Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement has opened new avenues of trade for the state. He urged entrepreneurs of Haryana to take maximum advantage of this agreement. The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of a Haryana–European Union Working Group. He was addressing a meeting of the Haryana European Trade Association in New Delhi on Friday.
Nayab Singh Saini said that the emerging economic and strategic cooperation between India and the European Union is not merely a trade agreement. It represents a bridge of trust, partnership and shared future between civilizations rooted in strong democratic traditions and visionary development journeys. He described the agreement as a historic chapter that will elevate relations to new heights. The European Union, comprising 27 countries, is a vast and prosperous market known for its high quality standards and purchasing power. Through this landmark agreement, the doors of Europe are now fully open to products from Haryana and India. For enterprises, farmers and youth of the state, this is not just a new market but an ocean of opportunities. He emphasized that these possibilities must be fully utilized.
Focus on Product Quality
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of maintaining high quality standards in goods to build global trust and credibility. He said the India–EU agreement will increase demand for Indian expertise in sectors such as IT services, data science and supply chain management in Europe, generating millions of high-skilled employment opportunities. For farmers, he described the agreement as a new ray of hope, as fruits, vegetables and processed food products from Haryana will now directly reach major European markets. He remarked that when the hard work of Haryana’s farmers appears in supermarkets in Brussels, Berlin and Paris, it will reflect the strength of the state’s agricultural sector. He added that the real strength of the state lies in its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the combination of European technology and Haryana’s skilled workforce will elevate production capacity and quality to global standards.
Investor-Friendly Environment in Haryana
Nayab Singh Saini stated that Haryana offers a favorable environment for investors and the state government is fully committed to providing a transparent and reliable investment ecosystem. The government has simplified the single window clearance system, developed modern logistics parks and expressway networks, and undertaken labor law reforms to prioritize ease of doing business. He conveyed a clear message to investors to come to Haryana, invest and partner in shared success. He said that on the foundation of dignity in international relations, mutual respect and trust, collective efforts can build a better world.
Rapid Progress Towards Making India the Third Largest Economy
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to make India the third largest economy in the world and that work in this direction is progressing rapidly. He added that Haryana has set a target to build a one trillion-dollar economy by 2047, which requires collective contribution from all citizens. He highlighted that one of the most significant aspects of the European trade agreement is the zero tariff regime. Under this arrangement, industries such as textiles, leather and handicrafts will no longer face heavy duties, making their products more competitive in European markets. He projected an increase in exports by 30 to 40 percent, which will bring prosperity to weavers, artisans and small entrepreneurs. He further stated that the agreement will also open new opportunities in foreign direct investment, with leading European companies in sectors such as automobiles, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals likely to consider Haryana as a manufacturing hub.
Goal of the Government: Viksit Haryana
Haryana’s Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said that the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement of 2026 will add a golden chapter to history. Haryana, known as the industrial engine of the country, is ready to roll out the red carpet for Europe under this historic agreement. The state government’s objective is to build a developed Haryana and establish the state as a global manufacturing hub. He informed that the government is bringing the “Make in Haryana” Industrial Policy, built on the synergy of European quality and Indian talent. Haryana possesses skilled manpower, land availability and a strong industrial ecosystem.
On this occasion, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal; Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, K. Makarand Pandurang; Director General, Industries and Commerce Department, Yash Garg; CCI, HSIIDC, Sunil Sharma; and other senior officials were present.
