Posted On:
30 OCT 2026 1:12PM by PIB Bengaluru
Government of Karnataka (VTPC) in collaboration with Department of Commerce (DGFT), GoI organised a state-level workshop on leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) on 30 October 2026 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. The workshop aims to raise awareness and facilitate the effective utilisation of India’s FTAs, with a focus on enhancing market access and strengthening Karnataka’s export competitiveness.
Shri M. B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the event and address the exporters. Principal Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department and Senior officials from the Government of Karnataka and the Government of India have attended the event, address the participants, and interact with exporters. The workshop has brought together nearly 200 participants, including leading exporters from the State, officials from the District Industries Centres (DICs) of the Government of Karnataka, representatives of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), and other stakeholders from the trade and industry ecosystem.
Hon’ble Minister said that the inked FTAs would significantly and favourably impact the key sectors in Karnataka namely agriculture, dairy, marine products and food processing; textiles, apparel and made-ups; engineering, electronics and semiconductors; and services. He said that Industries in Karnataka stand to benefit from India’s FTAs through zero duty or reduced tariff access to foreign markets, pruning of compliance costs, simplification of customs procedures, integration into global value chains and export competitiveness. He assured that the State Government is committed to fulfil the aspirations of Exporters growing their business globally.
Dr. Abhay Sinha, Director General, Services Export Promotion Council has made presentation on FTA opportunities in the services sector. Dr. Tamanna Chaturvedi, Trade Advisor, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), has delivered a session on recently signed FTAs, emerging opportunities for Karnataka, and suggested interventions to enhance the State’s export potential.
Through this outreach initiative, the Government seeks to strengthen stakeholder awareness, facilitate the effective utilisation of India’s FTAs, and promote greater access to international markets. The programme is expected to support the identification of sector-specific opportunities and practical interventions to enhance Karnataka’s export growth, particularly by leveraging emerging opportunities arising from recently signed FTAs.
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