Gujarat, India’s largest merchandise-exporting state, is looking to tap into a combined import market exceeding USD 1.08 trillion across India’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partner countries. The state government plans to showcase these opportunities at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027, scheduled from January 10 to 12 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.
Gujarat exported goods worth USD 110.6 billion in FY 2025-26, including USD 37.8 billion to FTA partner countries, accounting for nearly 34 per cent of its total merchandise exports. The state contributes almost a quarter of India’s merchandise exports.
Dedicated sectoral sessions at the summit will explore opportunities arising from India’s expanding network of trade agreements, particularly in chemicals and petrochemicals, marine products, agro-processing, gems and jewellery, textiles, apparel, engineering and automobiles. AYUSH, digital services and artificial intelligence are also emerging areas of export potential.
India’s FTA network has expanded significantly through agreements with Mauritius, the UAE, Australia, EFTA, the UK and Oman, alongside the concluded negotiations with the European Union and the agreement signed with New Zealand.
The agreements offer opportunities for manufacturers, entrepreneurs and women-led MSMEs by improving market access and competitiveness. Beyond tariff reductions, newer-generation FTAs also address digital trade, mobility, sustainability, innovation and regulatory cooperation.
The Gujarat government aims to connect international markets with the state’s industrial clusters through the summit, promoting investment, trade partnerships and collaboration. Better utilisation of preferential market access, aligned with district-level industrial strengths, is expected to strengthen Gujarat’s role in global manufacturing and supply chains and support India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.