Trade Pacts To Open Global Markets For Arunachal Farmers, Manufacturers: Piyush Goyal

Itanagar, Aug 8 (KNN) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India’s recent trade agreements are expected to create wider global market access for farmers, metal producers and manufacturers in Arunachal Pradesh, as the Centre looks to integrate the state more closely with international trade networks.

Goyal noted, “Arunachal Pradesh's farmers, metal producers, and manufacturers just got a direct line to global markets, thanks to the 9 new trade deals inked under PM Narendra Modi ji,” ANI reported.

In a post on X, the minister said, "The frontier state is now on the front line of Bharat's growth story.”

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s trade agreement network has expanded in recent years to include nine pacts covering 38 countries.  

Expanding Trade Network

India’s growing network of free trade agreements (FTAs) includes partnerships with Mauritius, the UAE, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the UK, Oman, New Zealand and the European Union, along with an interim trade framework with the United States.

These agreements aim to provide Indian exporters with preferential access to global markets through lower tariffs and reduced trade barriers, while also helping diversify export destinations amid evolving global economic conditions.

Opportunities for Agriculture 

Agriculture and horticulture remain key sectors for Arunachal Pradesh, where over 70 per cent of the population depends on farming. Products such as kiwi, Arunachal Orange and Adi Kekir Ginger have been identified as having strong export potential.

The state accounts for more than half of India’s kiwi production, making it the country’s largest producer. The Centre has been working to strengthen the kiwi value chain through improvements in cold-chain infrastructure, post-harvest management, processing, branding and traceability.

Infrastructure Key to Export Gains

Recent agreements, including the India–New Zealand FTA, provide duty-free access on a wide range of tariff lines and are expected to create opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and MSMEs. 

However, experts note that translating these benefits into higher exports will depend on strengthening logistics, processing capacity and market linkages.

Government initiatives such as the Arunachal Kiwi Mission aim to address these gaps by improving infrastructure and integrating farmers with domestic and international markets.

(KNN Bureau)