THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, APRIL 28, 2026
Calling
for a wider exporter base and aggressive market diversification, Union Commerce
and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday urged Export Promotion Councils
(EPCs) and industry bodies to play a more proactive role in accelerating
India's export growth and helping the country achieve its ambitious $2 trillion
export target by 2030.
Chairing
a high-level meeting with representatives of 30 EPCs, apex industry chambers,
senior officials from the Department of Commerce, and the Directorate General
of Foreign Trade (DGFT) at Bharat Mandapam, Goyal stressed the need for
exporters to capitalise on India's expanding network of Free Trade Agreements
(FTAs) and unlock new opportunities across global markets.
The
meeting, held in continuation of the India-New Zealand FTA signing ceremony,
focused on strengthening India's export ecosystem amid evolving global trade
dynamics and rising geopolitical uncertainties.
Highlighting
India's robust export performance, Goyal said the country's total merchandise
and services exports touched an all-time high of USD 860.09 billion in FY
2025-26, registering a growth of 4.22 per cent over the previous fiscal. He
noted that key sectors including engineering goods, electronics,
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, gems and jewellery, and agri-based products have
maintained strong momentum despite persistent global headwinds.
He
underscored that this achievement must serve as a launchpad for India's next
phase of export-led growth under the Viksit Bharat vision. The Minister urged
exporters and industry associations to fully utilise FTAs with developed
economies to expand market access, boost outbound shipments, and generate
employment.
During
the meeting, the DGFT presented a comprehensive roadmap covering sector-wise
export performance, a KPI-based framework for EPCs, promotion of e-commerce
exports, the Districts as Export Hubs initiative, the proposed Digital Trade
Academy, and measures to address disruptions arising from the West Asia crisis.
The
presentation also highlighted progress under the Export Promotion Mission and
the ongoing special drive to expedite the Export Obligation Discharge
Certificate (EODC). DGFT emphasised that EPCs must function as equal partners
with the Government in promoting market diversification, integrating more MSMEs
into the export ecosystem, leveraging technology, and delivering measurable
outcomes.
Industry
leaders raised concerns over compliance costs, testing requirements, and the
challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing overseas markets. Responding to these
issues, Goyal assured continued government support through existing schemes and
targeted interventions aimed at reducing market entry barriers and enhancing
ease of doing business.
Discussions
also centred on expanding the pool of active exporters and strengthening
India's presence in both emerging and established markets. The Minister
encouraged EPCs to intensify efforts to onboard new exporters, particularly
MSMEs, while helping existing exporters scale up their global footprint.
Leading
industry bodies participating in the meeting included FIEO, GJEPC, AEPC, CLE,
EEPC India, CHEMEXCIL, TEXPROCIL, MATEXIL, CEPC, EPCH, SEAI, APEDA, SHEFEXCIL,
IOPEPC, PHARMEXCIL, NASSCOM, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHDCCI, and several other
prominent sectoral associations.
Reaffirming
the government's commitment to exporters, Goyal said India will continue to
strengthen its trade ecosystem through reforms, policy support, and close
collaboration with industry, further cementing its position as a trusted and
resilient global supply chain partner.
