THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 13, 2026

Odisha is exploring new opportunities in international markets by leveraging India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), with a focus on diversifying its export basket, strengthening the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and integrating local industries into global value chains, officials said on Tuesday.

A state-level workshop on “Leveraging FTAs – Outreach Programme” was organised here to sensitise entrepreneurs, exporters and industry stakeholders to the opportunities offered by India’s trade agreements and identify strategies to expand Odisha’s presence in global markets.

Addressing the programme, Minister of State for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Sampad Chandra Swain and Minister of State for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development and MSME Gokulananda Mallick stressed the need to convert trade agreements into tangible economic benefits for the state’s industries and entrepreneurs.

The deliberations highlighted the importance of expanding Odisha’s export portfolio beyond steel by tapping opportunities in engineering goods, automobile spare parts, agricultural and marine products, textiles, handicrafts, chemicals, gems and jewellery, and electronics.

Effective utilisation of FTAs could help local enterprises access new markets, diversify export destinations, attract investments and expand production, while creating employment opportunities for the state’s youth, participants said.

The workshop also emphasised the need to strengthen the capacity of MSMEs to meet international quality standards, understand overseas market requirements and respond effectively to changing global demand.

During the inaugural session, MSME Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Rashmita Panda delivered the welcome address, while Agrim Kaushal, Senior Economic Advisor and Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, outlined the opportunities arising from India’s trade agreements.

The technical sessions examined emerging export prospects and untapped potential in Odisha’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Manoj Singh, Assistant Director General of Foreign Trade at the Regional Authority in Kolkata, along with representatives of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) headquarters, shared insights into export promotion initiatives and mechanisms to facilitate international trade.

Participants were also introduced to the Trade e-Connect portal through a demonstration highlighting digital tools available to support trade-related activities.

A sector-specific interactive session, titled “Unlocking Odisha’s Export Potential: Strengthening MSMEs and Expanding Global Market Access”, brought together entrepreneurs and industry representatives to discuss challenges faced by local businesses, explore new opportunities and identify measures to improve their participation in international trade.

The session featured discussions across six sector-specific groups, with Startup Odisha CEO Smrutiranjan Pradhan delivering the valedictory address and summarising the key recommendations emerging from the deliberations.

The programme was attended by exporters, MSME entrepreneurs, startups, policymakers and trade experts, providing a platform for collaboration between government agencies and businesses seeking to expand their global footprint.

The initiative aligns with the Centre’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen India’s engagement with the global economy through trade partnerships and market-oriented initiatives. In Odisha, the government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is seeking to build on the state’s industrial strengths, promote enterprise development and enhance its participation in global value chains.

Director of Industries Aboli Sunil Naravane acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders during the inaugural proceedings, while Prafful Kujur proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme.

The workshop marked a step towards bridging the gap between international trade opportunities and the capabilities of local enterprises, with the broader objective of boosting exports, strengthening MSMEs and supporting Odisha’s industrial growth and economic development.