The Industries & Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, organised a State-Level Workshop titled “Leveraging FTAs – Outreach Programme” at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Gandhinagar. The workshop aimed to sensitise exporters, manufacturers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) about emerging international market opportunities, enhanced market access and preferential trade benefits available under India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).The workshop brought together senior government officials, export promotion agencies, industry representatives and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Gujarat’s export competitiveness and enabling MSMEs to access international markets.

Ms. Kshipra S. Agre, Commissioner of MSME, Government of Gujarat, shared her inputs on strengthening the state’s MSME ecosystem and facilitating greater participation of enterprises in export promotion initiatives.

Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Managing Director, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), also shared his insights on the opportunities and priorities for strengthening Gujarat’s industrial and export potential.

Shri Yashvir Singh, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, provided inputs on leveraging FTAs and preferential market access, highlighting the importance of understanding trade agreements and identifying opportunities for Indian businesses in partner markets.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jayrambhai Gamit, Hon’ble Minister of State for Industries and MSME, Government of Gujarat, emphasised the need to leverage India’s FTAs to strengthen the competitiveness of Gujarat’s industries and MSMEs. He highlighted the importance of expanding export opportunities, improving product quality and enabling enterprises to benefit from international market access.

Shri Rahul Singh, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), shared insights on the Districts as Export Hubs initiative and the Export Promotion Mission, underlining the importance of district-level export planning and coordinated efforts to identify local products, strengthen export capabilities and connect enterprises with international markets.

A dedicated session on the Trade Connect ePlatform familiarised participants with the digital platform and its potential to support export promotion through access to trade-related information and market opportunities.

The workshop also deliberated on Gujarat’s existing and emerging export sectors, including chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering, ceramics, agriculture and food processing. Discussions highlighted the need for product-specific and country-specific export strategies, compliance with Rules of Origin and international standards, improved access to market intelligence, and stronger buyer–seller linkages.

The programme underscored the importance of coordinated action among government departments, DGFT, Export Promotion Councils, industry associations and financial institutions to translate FTA opportunities into tangible export outcomes. Through capacity building, export-readiness support and targeted market facilitation, Gujarat aims to strengthen MSME participation in global trade and promote a more diversified, resilient and value-added export ecosystem.

The workshop also featured sector-specific breakout sessions covering five key sectors: (i) Agriculture, Dairy, Marine and Food Processing; (ii) Textiles, Apparel and Made-ups; (iii) Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Medical Equipment, Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology; (iv) Gems and Jewellery; and (v) Engineering, Electronics and Semiconductors.

The sessions focused on identifying sector-specific export opportunities under India’s FTAs, understanding preferential tariff benefits, Rules of Origin, and applicable quality standards and non-tariff requirements. The deliberations also highlighted how MSMEs can benefit from these agreements by identifying suitable international markets, improving product quality and compliance, accessing market intelligence, establishing linkages with overseas buyers, and integrating into global value chains. The sectoral discussions are expected to inform the development of a comprehensive State Action Plan with targeted interventions to help Gujarat’s MSMEs convert FTA opportunities into tangible export growth.

The workshop reaffirmed the shared commitment to taking Gujarat’s products to global markets and strengthening the contribution of MSMEs to India’s export growth.

For effective implementation, district-level workshops on leveraging FTAs will be organised across every district of Gujarat. These workshops will focus on creating awareness among local MSMEs and exporters, identifying district-specific export opportunities, and facilitating access to relevant information, guidance and institutional support to help enterprises benefit from India’s FTAs.”

 

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