Latest news with #UpkarSinghAhuja
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Industry welcomes India-UK trade pact
Ludhiana: The recently signed India-UK FTA, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), has been welcomed as a transformative development for Punjab's industrial landscape by key industry leaders in the region. Upkar Singh Ahuja, president of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings, said, "This agreement is a transformative opportunity for Punjab's industrial and economic landscape." He emphasised that it will allow Punjab-based exporters to gain a competitive edge through reduced tariffs and improved market access, leading to a significant increase in exports. "It paves the way for technology exchange, skill development, and joint ventures, particularly MSMEs," he said. Echoing similar sentiments, Pankaj Sharma, president of the Association of Trade & Industrial Undertakings, hailed the pact as a "historic development" that will reshape India-UK trade relations over the next five years. "This landmark pact will double India-UK trade by eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports," Sharma said, adding that labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, garments, footwear, and jewellery would gain the most. Pointing out the implications for Punjab specifically, Sharma said cities like Ludhiana, home to a vast network of textile and hosiery units, and Jalandhar renowned for its sports goods industry, stand to benefit directly. "Zero tariffs on textile exports will allow our manufacturers to compete on equal footing with countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Cambodia," he added. The agreement also grants tariff exemptions on exports of basmati rice, fruits, and cotton, major agricultural commodities from Punjab, thus promising a boost for farmers and agro-industries. Sharma further added that the FTA would open up new horizons for young entrepreneurs, especially those working in emerging sectors and advanced manufacturing technologies. BOX BOOST TO BIZ TIES By providing duty-free access to the UK market for key products such as textiles, auto components, tractor parts, and sports goods, including soccer balls, cricket gear, and non-electronic toys, as well as packaged food and vegetables, the FTA will strengthen our manufacturing sectors, known globally for quality and innovation Upkar Singh Ahuja, president, Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings This landmark pact will double India-UK trade by eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports. Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, garments, footwear, and jewellery will gain the most Pankaj Sharma, president, Association of Trade & Industrial Undertakings
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
India-UK trade deal to be game-changer for exports, MSMEs: Punjab industrialists
The recently signed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has drawn widespread reaction from Punjab industrialists, who believe the deal could significantly boost the state's exports, manufacturing capabilities, and employment landscape. The agreement promises duty-free access to UK markets for several sectors that form the backbone of Punjab's economy, including textiles, cycle parts, auto components, sports goods, and agribusiness. Dicky Chhabra, Convenor of the United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), termed the agreement a mixed opportunity for the bicycle industry. 'The trade agreement provides both opportunities and challenges. Tariff reductions can boost exports of Indian bicycles and components to the UK, especially in the budget and mid-range segments. However, Indian manufacturers may face increased competition from UK and European brands if imports become cheaper.' She added that the deal could encourage joint ventures, R&D collaborations, and access to advanced manufacturing technology, which is the 'need of the hour.' To maximise gains, the Indian cycle industry must focus on quality upgrades and alignment with international standards. Upkar Singh Ahuja, President of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU), described the deal as a 'game-changer for Punjab's industrial and economic growth.' 'The landmark agreement is expected to bring major benefits across the state by providing duty-free access to the UK market for key products such as textiles, auto components, tractor parts, and sports goods including soccer balls, cricket gear, and non-electronic toys. Punjab's manufacturing sectors will gain a competitive edge through increased exports, reduced tariffs, and improved market access,' he said. Badish Jindal, president of the All Industries and Trade Forum, said, 'The agreement paves the way for technology exchange, skill development, and joint ventures, especially benefiting MSMEs. CETA will not only boost trade volumes but also contribute to employment generation. CICU strongly supports this progressive step. It will benefit the Punjab market specifically as it will help increase exports of auto parts, textiles, fasteners, hand tools, and garments from the state. Punjab is a hub of these manufacturing units.' Raghav Chaudhary, managing director of Crescendo Global Leadership Hiring, said the agreement is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits to Punjab.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
CICU bid to bridge skills-demand gap
Ludhiana: Taking a step forward towards aligning youth skills with modern industry demands, the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) started its reverse engineering course with the first batch of students at the CICU Complex Saturday. The two-month course titled 'Industrial Designer Reverse Engineering and New Product Development' has about 15 students in the maiden batch. Among them are also BTech graduates, who want hands-on training, besides others who aim to float their own entrepreneurial ventures. The eligibility for the course is Class XII pass. The programme offers training in measuring instruments, 2D and 3D design using SolidWorks, basics of surface modeling, 3D scanning, and reverse engineering of part designs. Participants also learn 3D printing techniques and apply their learnings in a capstone project, which involves designing a toy from scratch. This comprehensive approach is intended to help learners grasp the complete product development cycle from analysis to design and finally, to fabrication. Satisfied with the enthusiastic participation of students, CICU president Upkar Singh Ahuja underlined the significance of skill-based education.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Waste treatment & mgmt discussed at water conclave
Ludhiana: Ludhiana Water Conclave, a focused industry gathering aimed at addressing the critical issues of wastewater treatment and sustainable water management across industrial sectors, was held here Saturday. It was organised by Water Today in association with the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) and the Auto Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA). The conclave brought together leading industry experts, technology providers, and policymakers for a day of dialogue, demonstration, and collaboration. The event provided a timely platform to discuss practical, scalable, and regulatory-compliant wastewater treatment solutions, especially in the context of water-intensive sectors like textile processing, electroplating, and auto component manufacturing. Inaugurating the event, Upkar Singh Ahuja, president of CICU, emphasised the importance of such platforms in catalysing environmental responsibility within industry operations. He also emphasised on the importance of rainwater harvesting in industrial units. Gurpreet Singh Kahlon, vice-president of APMA, underlined the need for industries in Ludhiana and beyond to adopt cutting-edge water conservation and recycling technologies. Lalit Handa, CEO & director (operations), Spray Engineering Devices, said, "Ludhiana is a hub of industrial growth, and with that comes the responsibility of sustainable water usage. This conclave has been designed to empower industry leaders with knowledge, solutions & partnerships that support eco-friendly and compliant wastewater practices." tnn
