CII Asks Industries To Harness FTAs To Boost Exports Globally
CII principal adviser (International Trade Policy) Sumanta Chaudhary said FTAs have evolved beyond tariff reduction into strategic economic partnerships, covering trade in goods and services, investments, digital commerce, sustainability, technology, and resilient supply chains.
VIJAYAWADA: Speakers at a seminar organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Vijayawada zone, on Friday asked the Indian industry, particularly MSMEs and exporters from Andhra Pradesh, to fully leverage the growing opportunities created by India's expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to enhance exports, improve competitiveness, and secure a stronger position in global value chains.
Those who participated in the seminar on "Growing Opportunities from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)" included exporters, policymakers, export promotion agencies, logistics providers, and industry representatives. The discussed strategies to maximise benefits from India's trade partnerships.
CII principal adviser (International Trade Policy) Sumanta Chaudhary said FTAs have evolved beyond tariff reduction into strategic economic partnerships, covering trade in goods and services, investments, digital commerce, sustainability, technology, and resilient supply chains. He asked businesses to understand Rules of Origin, compliance requirements, and investment opportunities to access global markets effectively.
CII Vijayawada chairman Abhinav Kotagiri said India's trade agreements with the UAE, Australia, EFTA, the UK and the European Union present major opportunities for expanding exports, attracting investments, and strengthening supply chains.
Dr. Murali Kallumal of the Centre for WTO Studies said India's recent FTAs provide preferential market access of up to 100 per cent in several partner countries, provided exporters comply with the Rules of Origin. He highlighted growing opportunities in services, including information technology, engineering, education, tourism, and professional mobility.
MPEDA deputy director Dr. Anand Gopal said Andhra Pradesh's coastline, ports, and seafood processing ecosystem give the state a distinct export advantage. APEDA assistant general manager R.P. Naidu called for greater focus on value-added exports, sustainability, ESG compliance, and global quality standards.
