THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JAIPUR, OCTOBER 17, 2026

The Department of Commerce has stepped up efforts to boost India’s export potential by sensitising businesses in Rajasthan about preferential market access under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), with a focus on helping exporters tap new international markets, strengthen competitiveness and integrate with global value chains.

The department organised a “Leveraging FTAs – Outreach Programme” in Jaipur to familiarise exporters with the benefits available under India’s trade agreements and provide practical guidance on their effective utilisation. The programme was addressed by Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Mohit Yadav, and attended by exporters from various sectors, representatives of the Rajasthan government, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Jaipur Special Economic Zone and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

The initiative assumes significance as India expands its engagement with the global economy and seeks to convert trade agreements into tangible commercial opportunities for domestic producers, farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and artisans.

India’s exports of merchandise and services are estimated to have reached USD 476.20 billion during April-September 2026-27, registering a growth of 13.84 per cent over USD 418.31 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, according to official estimates. Electronic goods, petroleum products, organic and inorganic chemicals, engineering goods, and cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products were among the major drivers of merchandise export growth in September 2026.

The outreach programme sought to help businesses translate preferential access into actual export orders through capacity building, targeted information and better coordination between the Centre, state governments, industry bodies and exporters.

India’s trade agreements with partners such as the UAE, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and the United Kingdom offer opportunities for eligible Indian goods and services to enter overseas markets on preferential terms, subject to the provisions and implementation status of the respective agreements.

The discussions in Jaipur centred on identifying export-ready products, understanding tariff concessions and rules of origin, complying with international quality and certification requirements, and strengthening links with overseas buyers.

The government has repeatedly emphasised the need for Indian enterprises to leverage these agreements by improving product quality, competitiveness and compliance with international standards.

At the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s capabilities should open new avenues of opportunity for other countries. In his Independence Day address on August 15 and on other occasions, he has highlighted the opportunities FTAs create for Indian producers, farmers and MSMEs, while stressing the importance of meeting global quality benchmarks.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has also underlined the commercial potential of preferential market access, urging businesses to take advantage of reduced or zero-duty access by focusing on quality, innovation and competitiveness. The opportunities, he has noted, extend to farmers, women entrepreneurs, young people, MSMEs, artisans and industry.

A key highlight of the Jaipur programme was a sector-specific presentation by Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Jaipur, Md. Moin Afaque, on export opportunities for the gems and jewellery industry under India’s recently concluded FTAs.

The presentation noted that India ranks eighth among global gems and jewellery exporters, accounting for 2.9 per cent of the USD 1 trillion global market. It also outlined import-market opportunities under the new trade agreements, including immediate duty-free access across tariff lines in each of the agreements, as stated in the presentation.

The session examined India's competitive position against major supplier countries and identified product categories and destination markets where Indian exporters could benefit from tariff advantages.

Emerging opportunities were highlighted in lab-grown diamond jewellery, coloured gemstones, traditional Kundan-Meenakari jewellery, smart and wearable jewellery, recycled and ethically sourced gold jewellery, and pearl and cultured jewellery.

These segments offer potential for Rajasthan, which has an established presence in gems and jewellery manufacturing, processing and trading. Better awareness of market-specific tariff concessions and buyer requirements could help businesses in the state expand their overseas footprint and diversify export destinations.

Beyond jewellery, Rajasthan has considerable export potential in textiles and garments, handicrafts, engineering goods, stone and minerals, and agricultural and processed-food products. The Rajasthan Export Promotion Policy (REPP) 2024 envisages exports of Rs 1.5 lakh crore by 2029 as part of the state's ambition to become a USD 350 billion economy by that year, according to the Rajasthan Economic Review 2024-25.

The Rajasthan Budget 2026-27 has also outlined the vision of Viksit Rajasthan @ 2047, with an ambition to build a USD 4.3 trillion economy by 2047. The state's development goals are aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

FTAs could create fresh avenues for farmers and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) to access overseas markets for eligible agricultural produce, millets, spices and processed foods, provided they meet importing countries' food-safety, traceability and other regulatory requirements.

For MSMEs and artisans engaged in textiles, handicrafts, jewellery and engineering, preferential tariffs can improve price competitiveness and support participation in international supply chains. Women-led enterprises and self-help groups could also benefit from export training, e-commerce platforms and buyer linkages, while larger businesses may explore investment, technology partnerships and market diversification.

The extent of benefits, however, would depend on the product concerned, the destination market and the applicable provisions of the relevant trade agreement.

The programme also highlighted the importance of connecting enterprises across Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bhilwara and other districts with international buyers and global supply chains. Improved access to market intelligence, export documentation guidance, logistics support and information on product standards can help first-time exporters overcome entry barriers and expand beyond domestic markets.

State government initiatives relating to industrial infrastructure, sector-specific export task forces, credit facilities, financial incentives, skill development, quality certification, technology upgradation and e-commerce are expected to complement these efforts.

The broader objective is to ensure that preferential market access under trade agreements translates into greater export participation, employment generation and livelihood opportunities across Rajasthan.

With India seeking to consolidate its position in international trade, the Jaipur outreach initiative underscores the importance of helping businesses understand not just the availability of tariff concessions, but also the practical requirements for using them effectively.