The Department of Commerce, Government of India, organised a Chintan Shivir on “Opportunities for the Seafood Sector under the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)” on 3 July 2026 at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. The high-level brainstorming session was held on the sidelines of Seafood Expo Bharat 2026.

TEPA is India's first trade agreement with the EFTA member states comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Collectively, the EFTA economies account for a combined GDP of approximately USD 1.79 trillion and are among the world's leading players in merchandise and services trade. TEPA is also India's first operational trade arrangement with a European economic bloc, complementing the country's ongoing trade engagements with the European Union and the United Kingdom. The Agreement carries an ambition to facilitate USD 100 billion in investments into India and support the creation of one million direct jobs. It also opens avenues for technology transfer, joint ventures and collaboration with niche technology firms from EFTA countries, while significantly expanding export opportunities for fishermen and seafood stakeholders, particularly in coastal states such as Tamil Nadu.

TEPA offers substantial strategic advantages for Indian seafood exporters through significant tariff concessions. Under the Agreement, Iceland has eliminated its 55 per cent import duty on feed, including fish feed. Switzerland has reduced the import duty on fats and oils of fish (other than liver oil) from 18.05 per cent to zero. Similarly, Norway has eliminated its 13.16 per cent import duty on feed, including fish and shrimp feed, reducing the tariff to zero and enhancing market access for Indian exporters.

The Chintan Shivir was attended by Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Mohit Yadav along with representatives from Invest India, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Regional Office, Chennai, the Export Inspection Council (EIC), and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). Leading exporters from the seafood sector and businesses targeting EFTA markets also participated in the deliberations.

Addressing the participants, Shri Mohit Yadav provided a comprehensive overview of the India-EFTA TEPA and highlighted the wide-ranging trade and investment opportunities available to Indian businesses under the Agreement.

A representative from Invest India delivered a detailed presentation on emerging investment opportunities across the Indian seafood value chain. This was followed by a presentation by a DGFT representative outlining various export promotion and facilitation schemes aimed at enhancing ease of doing business and improving the competitiveness of Indian exporters. Representatives from EIC and FIEO also shared insights on regulatory requirements, quality standards and strategies for effectively leveraging the benefits available under TEPA.

A dedicated interactive open-house session served as a key highlight of the Chintan Shivir, providing seafood exporters with an opportunity to engage directly with government officials and policymakers. Discussions focused on market access, compliance with international regulatory requirements, and strategies for strengthening India's seafood exports to EFTA countries.

The Chintan Shivir concluded with a shared commitment by government and industry stakeholders to work collaboratively towards maximising the benefits of TEPA, leveraging tariff concessions, and expanding India's seafood exports in EFTA markets.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Garima Singh/ Ishita Biswas

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