Posted On:
02 NOV 2026 8:50PM by PIB Hyderabad
The State-Level Mega Outreach Programme on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) was organised by the Department of Commerce (DoC), in collaboration with office of Additional DGFT, Hyderabad and the Industries and Commerce Department of the State of Telangana, with ITPO as the Knowledge Partner and supported by National Turmeric Board, DoC.
The workshop aimed to sensitise exporters, manufacturers, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), industry associations and other stakeholders about the opportunities emerging from India's recently signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), enhanced market access and preferential trade benefits available to Indian exporters. The workshop covered an overview of the FTA opportunities and how FTAs can be leveraged across the sectors of Agriculture, Spices, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering, Chemicals, Food Processing and other sectors.
The programme brought together senior officials from the Government of India and the Government of Telangana, District collectors of six districts. Over 300 representatives from Export Promotion Councils, industry representatives from 31 locations and industry stakeholders participated to deliberate on strategies for leveraging Telangana’s export competitiveness and facilitating greater participation of local enterprises in international trade and global value chains. Shri J. Nikhil Chakravarthi, Director of Industries and Export Commissioner, Government of Telangana welcomed the delegates and industry representatives.
The session was inaugurated and addressed by Shri D. Sridhar Babu garu, Hon'ble Minister for Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana. He emphasised the initiatives taken by Government of Telangana to promote trade and investment to increase Telangana's share of India’s GDP and to facilitate the achievement of 1 trillion USD exports in the current financial year for the country. He also encouraged district collectors and state industry officers and representatives from the Industry to focus on export promotion and take the lead in leveraging the benefits arising from FTA opportunities.
Chief Secretary of Telangana Shri Sanjay Jaju addressed the session and encouraged the industry to take benefits of FTAs signed. He also encouraged the district administrators to work as economic ambassadors. He asked officers to assume role of facilitator, promoter, and hand-holder to ensure that there is a multiplier effect on the current levels of exports.
Ms. Petal Dhillon, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, spoke on the the conceptual understanding of FTAs, covering the benefits available to exporters, the framework for identifying trade opportunities under FTAs and the approach towards leveraging these agreements for market access, preferential tariffs, investments and technology. The benefits of FTAs for farmers, entrepreneurs, women, start-ups, youth and services was emphasized.
Sh Krishna Aditya, Special Secretary, Department of Industry addressed the gathering encouraging the exporters to reach out to them for availing benefits under various schemes, information on international markets, investing in Telangana and expressed that the State is keen on expanding its investment and exports. He encouraged the district collectors to focus on the export of key products from their district. Telangana Agriculture Secretary, Surendra Mohan IAS spoke about the export potential of various agriculture commodities of Telangana.
A dedicated session on Opportunities for Telangana across Recently Signed FTAs highlighted the existing and emerging export potential of the State's agricultural and industrial sectors. Discussions focused on identifying specific products and sectors from Telangana that could benefit from preferential market access under India's FTAs and which specific FTA could be persued.
Secretary, National Turmeric Board Ms N Bhavani Sri IAS spoke on Exports of Turmeric and Turmeric Products from Telangana highlighted the potential for expanding the international presence of Telangana's turmeric and value-added turmeric products.
Dr. R. Sampath Kumar, Additional DGFT, Government of India, highlighted the synergy between the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) and the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative, emphasising the importance of district-level export planning, strengthening export capabilities and facilitating market access for local enterprises.
The programme witnessed the participation of District Collectors from prominent districts of Telangana, including Ms. Priyanka, IAS, District Collector, Hyderabad; Shri Manu, IAS, District Collector, Medchal–Malkajgiri; Ms. Kushboo, IAS, District Collector, Mahabubnagar; and Shri Anurag, IAS, District Collector, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri and the Addl collectors of Ranga reddy dt and Addl. Collector Medchal dt.The District Collectors highlighted the export potential of their respective districts and the opportunities available under India's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), with a focus on strengthening district-level export ecosystems, identifying potential export products and facilitating greater participation of local industries and MSMEs in international trade.
The workshop also featured discussions on leveraging FTAs at the district level, opportunities in the Information Technology and Electronics sector (ITE&C), sensitisation on the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme and success stories of exporters who have benefited from India's existing FTAs.
A dedicated demonstration of the Trade Connect ePlatform familiarised participants with the digital platform and its role in providing trade-related information, market intelligence and export facilitation support.
The programme featured sector-specific breakout sessions covering five key sectors:
1. Agriculture: With participation from APEDA, Spices Board and the National Turmeric Board.
2. Gems and Jewellery: With participation from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
3. Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals: With participation from CAPEXIL and PHARMEXCIL.
4. Engineering and Electronics: With participation from EEPC India and PHDCCI.
5. Textiles: With participation from TEXPROCIL.
The sectoral discussions focused on identifying product-specific and country-specific export opportunities under India's FTAs, understanding preferential tariff benefits, Rules of Origin, applicable quality standards and other market-entry requirements. The sessions also provided a platform for exporters and industry stakeholders to deliberate on sector-specific challenges and explore measures to improve their access to international markets.
The deliberations underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among government departments, DGFT, Export Promotion Councils, industry associations and other institutional stakeholders to translate the opportunities available under FTAs into tangible export growth for Telangana.
The workshop reaffirmed the commitment towards strengthening Telangana's export ecosystem, promoting MSME participation in global trade, identifying district-specific export potential and enabling local products to access international markets.
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