Time to turn challenges into advantage, strengthen MSMEs & agriculture, says CII President Memani on US Tariffs

CII recommends diversification of trade, promotion of Indian MSMEs and strengthening of agriculture to counter the global uncertainties triggered by the US tariffs.

It's time to turn challenges into advantage by diversifying our trade, promoting our MSMEs, strengthening our agriculture and building new global alliances, Rajiv Memani, President of Confederation of Indian Industry, said on Wednesday.

"Indian industry must now invest in quality, branding, and technology to make our products and services indispensable worldwide," he added.


CII President Designate R Mukundan said that India stands by its farmers, manufacturers and MSMEs. "With policy support and industry unity, we will overcome this tariff and emerge stronger," he said.

At the CII India–Africa Business Conclave, Memani highlighted the importance of Indo-African ties saying, "India and Africa share deep historical ties and a common position in the Global South, and we are further strengthening our partnership across multiple areas."

"In today’s environment, marked by complex geopolitical conflicts and trade issues that are redefining commerce, this relationship is becoming even more pivotal," he said.

"Our partnership spans areas such as digital public goods, the use of technology in manufacturing, alignment of financial inclusion with government policies and the development of relevant digital systems," Memani said.

Speaking on India's trade relations with Africa, the CII President said, "In pharmaceuticals and healthcare, India is providing high-quality generic drugs and vaccines at affordable costs throughout Africa."

"The Pan Africa e-Network Project (PAeNP), which is still ongoing, enabled tele-education and tele-medicine for both African hospitals and educational institutions, where experts from India are providing insights and inputs across the continent of Africa," he added.

Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General at CII said, "The recent FTAs have unlocked vast opportunities and reflect a strategic shift towards deeper global integration, enabling Indian industry to expand its footprint and forge stronger economic partnerships worldwide."