Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced a series of outreach initiatives across India to help states and exporters make better use of the country’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and expand their presence in international markets.
The Department of Commerce is organising these programmes in collaboration with state governments to improve awareness of preferential market access, identify export opportunities and help businesses translate trade agreements into tangible commercial benefits.
Goyal said India’s recently concluded trade agreements have opened significant opportunities for exporters. The government aims to ensure that these benefits reach farmers, workers, women entrepreneurs, young people, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small businesses, enabling more Indian products to reach global markets.
Focus on state-level export growth
The outreach programmes will help states identify products and sectors with export potential and guide businesses on using the benefits available under various trade agreements. Practical support on tariff preferences, rules of origin, documentation and international market requirements can help exporters improve their competitiveness.
India has implemented FTAs with several trading partners and economic blocs, including the UAE, Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and New Zealand. These agreements offer varying levels of preferential access, subject to their respective provisions and eligibility conditions.
MSMEs and emerging exporters in focus
The initiative is intended to help smaller businesses overcome information gaps and understand how to access overseas markets. Better coordination between the Centre, state governments, export promotion councils and industry associations will be important in delivering practical guidance to businesses across different regions.
For exporters, greater use of FTA benefits could improve price competitiveness, support market diversification and create opportunities for investment and employment.
Goyal said more outreach programmes would be organised across the country to help every state unlock its unique export potential, improve utilisation of trade agreements and provide fresh momentum to India’s export growth.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader effort to move beyond negotiating trade agreements and ensure that Indian businesses, particularly MSMEs and first-time exporters, convert preferential market access into sustained export growth.