Goyal urges exporters to strengthen competitiveness through new trade deal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has asked exporters and industry groups to fully use the benefits of India’s recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with developed countries.

He stated that these agreements will boost exports while generating employment and establishing India's strength in international markets.

Industry interaction with export councils

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The minister met representatives from 35 Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and major industry associations that represent key export sectors, according to PIB release.

During the meeting, industry leaders appreciated the government’s efforts to promote trade and successfully complete trade deals with countries such as the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States.

Goyal said that the government signed these FTAs to give Indian farmers, workers, professionals, artisans, and MSMEs better access to international markets.

He explained that the agreements provide preferential access for Indian goods and services, which helps businesses to compete on a global scale. He also assured that India’s agriculture and dairy sectors have been protected in these agreements.

Protecting agriculture and promoting heritage sectors

In addition, he mentioned that traditional Indian products and services, such as medicines and yoga, will receive new global business opportunities.

The minister stated that the industry needs to improve its market expansion efforts and product development processes to achieve international competitiveness.

He stated that India has maintained strong international trade relations throughout its history, and the new agreements will help India achieve its developed nation status under the "Viksit Bharat" mission. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi”, which means that development must occur together with heritage conservation.

The Prime Minister and Commerce Minister received industry representatives' gratitude for their trade agreement work.

The United States approved the elimination of the 25 per cent tariff that applied to Indian imports. The United States Executive Order ended this tariff on February 6 2026.

Industry leaders stated that this action will enable India to regain its competitive edge in the United States market, which serves as one of India's primary export markets.

Labour-intensive sectors gain confidence

Business executives from the gems and jewellery sector and the textiles and apparel sector, the carpets sector and the leather and footwear sector, the marine products sector and the handicrafts sector and the engineering goods sector and the chemicals sector reported that tariff removal results in better business confidence and job security for their workforce, which includes many employees who work in labour-intensive fields.

Many important organisations attended the meeting. FIEO GJEPC AEPC CLE EEPC India, CHEMEXCIL, TEXPROCIL, MATEXIL CEPC EPCH SEAI APEDA SHEFEXCIL, IOPEPC India, SME Forum, BAA, and major industry chambers like FICCI, ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM and PHDCCI were part of these organisations.

The Ministry also gave presentations about the recent trade engagement with the United States.

The officials provided details about upcoming market prospects, compliance requirements, and export development methods. Industry representatives stated that this information will assist their export planning for priority sectors.

Export promotion mission strengthened

The discussion examined the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) government program, which helps exporters to achieve their objectives.

The government has already implemented three initiatives, which include providing interest subsidies on export credit loans, establishing collateral-free credit guarantees for MSMEs and offering market access assistance to specific programs.

The government intends to implement additional measures that will enhance trade finance and logistics, compliance, branding, and market expansion.

The minister assured that the government will maintain its commitment to export development while building international partnerships and establishing India as a dependable global supply partner.