Chandigarh, January 30
Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Punjab, Partap Singh Bajwa, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi drawing attention to the significant opportunity for Punjab arising from the recently concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to ensure that its benefits are equitably realised across states.
In his communication, Bajwa congratulated the Prime Minister on the successful conclusion of the India–EU FTA, which provides preferential market access for more than 99 per cent of Indian exports to a European market of nearly 45 crore consumers with an economy of approximately USD 21 trillion. He observed that the full potential of this agreement will be unlocked when states—particularly manufacturing- and agriculture-driven states such as Punjab—are meaningfully integrated into its implementation and follow-up mechanisms.
Highlighting Punjab’s strategic location and established industrial ecosystem, Bajwa noted that export-oriented clusters in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mandi Gobindgarh and other parts of the state are naturally positioned to respond to European demand in sectors including garments, sports goods, engineering, dairy processing, agri-machinery and agribusiness. He stressed that sustained investment in logistics efficiency, connectivity and time-bound clearances will be essential to convert tariff preferences into real competitiveness for Punjab’s exporters and MSMEs.
Bajwa also underscored the importance of reducing Punjab’s reliance on distant maritime routes by developing the state as a land-based trade and logistics hub linking India with Eurasia and Europe. He suggested that focused investment in rail freight corridors, dry ports, logistics parks, integrated check posts and modern customs infrastructure could substantially lower logistics costs while strengthening India’s overall export resilience.
Emphasising the spirit of cooperative federalism, the Leader of Opposition encouraged structured engagement between the Centre and the State in shaping sector-specific implementation roadmaps under the India–EU FTA. He also highlighted the need for targeted support to help MSMEs meet European regulatory, quality and sustainability standards, and for promoting State–EU partnerships in areas such as food processing, dairy, horticulture, agri-machinery and green technologies.
Bajwa observed that Punjab has consistently contributed to national priorities, from food security to defence preparedness and industrial growth. With appropriate infrastructure support, institutional coordination and inclusive trade planning, he said, Punjab can once again play a leading role in advancing India’s export growth and employment generation. He expressed confidence that the India–EU FTA presents an important opportunity to translate global economic engagement into inclusive development and livelihoods for the people of Punjab.
