Department of Commerce FTA Outreach Programme in Jaipur
The Department of Commerce organized an outreach programme titled "Leveraging FTAs" in Jaipur, Rajasthan on October 17, 2026, aimed at creating awareness about benefits available under India's Free Trade Agreements and facilitating their effective utilization by exporters. The programme was addressed by Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Shri Mohit Yadav, and witnessed participation from exporters across sectors, representatives of the Government of Rajasthan, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Jaipur Special Economic Zone, and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
The initiative seeks to help Indian enterprises translate preferential market access under FTAs into actual export opportunities through targeted information, capacity building, practical guidance, and coordination among various stakeholders. The programme assumes significance in the context of India's expanding global economic engagement, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing in his Independence Day address and other occasions the opportunities created by FTAs for Indian producers, farmers, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while stressing the importance of meeting international quality standards.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal has emphasized that India's FTAs provide preferential access to markets accounting for a major share of global trade, creating numerous jobs and opportunities for farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, MSMEs, artisans, and industry. India's export performance shows strong growth, with cumulative exports during April–September 2026–27 estimated at US$ 476.20 billion compared to US$ 418.31 billion during the corresponding period of 2025–26, registering estimated growth of 13.84%. Major drivers of merchandise export growth in September 2026 included electronic goods, petroleum products, organic and inorganic chemicals, engineering goods, and cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products.
Sector-Specific Focus on Gems and Jewellery
A key presentation was delivered by Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Jaipur, Shri Md. Moin Afaque, focusing on export opportunities for the gems and jewellery sector under India's recently concluded FTAs. The presentation revealed that India ranks eighth among global gems and jewellery exporters with a 2.9% share in the US$ 1 trillion global market. It outlined immediate duty-free access across tariff lines available under India's new FTAs and examined India's competitive position against major supplier countries.
The presentation identified emerging opportunities in lab-grown diamond jewellery, coloured gemstones, Kundan-Meenakari heritage jewellery, smart and wearable jewellery, recycled and ethically sourced gold jewellery, and pearl and cultured jewellery. These opportunities are particularly relevant for Rajasthan given the state's established presence in the gems and jewellery sector.
Rajasthan's Export Potential and Economic Vision
Rajasthan has significant potential to contribute to India's export growth through textiles and garments, handicrafts, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, stone and minerals, and agricultural and processed-food products. The Rajasthan Economic Review 2024–25 outlines the state's ambition to become a US$ 350 billion economy by 2029 and achieve exports of ₹1.5 lakh crore by 2029, as envisaged under the Rajasthan Export Promotion Policy (REPP) 2024. The Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 also sets out the vision of Viksit Rajasthan @ 2047, with the goal of building a US$ 4.3 trillion economy by 2047, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
FTAs can provide opportunities for Rajasthan's farmers and farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) to access new markets for eligible agricultural produce, millets, spices, and processed foods, subject to food-safety, traceability, and other importing-country requirements. For MSMEs and artisans engaged in textiles, handicrafts, jewellery, and engineering, tariff preferences can improve price competitiveness and support participation in international supply chains.
The outreach programme seeks to connect enterprises in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bhilwara, and other districts with international buyers and supply chains, strengthening Rajasthan's participation in global trade. The programme emphasized that greater awareness of trade preferences, export documentation, product standards, logistics, and market intelligence can help first-time exporters expand beyond domestic markets.