Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has stated that the 'Made in India' label represents the country's reputation and dedication to quality, emphasizing that quality is not merely a corporate metric but a national duty. He made these remarks during a business plenary session in London on Saturday, June 28, 2026.
Florence Shoe Company as a Success Story
Goyal cited the international success of Florence Shoe Company, based in Ambur, Tamil Nadu, as an illustration of how Indian entrepreneurs are enhancing Brand India's reputation through top-notch manufacturing. He recounted the story of founder Aqeel Ahmed Panaruna, whose firm manufactures high-end Hugo Boss shoes. According to Goyal, an international consumer at Cairo Airport saw a Hugo Boss shoe, looked at the label, and discovered it said 'Made in India'. The shoe was manufactured by Panaruna's company.
"When you label a product 'Made in India', you are representing a country," Goyal stated. In a social media post, he added that quality is a national requirement for business owners like Aqeel, not merely a corporate statistic.
Impact on Employment and Sustainability
Goyal highlighted that Florence Shoe Company's work has not only put Indian craftsmanship on global shelves for iconic brands but has also driven large-scale rural employment, championed women's empowerment in manufacturing, and pioneered sustainable zero liquid discharge technologies.
"His work has not only put Indian craftsmanship on global shelves for iconic brands but has also driven large-scale rural employment, championed women's empowerment in manufacturing, and pioneered sustainable zero liquid discharge technologies," Goyal said.
UK-India Trade Agreement
From June 25–27, Goyal made an official visit to London to discuss matters pertaining to the execution of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the United Kingdom and India. The agreement, set to take effect on July 15, 2026, offers duty-free access to labour-intensive Indian goods, including shoes and leather products.
On June 26, Goyal announced the deployment of 1,000 advisory personnel across the country and the upgradation of the trade portal to help businesses maximise the benefits of the agreement. These measures aim to support Indian exporters in leveraging the preferential market access provided by CETA.
