Piyush Goyal urges export bodies to leverage FTAs for stronger global presence, calls for greater competitiveness as Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urged Export Promotion Councils and industry bodies to fully utilise India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to expand the country’s footprint in global markets, emphasising the need for exporters to sharpen competitiveness and tap emerging opportunities.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with 35 Export Promotion Councils and key industry associations representing major export sectors.
He encouraged stakeholders to maximise job creation and increase exports of goods and services by taking full advantage of trade agreements signed with developed economies.
Goyal noted that these FTAs were designed to provide preferential access to global markets while supporting farmers, workers, professionals, artisans and MSMEs. He added that traditional Indian sectors such as medicines and yoga are also expected to gain international opportunities, with safeguards maintained for agriculture and dairy interests.
“Industry must now intensify its efforts to penetrate new markets, upgrade quality and become more competitive to take maximum advantage of trade agreements. India has made its mark in international trade since the ancient era. Our trade deals will accelerate our Viksit Bharat mission and carry forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’,” the minister said.
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Industry representatives expressed appreciation for the government’s trade-promotion initiatives and credited recent agreements with partners including the United Kingdom, European Union and the United States for strengthening export prospects.
Particular attention was drawn to the removal of an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports to the United States through an Executive Order dated 6 February 2026, a move expected to restore competitive market access and provide renewed stability to exporters.
The United States remains among India’s largest export destinations.
Sectors earlier affected by US tariff measures – such as gems and jewellery, textiles and apparel, carpets, leather and footwear, marine products, handicrafts, engineering goods and chemicals – stated that the rollback has rebuilt business confidence and safeguarded employment in labour-intensive industries.
The Commerce Ministry also presented details of its recent trade engagement with the United States, outlining market access opportunities, compliance frameworks and pathways for export expansion. Industry welcomed the clarity and reiterated its commitment to scale shipments in priority sectors.
Discussions further highlighted progress under the Export Promotion Mission, the government’s flagship framework to support exporters. Measures already introduced include interest subvention support for export credit loans, collateral guarantees for MSMEs and targeted market access initiatives, with additional steps on trade finance, logistics, compliance, branding and diversification set to roll out in phases.
Reaffirming policy continuity, the minister underscored the government’s commitment to accelerating export growth, deepening global integration and leveraging new trade agreements to position India as a trusted global supply partner.
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