New Delhi, December 18
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body of Indian exporters, warmly welcomes the signing of the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a major milestone in India’s trade and economic engagement with the Gulf region. Concluded under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, and signed by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to deepening bilateral economic integration and expanding long-term trade opportunities.
Commenting on the agreement, FIEO President, S.C.Ralhan stated that the India–Oman CEPA is a transformational trade agreement that strengthens India’s export competitiveness across goods and services, enhances professional mobility, and supports inclusive and employment-led growth.
The CEPA secures unprecedented market access for Indian exports, with zero-duty access on 98.08 per cent of Oman’s tariff lines, covering 99.38 per cent of India’s exports by value. This near-universal duty-free access will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian goods and benefit key labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering products, plastics, furniture, agricultural and food products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automobiles, and sports goods. The agreement is expected to generate employment and strongly support MSMEs, artisans, women-led enterprises, and farm producers across the country, added Ralhan.
FIEO Chief notes that Oman’s strategic location makes it a vital gateway to the Gulf and Africa, and the CEPA will enable Indian exporters to integrate more effectively into regional value chains, diversify markets, and expand India’s export footprint. With bilateral trade already exceeding USD 10 billion, the agreement provides a strong platform for accelerated growth in merchandise trade.
The CEPA also delivers ambitious and forward-looking commitments in services, covering 127 sub-sectors including IT and computer-related services, business and professional services, R&D, education, health, and audio-visual services, unlocking high-value opportunities for Indian service providers. Enhanced mobility provisions for Indian professionals, including improved access and longer duration of stay for intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, business visitors, and independent professionals, will further strengthen India’s services exports and job creation, said Ralhan.
FIEO President further reiterated that in addition, the agreement facilitates 100 per cent FDI by Indian companies in major services sectors, introduces the first-ever comprehensive commitment on Traditional Medicine, opening new avenues for India’s AYUSH and wellness sectors, and provides important trade-facilitation measures. These include faster pharmaceutical approvals, acceptance of global regulatory certifications, mutual recognition of Halal certification, acceptance of India’s NPOP certification for organic products, and enhanced cooperation on standards and conformity assessment, helping address non-tariff barriers.
FIEO Chief exuded confidence that the India–Oman CEPA will play a pivotal role in boosting exports, strengthening supply chains, generating employment, and deepening long-term economic partnership between the two countries.
