July 17: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showcased its innovative ‘Trade Connect’ ePlatform at two major business-to-business trade events this month — the 71st India International Garment Fair (IIGF) and the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Expo 2025. The initiative aims to equip Indian MSMEs with essential tools and resources for global market access.
The 71st edition of IIGF, inaugurated on July 1, 2025, by Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs Shri Pabitra Margherita at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi, featured over 360 Indian exhibitors and attracted buyers from 79 countries, including the UK, Spain, Italy, and Germany. The Minister visited the Trade Connect booth, lauding the platform’s role in enabling exporters to connect with international buyers and access credible trade data.
DGFT also participated in the Toy Biz International Expo, held from July 4-7, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. With over 400 Indian brands present, DGFT organized live demonstrations of Trade Connect, showcasing how the platform helps MSMEs navigate tariffs, certifications, and trade regulations while simplifying access to verified global buyers.
What Trade Connect Offers:
-
Comprehensive Trade Information: Tariffs, certifications, trade events, and e-commerce opportunities.
-
Global Connectivity: Verified international buyers and Indian Missions onboard for direct engagement.
-
Digital Certification: Single-window issuance and validation for preferential and non-preferential certificates of origin.
-
MSME-Friendly Learning: Interactive multilingual courses on export processes and market entry strategies.
The platform, available at https://trade.gov.in, integrates Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, DGFT officials, and other stakeholders, making it a one-stop solution for exporters. By providing updated information and paperless processes, it reduces compliance burdens and improves trade efficiency.
DGFT announced that Trade Connect will continue its outreach at major upcoming events, including World Food India 2025 in New Delhi and the India International Jewellery Show in Mumbai, further expanding its impact on the Indian export ecosystem.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to boost MSME participation in global trade by creating a transparent, digital-first trade facilitation environment that strengthens India’s position in international markets.
 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showcased its innovative ‘Trade Connect’ ePlatform at two major business-to-business trade events){kind=link}