New Delhi, June 22 -- Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India and the European Union are expected to sign their long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by December this year, with the pact likely to come into force between February and March next year.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai today, Mr Goyal said the agreement will provide Indian businesses access to almost the entire European market at near-zero duty levels, significantly boosting export opportunities. He said around 93 per cent of Indian exports are expected to receive duty-free access under the proposed pact, which was concluded in principle earlier this year after prolonged negotiations between India and the 27-member European Union bloc.

The Minister des...