The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), successfully organised a workshop titled “Leveraging the UK-India CETA: A New Era for MSME Exporters” on 14 November 2025 at Vivanta by Taj, Kochi. The workshop brought together an impressive mix of government officials, trade experts, export promotion bodies, and industry representatives to explore emerging opportunities for Kerala’s MSMEs under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The workshop commenced with an engaging Inaugural Session, with addresses from Mr. Alex K. Ninan (Chair, FICCI KESC Task Force on Exports), Dr. James J. Nedumpara (Professor and Head, CTIL), Mr. APM Mohammed Hanish (Principal Secretary Industries, Government of Kerala), Mr. Richard Heald (UK India Business Council), Mr. Gurkaran Singh Bains (Commissioner of Customs, Cochin) and Mr. Hassan Ustaad (Indian Trade Services Officer). Insightful remarks highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement in enhancing bilateral trade, creating new market opportunities, and reinforcing economic partnership between India and the UK. Following the inaugural session, the workshop moved into technical discussions. Dr. James J. Nedumpara presented a detailed overview of the opportunities the India-UK CETA opens for Indian industry, while Mr. Vishishth Malhotra, Associate, CTIL, unpacked the nuances of SPS and TBT measures under the CETA. A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Dr. K Sreekumar, Professor, Jain University, brought together sector experts including Ms. Deepthi Nair S (Coconut Development Board), Mr. Basisth Narayan Jha (Spices Board of India), Mr. Anil Kumar P (MPEDA), Ms. Simi Unnikrishnan (APEDA), Mr. Anil Kumar P C (EPCES & CSEZ), and Ms. Sunanda Tewari (CTIL). Their collective insights highlighted how Kerala can strategically strengthen its infrastructure and policy ecosystem to fully leverage CETA-related opportunities. In the final leg of the programme, Ms. Imjot Kaur, Research Fellow at CTIL, walked participants through the work of CTIL’s Trade Remedies Advisory Cell. This was followed by an informative presentation on EXIM financial products by Mr. Arun Sukumaran from SBI. The workshop wrapped up with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Savio Mathew, Head, FICCI Kerala State Council, and a lively networking lunch that encouraged open dialogue among stakeholders - reinforcing a shared commitment to helping Kerala’s MSMEs make the most of the India-UK CETA framework.