Commerce Ministry organizes “Leveraging FTAs” outreach program in Jaipur to boost exports

The Commerce Ministry on Saturday organised an outreach programme in Jaipur to help exporters understand and use benefits available under India's free trade agreements (FTAs).

"The programme aimed to help Indian enterprises translate preferential market access under FTAs into export opportunities through targeted information, capacity building, practical guidance and coordination among the Department of Commerce, State Governments, industry associations and exporters," the ministry said.

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The Department of Commerce organised the programme with participation from exporters, Rajasthan government representatives, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Jaipur Special Economic Zone and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Joint Secretary Mohit Yadav addressed the participants.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India's FTAs offer commercial opportunities for farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), artisans and industry. He urged businesses to make use of reduced- or zero-duty access by focusing on quality and competitiveness.

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The discussions in Jaipur covered export-ready products, tariff preferences and rules of origin, quality and certification requirements, and ways to connect with overseas buyers.

A presentation by Jaipur Joint Director General of Foreign Trade Md. Moin Afaque focused on export opportunities for the gems and jewellery sector under India's recently concluded FTAs. It covered potential in lab-grown diamond jewellery, coloured gemstones, Kundan-Meenakari jewellery, smart and wearable jewellery, recycled and ethically sourced gold jewellery, and pearl and cultured jewellery.

India ranks eighth among global gems and jewellery exporters, with a 2.9% share of the $1 trillion global market, according to the presentation. It also said the agreements covered offer immediate duty-free access across tariff lines.

India's trade agreements with partners such as the UAE, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and the UK offer Indian businesses opportunities to reach overseas consumers, buyers and investors, subject to the terms and implementation status of each agreement.

Rajasthan's key export sectors include textiles and garments, handicrafts, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, stone and minerals, and agricultural and processed-food products. FTAs can help farmers, farmer-producer organisations, MSMEs and artisans explore overseas markets, subject to product eligibility and the requirements of importing countries.