India-EFTA trade pact likely to be implemented in next couple of months: Goyal
Piyush Goyal
said on Friday.
The two sides signed the
Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement
(TEPA) on March 10, 2024. Under the pact, India has received an investment commitment of USD 100 billion in 15 years from the grouping while allowing several products such as Swiss watches, chocolates, and cut and polished diamonds at lower or zero duties.
"I think it should come into effect, I believe in the next couple of months," Goyal said here at an event of SGS India.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Unsold Container Homes in Pampanga - Prices You Won't Believe!
Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
The
European Free Trade Association
(EFTA) members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Talking about the government's initiative to promote manufacturing of quality products in the country, Goyal said in the last 10 years, 156 quality control orders (QCOs) covering 672 products have been issued to cut import of sub-standard goods into the country.
Live Events
Till 2014, only 14 such orders covering 156 products were issued.
He added that huge opportunities are there for testing, inspection and certification business in India.
"We focused on high quality product manufacturing and it will help capture global markets," he said, adding India's exports growth demonstrates the country's good quality of goods and services that India offers to the rest of the world.
He also said that the government is gradually promoting third-party certification.
Goyal suggested the industry identify areas where testing is required so that the government can set up more testing labs and appealed to larger industry bodies to support MSMEs in upgrading the quality of their products.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Aquarius Daily Horoscope Today, July 05, 2025: What flows easy deserves your attention
Today brings you a fresh flow of energy. Instead of forcing things, notice what moves easily. The stars suggest that where ease exists, purpose may be hiding. Don't ignore what feels natural or joyful—these are clues to your next right step. You don't have to chase success or relationships. Let yourself notice what is already flowing without resistance. Trust that alignment doesn't always come with effort. Sometimes, the softest path leads to the most powerful outcomes. Aquarius Love Horoscope Today In love, notice which conversations feel light and which ones feel forced. If you're in a relationship, lean into the parts that feel effortless—shared laughter, silent understanding, simple joy. You don't need grand gestures every day. If single, pay attention to who makes you feel safe and free, not just excited. The love that flows without confusion or drama is often the one meant for you. Follow the feeling that feels like coming home, not the one that keeps you guessing. Aquarius Career Horoscope Today At work, instead of pushing yourself to chase results, observe where your energy flows naturally. What task do you enjoy without struggle? Where do your talents shine without trying hard? That's where your growth lives. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 이게 2025년 최고의 게임이 될 수 있을까요? 직접 확인해 보세요 Raid: Shadow Legends 더 알아보기 Today, follow curiosity over pressure. If something feels blocked, it may not be meant for now. Focus on projects that energise you. The universe is guiding you toward ease—not laziness, but alignment. When your effort matches your joy, success follows faster. Aquarius Money Horoscope Today Financially, today is about simplicity. The flow of money is often tied to the flow of trust. If you've been trying too hard to hold on, pause and review. Look at what spending brings peace and what creates stress. Easy, thoughtful habits—like automatic savings or choosing quality over quantity—will support you more now. Avoid risky decisions. Your intuition knows what's right. Follow the financial plan that feels stable, not flashy. A quiet, steady approach will bring prosperity in time. Aquarius Health Horoscope Today Your health benefits most today from listening to ease. If your body enjoys walking, take a walk. If your mind relaxes with music, play your favourite tune. Avoid extreme routines. Choose what feels sustainable and gentle. Your energy will guide you when you slow down enough to hear it. Don't punish your body with rigid plans. Instead, nourish it with rest, water, and light movement. Let your wellness come not from effort but from care. Flow brings healing. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
'National interest over deadline': Piyush Goyal on India-US trade deal progress
India will not hurry into signing a free trade agreement under pressure from any deadline, commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday, when asked whether a deal could be reached with the US in time for a July 9 deadline set by Washington. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal speaks at the inauguration of the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Exhibition.(Jitender Gupta/ANI) Speaking on the sidelines of the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Expo in New Delhi, Goyal emphasised that India is ready to make trade deals in the national interest but it 'never negotiates trade deals with a deadline'. When asked specifically about prospects of an interim US deal by July 9, he said any agreement would be announced only when 'fully finalised, properly concluded and in the national interest.' The minister's comments came as India's negotiating team, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, returned to Delhi Thursday after week-long talks in Washington. Despite having a draft interim agreement in hand, people familiar with the discussions said, key issues around automobiles and agriculture remain unresolved. The government has refused to fully open its agriculture sector, particularly around genetically modified crops and dairy products. The country remains unwilling to allow items like soybean and corn unless certified as non-GM, since GM crops are banned domestically. 