Commerce Department Holds Jaipur Outreach to Boost FTA Exports

The Department of Commerce holds an outreach programme in Jaipur to help exporters use India’s FTAs, understand tariff benefits and access international markets, with a focus on gems, jewellery and other key sectors.

The Department of Commerce has organised an outreach programme in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to help Indian exporters understand and utilise benefits available under the country’s free trade agreements (FTAs). the “Leveraging FTAs” programme aimed to turn preferential market access into export opportunities through practical guidance, capacity building and coordination among government agencies and industry representatives.

The programme was addressed by Mohit Yadav, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, and attended by exporters from various sectors, representatives of the Rajasthan government, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Jaipur Special Economic Zone and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

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Discussions focused on helping businesses understand tariff preferences, rules of origin, quality certification requirements and ways to connect with overseas buyers. Exporters also explored opportunities under India’s trade agreements and arrangements with partners, including the United Arab Emirates, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and the United Kingdom. The benefits available depend on the specific provisions and implementation status of each agreement.

A sector-specific presentation highlighted opportunities for Rajasthan’s gems and jewellery industry. Potential growth areas included lab-grown diamond jewellery, coloured gemstones, traditional Kundan-Meenakari designs, smart and wearable jewellery, recycled and ethically sourced gold jewellery, and cultured pearls.

The programme also highlighted export potential in textiles, garments, handicrafts, engineering goods, minerals, agricultural products and processed foods. Better awareness of trade preferences and international standards could help small businesses, artisans, farmers and women-led enterprises reach overseas markets and improve their competitiveness.

India’s combined merchandise and services exports during April-September 2026-27 were estimated at $476.20 billion, compared with $418.31 billion during the corresponding period in 2025-26, representing estimated growth of 13.84%. Electronic goods, petroleum products, chemicals, engineering goods and cotton textiles were among the major contributors to merchandise export growth in September.

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The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to improve the utilisation of trade agreements and strengthen India’s export performance. By improving access to market information, documentation guidance, certification support and international buyer networks, the programme seeks to help businesses across Rajasthan translate trade preferences into practical commercial opportunities.