CLE INDIA

I

[PIB in Maharashtra 🇮🇳 @PIBMumbai]

In the 2nd technical session of #Vartalap Kolhapur, Council for Leather Exports (CLE) Regional Director (WR), Santosh Pandey spoke on “Unlocking Beyond the GI Tag,” addressing opportunities and challenges facing the leather industry. He detailed CLE’s support, infrastructure and financial aid for artisans. Beneficiaries also shared their growth stories.

[CSIR-CLRI @clriindia]

CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute Annual Skill Training Calendar for FY 2026–27

@CSIR_NIScPR @MSDESkillIndia @CSIR_IND @DrNKalaiselvi @leatherssc @cle_india

[Aqeel Panaruna @panarunaaqeel]

Helsinki, Finland | India–Finland Business Forum | 16 July 2026

Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India is witnessing unprecedented economic growth, global recognition, and expanding trade partnerships with developed nations. It was a matter of immense pride to participate in the India–Finland Business Forum in Helsinki as a Member of the CII Europe Council, as part of the Indian Business Delegation led by Hon’ble Shri Piyush Goyal Ji, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
The programme featured impactful keynote addresses by Hon’ble Shri Piyush Goyal Ji and H.E. Dr. Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland, followed by insightful remarks from industry leaders, MoU signings, and vibrant business interactions between Indian and Finnish companies.

I was also honoured to personally meet H.E. Dr. Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland, and exchange views on strengthening India–Finland economic cooperation, particularly in the leather, footwear, and allied sectors—areas where India holds strong global potential and competitive advantage.

The discussions clearly reflected India’s rising economic strength and the growing strategic partnership between India and Finland, reinforcing our shared commitment to expanding trade, investment, innovation, and long-term value creation.
The day concluded with a networking reception and dinner hosted by His Excellency Shri Hemant H. Kotalwar, Ambassador of India to Finland, offering an excellent platform for meaningful engagement with global business leaders

[Puran Dawar @FactsAnalyst]

# FTA

With my colleague Panaruna Aqeel during the EU Next-Level Talks in Brussels, working to keep the Footwear & Leather Industry firmly in focus as India and the EU advance their partnership.

[Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal]

Had a productive meeting with Mr. @BerndLange, Chairman of the Committee on International Trade (INTA), European Parliament.

Discussed the India-EU FTA and the vast opportunities it offers for businesses, industries, and people on both sides, paving the way for a prosperous future.

Also extended an invitation to him to visit India to further deepen our engagement.

[Aqeel Panaruna @panarunaaqeel]

Brussels, Belgium | India–EU Business Roundtable | 15 July 2026

Honoured to participate in one of the highest-level India–EU Business Roundtable meetings in Brussels as a Member of the CII Europe Council

The Indian delegation was led by:

* Hon’ble Shri Piyush Goyal Ji, Minister of Commerce & Industry
* Hon’ble Dr. S. Jaishankar Ji, Minister of External Affairs
* Hon’ble Shri Jitin Prasada Ji, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & Information Technology

The discussions focused on strengthening the India–EU strategic partnership, enhancing bilateral trade and investment, building resilient supply chains, and accelerating the conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing and most trusted economies. The remarkable progress made in these high-level strategic discussions reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding India’s global economic partnerships, strengthening manufacturing, and creating new opportunities for Indian industry.

I am fully confident that the India–EU FTA is moving towards a historic breakthrough. If concluded as expected by January 2027, the agreement is expected to provide duty-free market access significantly boosting exports, manufacturing, MSMEs, investments, technology collaboration, employment, and long-term economic growth for both India and the European Union.

It was a privilege to represent Indian industry at this top-level strategic dialogue and witness the strong commitment of both India and the European Union to forging a stronger, deeper, and future-oriented economic partnership.

[CLE INDIA @cle_india]

Office of Zonal Addl DGFT,Chennai conducted flagging off event of export consignments to UK under India - UK CETA on 15.7.26 in Chennai. Shri M. Abdul Wahab, RC (South), CLE & Shri K.R.Vijayan, Member, SRC, CLE participated.