'India was, however, willing to give some product-specific concessions where its farmers were completely protected,' said one of these people, asking not to be named. On dairy, India cited two main concerns: the subsistence-level nature of its farming, where millions depend on just one or two cows or buffaloes, and religious sensitivities around US cattle feed that includes non-vegetarian products. 'The livelihoods of millions of farmers are at stake as they could not compete with America's commercial-scale dairy farms,' said a second person, speaking on condition of anonymity. To protect its farmers, India has softened its initial demand for the US to completely revoke the 26% 'Liberation Day' reciprocal tariff that President Trump announced April 2, the second official stated. The tariff comprises a 10% baseline levy already in effect and an additional 16% country-specific tariff set to trigger July 9. India had originally sought withdrawal of all retaliatory tariffs but appears willing to accept partial relief in exchange for limited agricultural concessions. Outside of these negotiations, India on Friday told the World Trade Organization that it plans to go ahead with levies on some US goods in retaliation to Washington's higher tariffs on automobiles and their components. US' safeguard measures would hit $2.9 billion imports annually from India with $723.75 million in duties. 'Accordingly, India's proposed suspension of concessions would result in an equivalent amount of duty collected from products originating in the US,' according to a notification sent to the WTO. The current negotiations focus on an 'early harvest' deal covering goods alone, which would serve as a precursor to the first tranche of a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement expected by October 2025. That broader deal would include services and investment provisions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump agreed in February to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 through a full-scale agreement. Goyal noted India is simultaneously negotiating trade deals with multiple partners, having recently concluded agreements with the UAE, Australia and UK, while talks continue with the EU, New Zealand, Oman, Chile and Peru. 'FTAs are possible when both sides benefit,' Goyal said in Hindi. 'National interest should always be supreme.' The two sides will continue engaging virtually as the July 9 deadline approaches, the people cited above added.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Vakri Shani Approaches Rahu: How zodiac signs can unlock earning opportunities
Between 13th July and 28th November 2025, Saturn (Shani) will move into retrograde motion in Pisces and slowly inch closer to Rahu, the shadowy North Node of the Moon. This rare planetary combination has the potential to cause disruption—but also create powerful opportunities for growth, income generation, and financial realignment for all twelve zodiac signs. Saturn represents structure, karma, and long-term discipline. When retrograde, it asks us to reassess our choices, refine our methods, and revisit buried skills or responsibilities. Rahu, on the other hand, represents unfulfilled desires, unconventional success, and futuristic vision. Together, they form a cosmic push-pull: Saturn demands clarity and effort; Rahu fuels obsession and bold action. When these forces come together in the intuitive and imaginative sign of Pisces, the effects on our material world—especially income, career paths, and financial systems—can be unexpected and even groundbreaking. If you've been seeking change in your professional life or hoping to unlock new income streams, this is the perfect time to look inward, reorganise your approach, and take calculated, karma-cleansing steps forward. Let's explore how each zodiac sign can turn this Saturn-Rahu retrograde period into a portal of fresh earning potential and financial realignment. Aries For Aries, this Saturn retrograde unfolds in the 12th house, traditionally linked to isolation, losses, foreign lands, and spiritual growth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo While this may seem like a low-energy zone, it's actually a deeply intuitive space where hidden potential lies dormant. During this period, Aries natives can explore income from foreign clients, remote or freelance work, digital spiritual services, or charitable projects that turn into long-term platforms. Monetising spiritual gifts, dreamwork, or holistic wellness practices can offer profound returns. The key lies in working behind the scenes—rebuilding your empire from the inside out. Taurus Taurus natives have an open window to expand their income as Pisces falls in the 11th house of financial gains, long-term goals, and digital networking. With Saturn retrograding here, you're called to refine your approach to online platforms, restructure your financial plans, and reconnect with old contacts or clients. Rahu's futuristic energy urges you to take bold steps toward launching a digital product, investing in online business models, or joining forces with your network. This is the time to monetise your influence and position yourself as a thought leader within your niche. Gemini Geminis experience this Saturn-Rahu movement in their 10th house, directly influencing their