FTA heralds a new era of mutual prosperity and global stability.