Hon’ble Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal’s Remarks at the Launch of the India–US Trade Facilitation Portal

Namaste, distinguished guests and industry leaders. Good morning to friends in New York, Washington and across the United States and a very good evening to friends joining virtually from India.

It is indeed a pleasure to speak at the launch of the India-US Trade Facilitation Portal. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Consulate General of India in New York for conceptualizing and executing this important initiative in close collaboration with our Embassy and other consulates, and to Ambassador Kwatra for his dedicated efforts.

India and the United States share one of the world's most consequential economic partnerships, forged on shared democratic values, fueled by entrepreneurial spirit and driven by unrelenting pursuit of innovation. Our partnership is special.

A bilateral trade is growing rapidly towards the $500 billion ambition set by both sides, and this growth must also benefit MSMEs, our farmers, our fishermen, become more inclusive. We must focus in this era of digital transformation and resilient supply chains on becoming more self-reliant.

Today's launch is a timely, forward-looking step, adding momentum to digital initiatives like the DGFT’s Trade Connect portal. It reflects the depth and dynamism of our partnership.

Friends, technology is the bridge building trust and enabling direct engagement between Indian exporters and American importers. It also helps close the knowledge gaps on US regulatory and standards requirements from MSMEs and startups to ODOP and first-time exporters. We are ensuring that no Indian enterprise is too small to reach a US buyer.

For our services, exporters where the potential is enormous, this portal is, in a way, the runway to the United States of America. This will lead to all-round development, growth, local empowerment and global opportunities. This will provide a new world full of potential for all.

For a farmer in Punjab or a jeweler or weaver in Surat, for a software entrepreneur in Bengaluru or a farmer firm in Gujarat or Telangana, this is a world full of opportunities.

I am heartened to see the strong participation today and wish you all well. I urge all members of Industry Bodies, Export Promotion Councils and Chambers from across India and the United States to connect, make this portal part of your business, and help turn it into a powerful engine for US-India trade.

As honorable Prime Minister Modi said, and I quote, real engine carrying forward the relationship between India and America is our strong People to People relationship. I wish the India-USA trade facilitation portal tremendous success.

God bless all of you. Thank you very much, Namaste.