The central government has launched a new trade portal aimed at providing all necessary information related to exports and imports. This initiative, called the Trade Connect ePlatform, is developed in partnership with the Ministry of MSME, EXIM Bank, TCS, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal introduced the portal, highlighting its role as a one-stop resource for crucial information such as customs duties and regulatory guidelines. The portal is designed to bridge information gaps by offering extensive support and resources to exporters.
Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Kumar Sarangi noted that the platform will offer exporters real-time access to vital trade-related details and establish connections with key government entities, including Indian Missions abroad, the Department of Commerce, Export Promotion Councils, and other trade experts. The platform will serve over 6 lakh IEC (import-export code) holders, 180 Indian Mission officials, and 600 Export Promotion Council officials, among others.
The portal will provide a wealth of information, including product and country-specific customs duties, details on free trade agreements, trade services offered by various departments, non-tariff barriers, and information about global buyers and exhibitions.
Goyal emphasized that the portal will be regularly updated, with stakeholder feedback guiding its enhancement for a second version in 2025. He added that the platform will also be available in regional languages.
Sarangi mentioned that future updates would include additional services such as banking, insurance, and logistics.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal praised the platform, comparing it to a ChatGPT for exporters. He stressed that the success of India's export ambitions, including the goal of achieving USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030, depends on nurturing both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.
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