North Bengal SMEs Poised to Benefit from India–UK Trade Pact, Say Officials at Siliguri Tea Forum
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs in North Bengal could see new growth opportunities as India and the United Kingdom move closer to finalising a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), senior officials and industry leaders said at a major industry forum held in Siliguri. The proposed trade pact is expected to open up new export avenues, encourage cross-border partnerships, and strengthen regional economies that are closely linked to agriculture, tea, tourism, and services.
The discussion took place during the ninth edition of the India Tea Forum 2026, a two-day event that brought together tea producers, exporters, policymakers, financial institutions, start-ups, and international representatives. With strong participation from across the value chain, the forum focused on sustainability, regulatory compliance, innovation, exports, tea tourism, and the evolving dynamics of global markets.
Trade Agreement Seen as Opportunity for Regional Growth
Addressing the gathering, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata said North Bengal Smes is well-positioned to benefit from the growing momentum in India–UK trade relations. He highlighted that the proposed trade agreement aims to reduce barriers, align standards, and create a more predictable environment for businesses on both sides.
“The India–UK partnership is increasingly shaped by shared economic goals and long-term strategic alignment. Regions like North Bengal, with strengths in tea, agriculture, logistics, tourism, and services, can play an important role in translating trade agreements into real economic outcomes,” he said.
He also noted that Indian SMEs have already demonstrated their ability to succeed in the UK market by adhering to international standards, maintaining quality, and building long-term trust. At the same time, British SMEs have found success in India through local partnerships and sustained engagement. Encouraging similar collaboration, he said deeper SME-to-SME partnerships could be transformative for the region.
Tea Industry at the Centre of Economic Activity
North Bengal’s tea sector remains one of its most significant economic drivers, providing direct and indirect employment to hundreds of thousands of people. Industry representatives at the forum underlined that any expansion in exports or tourism linked to trade agreements would have a multiplier effect across the regional economy.
The chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) West Bengal State Council pointed out that the tea sector alone involves more than 3.5 lakh registered micro, small, and medium enterprises, with nearly three lakh workers employed in plantations and factories. Thousands more earn their livelihoods through allied activities such as transport, packaging, machinery supply, and agricultural inputs.
He said policy changes at the state level are aimed at strengthening this ecosystem. “Recent land reforms in tea garden areas are expected to support diversification and attract foreign tourists. The state government has increased the land allocation cap for tea tourism to 30 per cent, which could help estates develop hospitality and experiential tourism projects,” he said.
Tea Tourism and Sustainability in Focus
Tea tourism emerged as a key theme during the forum, with participants discussing how heritage estates, homestays, and eco-tourism initiatives can complement traditional tea production. Industry leaders said that international visitors are increasingly interested in sustainable and experiential travel, offering new revenue streams for tea gardens.
Experts also stressed that sustainability and regulatory compliance will be crucial if North Bengal SMEs are to access global markets under any future trade agreement. Environmental standards, ethical labour practices, and traceability are becoming non-negotiable requirements for international buyers, particularly in Europe and the UK.
Speakers noted that many tea estates and small producers have already begun adopting sustainable practices, but more support is needed in areas such as certification, technology adoption, and access to finance. Financial institutions present at the forum discussed tailored products for SMEs to help them modernise operations and meet global benchmarks.
SMEs Urged to Prepare for Global Markets
While the potential benefits of the India–UK trade agreement were widely acknowledged, some participants cautioned that SMEs must be proactive in preparing for increased competition. Easier market access could also mean greater exposure to international players, making efficiency and innovation critical.
Entrepreneurs and start-ups attending the forum highlighted the need for skill development, digital adoption, and better logistics infrastructure to fully leverage export opportunities. They also called for clearer guidance on regulatory requirements and standards expected in overseas markets.
Officials responded by emphasising the role of industry bodies and government agencies in providing handholding support, including training programmes, market intelligence, and networking platforms.
Building Long-Term Partnerships
A recurring message throughout the event was the importance of long-term collaboration rather than short-term gains. Speakers said that successful trade relationships are built on trust, consistency, and mutual understanding, particularly for SMEs entering new markets.
The presence of international representatives at the Siliguri forum was seen as a positive signal, reflecting growing interest in North Bengal beyond its traditional role as a tea-producing region. Improved connectivity, expanding logistics hubs, and a growing services sector were cited as additional factors enhancing the region’s attractiveness.
Looking Ahead
As India and the UK move closer to concluding their trade agreement, stakeholders in North Bengal are being encouraged to position themselves early. Industry leaders believe that with the right preparation, North Bengal SMEs in the region can move up the value chain, diversify their offerings, and reduce dependence on traditional markets.
The discussions in Siliguri highlighted cautious optimism—while challenges remain, the combination of policy support, industry readiness, and international collaboration could help North Bengal translate global trade developments into local economic growth. Much will depend on how effectively regional businesses adapt to changing market expectations in the months ahead.