career, public image, and authority. While Saturn retrograde may cause delays in recognition or promotions, it offers a golden opportunity to reassess your career direction and create more aligned paths for income. You might find yourself drawn to leadership roles, career pivots, or finally launching a long-planned business idea. If you've been working behind the scenes or underpaid, this is your chance to claim your professional worth and build a stable legacy based on real merit. Cancer For Cancerians, Pisces resides in the 9th house—ruling higher education, teaching, publishing, long-distance travel, and spiritual exploration. Saturn's retrograde asks you to revisit old knowledge or unfinished academic goals, while Rahu tempts you to leap into global platforms. Whether it's launching an online course, starting a spiritual blog, becoming a remote tutor, or expanding into international markets, this is the time to earn by sharing your wisdom. Long-term wealth can come from sharing your worldview through teaching, media, or global influence. Leo Leos navigate this retrograde in their 8th house, the domain of shared resources, joint ventures, transformation, and hidden assets. Though intense, this transit can be lucrative if handled wisely. You may receive unexpected financial offers, inheritance, or joint investment proposals. Passive income from insurance, affiliate marketing, or subscription models could rise. It's also a powerful time for Leos to monetise their emotional intelligence—psychology, therapy, astrology, or transformational coaching. Trust that discomfort now leads to deeper financial and spiritual integration. Virgo For Virgo, this transit lands in the 7th house of partnerships, business contracts, and client-facing ventures. You're being called to revisit old collaborations, restructure how you deal with clients, and build mutually beneficial relationships. Saturn retrograde might bring delays in partnership-based income, but Rahu invites innovative models—perhaps launching a co-branded project or returning to a successful joint venture. This is an excellent time to solidify service offerings, refine pricing, and attract long-term clients who value your expertise. Libra Libras experience this energy in their 6th house, which governs employment, routines, coworkers, and health. Saturn's retrograde asks you to clean up your systems, refine your work ethic, and stabilise your role within a team. Whether you're employed or self-employed, this is a period for creating reliable income through service, problem-solving, or systems-based work. If you've been underpaid or overworked, this is your opportunity to set stronger boundaries and seek out better, more structured opportunities. Monetise your ability to create order and efficiency in others' lives. Scorpio For Scorpios, Pisces activates the 5th house of creativity, children, risk, and self-expression. During this transit, hidden talents can be rediscovered and turned into profitable artistic projects, coaching offers, or creative business ventures. Rahu supports bold, out-of-the-box thinking, while Saturn ensures you remain grounded. Consider monetising content creation, creative writing, digital art, courses for kids, or romantic/intimacy coaching. If you've been suppressing your inner artist, this is the time to shine—and earn from it. Sagittarius Sagittarians experience this transit in the 4th house, which represents home, real estate, family, and emotional roots. While it may feel emotionally heavy, it's an ideal time to monetise home-based talents. This could include launching a home business, offering rental services, working in real estate, or selling handcrafted products from home. Saturn's retrograde helps you reflect on what 'security' truly means to you, while Rahu helps you think globally. Remote work, interior design, or family-led businesses can become new income avenues during this time. Capricorn For Capricorns, Pisces rules the 3rd house—governing communication, content, skills, marketing, and short-term travel. This is a time to use your voice to create money, whether through writing, podcasting, content creation, digital marketing, or teaching practical skills. Saturn retrograde helps you refine your voice and brand message, while Rahu opens up daring new channels—especially tech, storytelling, or social media. This is the perfect moment to turn your daily conversations or content into cash flow, especially if you've already built a base. Aquarius Aquarians experience this retrograde in their 2nd house—the house of income, savings, and value. This is a highly personal financial transition. You are being asked to review how you earn, save, and define your worth. You might discover a skill you've underutilised that's ready to generate new income. Saturn asks for structure—budgeting, long-term planning—while Rahu whispers, 'Try something radical.' Explore freelancing, consulting, building an asset-based income model, or updating your pricing to match your true value. This is the time to build financial security from within. Pisces For Pisces, the spotlight is directly on the self. Saturn retrograde and Rahu both move through your 1st house of identity, image, and life direction. This is an extremely powerful time for personal reinvention—and income generation through your own leadership. The retrograde will likely push you to step into more visible roles, start a personal brand, or redefine how you present your value to the world. Rahu supports bolder strategies, so don't shy away from creating offerings that reflect your unique journey. Whether it's coaching, personal storytelling, or art, your presence itself becomes your income source. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
