Department of Commerce FTA Outreach Programme in Jaipur
The Department of Commerce organized an outreach programme titled "Leveraging FTAs – Outreach Programme" in Jaipur, Rajasthan on October 17, 2026, to create awareness about the benefits available under India's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and facilitate 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 primary objective was to help Indian enterprises translate preferential market access under FTAs into export opportunities through targeted information, capacity building, practical guidance, and coordination among the Department of Commerce, State Governments, industry associations, and exporters. The programme assumed significance in the context of India's expanding engagement with the global economy, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal having emphasized the opportunities created by FTAs for Indian producers, farmers, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
India's Export Performance and Growth Trends
India's exports of merchandise and services have continued to register strong growth. Cumulative exports during April–September 2026–27 are estimated at US$ 476.20 billion, compared with 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: Gems and Jewellery Opportunities
A sector-specific 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 highlighted 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 with partners including the UAE, Australia, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, and the United Kingdom.
The presentation examined India's competitive position vis-à-vis major supplier countries and identified product categories and FTA markets where Indian exporters could benefit from tariff advantages. Emerging opportunities were highlighted 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.
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.
Programme Discussions and Practical Implementation
The programme provided a platform for exporters from Rajasthan to discuss opportunities under India's FTAs and the practical challenges involved in availing preferential market access. Discussions focused on identifying export-ready products, understanding tariff preferences and rules of origin, meeting quality and certification requirements, and strengthening connections with overseas buyers. These areas are important for enabling businesses to make effective use of the market access available under India's trade agreements.
FTAs can provide opportunities for Rajasthan's farmers and farmer-producer organisations (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.
Supporting Infrastructure and State Government Initiatives
The outreach programme seeks to strengthen Rajasthan's participation in global trade by connecting enterprises in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bhilwara and other districts with international buyers and supply chains. Greater awareness of trade preferences, export documentation, product standards, logistics and market intelligence can help first-time exporters expand beyond domestic markets. State Government support, along with initiatives for developing industrial areas and parks, sector-specific task forces focused on exports, and policies promoting credit facilities, financial incentives, market linkages, skill development, quality certification, technology upgradation and e-commerce, can further support entrepreneurship, employment and livelihoods.