DGFT Launches 'Trade Connect' e-Platform at 71st India International Garment Fair and 16th Toy Biz International Expo in New Delhi.

National

In July 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), officially launched its new digital initiative, the “Trade Connect” e-Platform, during two major business exhibitions—the 71st India International Garment Fair (IIGF) and the 16th Toy Biz International Expo.


      - The 71st edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) was inaugurated on July 1, 2025, by Union Minister of State (MoS) Pabitra Margherita, representing the Ministry of Textiles (MoT) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

      - The inauguration took place at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi, one of India’s largest exhibition spaces.

      - The 16th Toy Biz International Expo 2025 was organized by the Toy Association of India and held from July 4 to July 7, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This expo served as a crucial platform for connecting Indian toy manufacturers with international buyers and boosting exports under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Toyconomy’ missions.

Main Point :-   (i) The “Trade Connect” e-Platform, unveiled by DGFT during these events, is a centralized digital system aimed at streamlining international trade for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It offers a one-stop hub for accessing real-time trade data, certification services, tariff-related information, and eCommerce support for Indian exporters.

      (ii) The platform functions as an integrated trade intelligence and facilitation portal. It enables exporters to receive live updates on international market trends, upcoming trade fairs, and government certifications, helping Indian businesses to make timely and informed decisions in the global export landscape.

(iii) Additionally, the “Trade Connect” portal also acts as a secured electronic system for the issuance and verification of both preferential and non-preferential certificates of origin (CoO), simplifying the process for exporters and aligning with the government’s focus on ease of doing business and digital governance.

          ____________________________