[Rajesh Agrawal @RajeshAgrawal94]

The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (#CETA) comes into force today, marking a landmark step in India’s global economic engagement under the vision of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji and the leadership of Hon’ble Commerce & Industry Minister Shri @PiyushGoyal

More than a trade agreement, CETA creates new opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, MSMEs, manufacturers, exporters, professionals and innovators through enhanced market access, stronger competitiveness and deeper value chain integration. The accompanying Double Contribution Convention further benefits Indian professionals on temporary UK assignments by exempting them from double social security contributions for up to five years.

A significant milestone in India’s journey towards a resilient, globally competitive and inclusive economy and towards Viksit Bharat.

#IndiaUKFTA

[CLE INDIA @cle_india]

The Ceremony to mark the Entry into Force of the India UK CETA was held today at New Delhi. Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary, Dept. of Commerce ; Shri Lav Agarwal, DGFT and senior officers attended. Shri Mukhtarul Amin, VC, CLE & Shri Sanjay Leekha, Former Chairman, CLE took part.

[Puran Dawar @FactsAnalyst]

@PiyushGoyal @DavidClarinval UK CETA is going to be implemented 2moro , yet Labour Intensive sector like Footwear are excited and waiting implementation of EU ..FTA mother of all deals .

[Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal]

Had an excellent meeting with Mr. @DavidClarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy, and Agriculture of Belgium.

We discussed expanding India-Belgium cooperation across trade, investment, technology, logistics and workforce mobility.

We also exchanged views on the transformative potential of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthening economic ties for the mutual benefit of our businesses and people. 🇮🇳🇧🇪

[Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal]

As the #IndiaUKFTA comes into force today, I pen down how this landmark agreement will benefit India.

The agreement, which opens new avenues for trade, investment and innovation, will create unique opportunities for our businesses while further accelerating PM @NarendraModi ji's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Reflecting the capabilities and aspirations of the people of India, this ambitious agreement will empower every section of society. Women, farmers, youth, MSMEs, innovators, professionals and fisherfolk, all stand to gain from the opportunities it creates.

✍️ https://t.co/YqNrlT0i0V

[CLE INDIA @cle_india]

Shri Mukhtarul Amin, Vice Chairman CLE made a presentation on Indian Footwear Industry at CIFA (Confedeartion of International Associations) Footwear Conference at Cambodia on 12th July 2026. Leaders of various footwear industry associations from several countries took part.

[CSIR-CLRI @clriindia]

On 8 July 2026 Dr. P. Thanikaivelan Director, CSIR-CLRI, visited GRIMCO, Gandhinagar, to discuss collaborative projects, reviewed the progress of CSIR-CLRI's vegan leather technology with industry partner Aamati Green Pvt. Ltd., @CSIR_NIScPR @CSIR_IND @DrNKalaiselvi #VeganLeather

[PMO India @PMOIndia]

In Melbourne, PM @narendramodi participated in the Australia-India CEO Forum with PM @AlboMP.

He highlighted opportunities in sectors such as technology, critical minerals, financial services, aviation, logistics, food processing and skilling, while inviting Australian businesses to invest in India.

[Aqeel Panaruna @panarunaaqeel]

Delighted to attend National Export Excellence Awards 2024–25. By CLE at Oberoi hotel new Delhi on Monday 6 July

It was a privilege to witness the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal ji, as the Chief Guest, deliver a special address and personally present the awards to each of the winners. were pleased to have the participation of ms Petal Dhillon, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India.

It was truly inspiring to see the Hon’ble Minister’s keen interest, passion, and unwavering dedication to the growth of India’s leather, footwear, and allied products sector. His encouragement of our exporters, women workforce, and MSMEs, together with his strong emphasis on quality, innovation, standards, product diversification, and the opportunities being created through India’s Free Trade Agreements, was deeply motivating.

As an industry, we are overwhelmed by his extraordinary commitment and continued support. My heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners for their outstanding contribution to India’s export growth

[Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal]

Delighted to address the Council for Leather Exports' National Export Excellence Awards 2024-25 & present the awards to the winners.

Congratulated the awardees for their outstanding contribution to India's export growth. Emphasised how the Free Trade Agreements with various nations are unlocking new markets & creating unprecedented avenues for Indian exporters.

Also, underscored the invaluable role of our artisans, the women workforce & MSMEs in driving the sector's growth and urged the industry to focus on quality, standards, innovation & product diversification to further boost India's leather & footwear exports.

📹 https://t.co/S66BhPlgSV