Govt Strengthens Export Diversification Through FTAs, Export Promotion and Logistics Reforms

New Delhi, Jul 22 (KNN) The Government has undertaken measures to diversify India's export markets through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), trade negotiations, export promotion initiatives, e-commerce export infrastructure and logistics reforms.

The information was provided by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

Recent trade agreements include the India–Mauritius CECPA, India–UAE CEPA, India–Australia ECTA, India–EFTA TEPA, India–Oman CEPA, India–UK CETA and India–New Zealand FTA.

India–EU FTA negotiations concluded on January 27, 2026, while negotiations are ongoing with several other countries and regional blocs.

The FTAs aim to expand market access, promote bilateral trade and investment, address non-tariff barriers and support exports, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, apparel and leather.

The Government is also engaging with trading partners on standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade and other regulatory requirements.

The Export Promotion Mission, launched in 2025 with an outlay of Rs 25,060 crore for FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, includes the NIRYAT PROTHSAHAN sub-scheme for improving access to trade finance and NIRYAT DISHA for export quality and compliance, international branding, market access, logistics, warehousing and trade intelligence.

The Government is also implementing the E-Commerce Export Hub initiative on a pilot basis to support logistics, customs clearance and other export-related services.

The Districts as Export Hubs initiative identifies 3–5 products or services with export potential in each district for targeted interventions.

Export procedures have also been simplified. The RBI has relaxed export reconciliation requirements for small-value exports up to Rs 10 lakh, while the per-consignment value limit for courier exports has been removed.

Customs procedures have also been eased for the re-import of export rejects and returned goods related to cross-border e-commerce exports.

The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims to support integrated multimodal infrastructure planning and reduce logistics costs, while the RoDTEP Scheme provides refunds for eligible unrefunded duties, taxes and levies borne on exported products.

The Ministry of MSME has established 65 Export Facilitation Centres to provide mentoring and handholding support to MSMEs. Its International Cooperation Scheme also supports MSMEs in participating in international exhibitions, fairs, conferences and buyer-seller meets abroad.

(KNN Bureau)