State-Level FTA Outreach Aims to Connect Small Businesses with Export Markets

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted state-level outreach on 21 October 2026 to help more people and businesses use India’s free trade agreements. The Department of Commerce is working with state governments to explain export opportunities to farmers, workers, women, young entrepreneurs, MSMEs and small firms. The initiative focuses on turning trade partnerships into practical market access for Indian products. State workshops bring officials, export-promotion bodies and local enterprises together to discuss preferential access, rules of origin, standards and market-entry requirements. Goa’s outreach programme offered sector-focused discussions and demonstrations of trade-support tools. Exporters also shared practical experiences of entering overseas markets. The wider aim is stronger coordination between central institutions, states and businesses so local products can benefit from trade agreements. Goyal said further outreach would help states identify and develop their distinct export strengths.