Piyush Goyal Calls For Quality-First Manufacturing Strategy To Achieve $2 Trillion Export Goal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday stressed that quality must become the central pillar of India’s manufacturing and export ecosystem if the country aims to achieve its long-term economic ambitions. Addressing the first National Quality Conclave organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in partnership with the Quality Council of India, the minister said India’s global competitiveness will depend on consistent product standards and reliability.

Quality As The Foundation Of Viksit Bharat Vision

Goyal linked the quality push to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “zero defect, zero effect” framework, emphasising that manufacturing growth during the Amrit Kaal must balance productivity with sustainability. He noted that India cannot remain primarily a consumer economy and must position itself as a trusted global producer.

According to the minister, the concept of Brand India should represent reliability, trust and excellence in global markets.

$2 Trillion Export Target And Global Market Access

Goyal reiterated the government’s ambitious target of reaching $2 trillion in exports over the next six to seven years, including $1 trillion each in merchandise and services. He said this goal can only be achieved if Indian products consistently meet international benchmarks.

He highlighted that India has signed nine free trade agreements in the last few years with 38 developed countries, covering nearly two-thirds of global GDP and trade flows. These agreements, he said, are opening new opportunities across sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear and pharmaceuticals.

However, the minister warned that improved market access alone will not translate into growth unless Indian companies deliver superior quality.

Bridging The Domestic-Export Quality Gap

A key concern raised by Goyal was the existence of a dual-quality ecosystem in India, where products made for export often meet higher standards than those sold domestically. He urged industry to eliminate this gap and adopt uniform standards across markets.

Recalling a time when consumers actively sought “export quality” goods, he said India must move toward a single benchmark where domestic buyers receive the same level of quality as global customers.

India’s Modest Share In Global Trade

Despite strong capabilities in labour-intensive industries, Goyal acknowledged that India’s share in global trade remains relatively modest. He said sectors with high employment potential must leverage trade agreements and quality upgrades to expand their presence in international supply chains.

The minister also called on businesses to invest in certification, innovation and compliance systems that can support long-term competitiveness.

Policy Direction And Industry Responsibility

Officials at the conclave emphasised that quality standards are increasingly linked to sustainability, traceability and technological integration. Industry leaders were encouraged to view quality not as a compliance requirement but as a strategic advantage that drives exports, investment and job creation.

The government’s broader policy framework — including manufacturing incentives and trade agreements — aims to support this transition, but execution will depend on industry participation.

Conclusion

The quality-first push signals a shift in India’s manufacturing narrative from scale-driven growth to standards-driven competitiveness. As global supply chains become more demanding, consistent quality will be critical for India’s ambition to emerge as a major production hub and achieve its export targets.