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Fri, November 14, 2025
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Cabinet launches Export-First Portal to streamline customs and logistics
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 0:37 GMT by The Hans India- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Cabinet Moves to Give India’s Exports a Competitive Edge – A Comprehensive Overview
In a landmark decision aimed at turbo‑charging the country’s trade profile, the Union Cabinet of India approved a suite of measures designed to make Indian goods more competitive on the global stage. The announcement, made at a full‑scale Cabinet meeting on 26 April 2024, was delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was lauded by industry bodies, export associations and the market alike. The overarching theme of the decision set is “Export‑Led Growth for a Resilient Economy.” Below, we distil the key elements of the Cabinet’s package, unpack the logic behind each move, and trace how they align with India’s long‑term export strategy.
1. Streamlining Export Processes – The Digital “Export‑First” Portal
One of the Cabinet’s cornerstone initiatives is the launch of a single, unified digital platform – the Export‑First Portal – that will replace the current fragmented web of customs, logistics, and finance portals. The portal will: Centralise application for export permits, clearance, and documentation. Automate the customs clearance process using AI‑powered risk‑based screening to cut clearance time by up to 70 % for high‑value, low‑risk goods. Provide real‑time status updates and digital receipts that integrate directly with the Ministry of Commerce’s Integrated Trade Information System*.
In a related article linked from the Cabinet’s decision notice, the Ministry of Commerce highlighted how the portal will be rolled out in phases, starting with priority sectors such as textiles, leather, and pharmaceuticals. The portal’s design was inspired by the success of India’s Digital India initiative and is expected to ease compliance burdens for MSMEs that have historically struggled with the paperwork maze.
2. Tax Incentives and Fiscal Relief – Reducing Export Tariffs
Under the new framework, the government will lower the customs duty on a basket of goods that accounts for 25 % of India’s current export value. The tax cuts, which come into effect in FY‑24, will focus on: High‑tech equipment and agri‑processed goods that compete on price and quality. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and export‑processing units (EPUs) will receive a double deduction on import duties for machinery and raw material inputs.
The decision aligns with the Export Promotion Council’s recommendation (referenced in a linked report) that lower duties on high‑value goods can help Indian manufacturers win contracts in Europe’s and the U.S.’s increasingly tariff‑averse markets. The fiscal package also introduces a “Zero Import Duty” window for 12 months on semiconductors to support India’s emerging chip‑making ecosystem.
3. Logistics & Supply‑Chain Upgrades – Infrastructure & Connectivity
Cabinet approval was also given for a “Smart Logistics Initiative” aimed at addressing last‑mile bottlenecks. Key features include: Expedited customs clearance lanes at major seaports (Kochi, Mundra, Chabahar) and airports (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata) with dedicated freight corridors. Public‑private partnerships (PPPs) to upgrade port infrastructure, with a target of increasing container throughput by 20 % over the next five years. Introduction of Digital Cargo Tracking* to provide exporters with real‑time visibility across the entire supply chain.
An embedded link to the Railways Ministry’s latest freight capacity report demonstrates how the government’s “Dedicated Freight Corridors” will dovetail with this export initiative. The corridors are expected to shave off an average of 30 % of logistics time for perishable goods such as spices and seafood.
4. Export Credit & Financing – Boosting Capital Availability
The Finance Ministry, in tandem with the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Export‑Credit Agencies (ECAs), announced a new Export Credit Facility (ECF). The ECF will: Offer low‑interest, long‑term loans for exporters looking to expand production capacities or upgrade technology. Provide guarantees to banks for up to 80 % of the loan value, thereby reducing risk exposure and encouraging banks to lend to smaller export houses. Extend structured payment terms* up to 12 months for buyers in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 markets to improve cash flow.
A link to the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECG)’s recent white paper shows how similar initiatives in 2021 helped increase export volumes by 15 % in the first year.
5. Skill Development & Market Access – Building Human Capital
Recognizing that competitive pricing hinges on skilled labor, the Cabinet approved the “Export Skill Enhancement Programme”. This includes: Partnerships with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Industry‑Academia Consortia to develop sector‑specific training modules. A “Digital Apprenticeship” platform linking exporters with certified trainers in logistics, quality control, and international trade regulations. Targeted subsidies for SMEs to adopt ISO 9001 and ISO 14001* certifications, thereby opening doors to environmentally‑conscious markets in the EU and North America.
The linked NSDC brochure elaborates on the program’s “Micro‑Credit” component, which will allow startups to access up to ₹5 lakhs for training and certification.
6. Global Trade Partnerships – Expanding Market Reach
Cabinet officials reiterated India’s commitment to bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. Key highlights: Deepening ties with the EU, Japan, and the United Kingdom through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that provide reduced tariff access for Indian agricultural and pharmaceutical goods. Participation in “Made in India” promotion events across China, ASEAN, and the Middle East to showcase Indian innovation. Leveraging the Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) for “Export‑Promotion Zones”* that will provide 100 % tax holidays for exporters setting up production in partner countries.
A link to the Ministry of External Affairs’ trade policy review provides context on the newly signed “India–Australia Economic Cooperation Agreement,” which opens up a $30 billion export opportunity for Indian IT and software services.
7. Monitoring & Accountability – The Export Performance Dashboard
The Cabinet introduced a “Export Performance Dashboard” that will publish quarterly metrics on: Export volume, value, and composition across all sectors. Time‑to‑clearance statistics, customs compliance rates, and logistics efficiency indices. * Impact assessments of tax incentives and financing schemes on MSME exporters.
The dashboard will be integrated with the Economic Survey of India and the Annual Budget to ensure that policy adjustments can be made in real time. An external link to the Data.gov.in portal confirms that the dashboard will use open‑data principles to maintain transparency and allow industry stakeholders to access actionable insights.
Putting It All Together
The Cabinet’s package is a comprehensive, multi‑pronged approach that addresses process efficiency, fiscal relief, infrastructure, financing, skills, and market access – all critical levers for enhancing export competitiveness. The decision reflects a shift from a reactive policy stance (responding to external shocks) to a proactive strategy aimed at positioning India as a top‑tier global supplier.
Industry associations have welcomed the move. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)’s chief executive, in a brief note, said: “These measures are a game‑changer. By reducing the cost and complexity of exporting, we can finally compete on a level playing field.”
Analysts caution that the real test will be in execution. The digital portal’s success hinges on user training; the tax incentives must be communicated clearly to avoid inadvertent misuse; and the logistics upgrades will require coordination across multiple ministries. However, the Cabinet’s holistic plan, combined with the Prime Minister’s vocal endorsement, signals a clear intent to transform India’s export ecosystem over the next decade.
For readers who wish to delve deeper, the Cabinet’s press release includes links to the Ministry of Commerce’s Export Policy Framework, the Finance Ministry’s Export Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the Railways Ministry’s Dedicated Freight Corridors roadmap. These documents provide granular details on eligibility criteria, implementation timelines, and expected cost savings – essential information for exporters, financiers, and policymakers alike.
In sum, the Cabinet’s decisions mark a pivotal step in India's journey toward becoming a world‑class exporter. By aligning regulatory reforms with market realities and by leveraging technology, India is poised to boost its export volumes, diversify its product mix, and, ultimately, secure a more robust share of global trade.
Read the Full The Hans India Article at:
[ https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/cabinet-decisions-on-exports-to-improve-competitiveness-pm-1023191 ]
