Hans News Service Vijayawada

FreeTrade Agreements (FTAs) have evolved beyond conventional trade arrangements into strategic economic partnerships that encompass goods, services, investments, digital trade, sustainability, technology and resilient supply chains, and Indian industry must fully leverage them to expand its global footprint, said Sumanta Chaudhary, principal advisor, International Trade Policy, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

He was addressing a seminar on ‘Growing Opportunities from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)’ organised by CII Vijayawada Zone on Friday.

The event brought together exporters, representatives of export promotion organisations, industry leaders, MSMEs, logistics service providers, trade professionals and policymakers to deliberate on the opportunities emerging from India’s expanding network of FTAs.

Sumanta Chaudhary said that with the multilateral trading system facing increasing challenges, FTAs have become the primary drivers of market access and international business expansion. He stressed that Indian businesses should understand the provisions and benefits of these agreements to enhance exports, improve competitiveness and integrate into global value chains.

The seminar focused on creating awareness among industry stakeholders on effectively utilising India’s FTAs to tap international markets.

Experts noted that India’s trade strategy has evolved from regional trade arrangements to comprehensive economic partnerships with countries across Europe, the Middle East and Oceania, covering not only trade in goods but also services, investments, digital commerce and sustainable supply chains.

In his opening remarks, Abhinav Kotagiri, chairman, CII Vijayawada Zone, said India is steadily expanding its trade partnerships with major global economies.

He noted that the country’s recent and ongoing FTAs with the UAE, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the UK, the European Union and other key markets reflect India’s growing confidence and ambition in international trade.

Dr Murali Kallummal of the Centre for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, highlighted that India’s trade agreements with the UK, the European Union, UAE, Oman, Australia and New Zealand offer unprecedented opportunities for Indian businesses to diversify exports and access new markets.

Dr Anand Gopal, deputy director, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), spoke of Andhra Pradesh’s vast export potential, particularly in marine products. He said the state’s long coastline, world-class ports and robust seafood processing ecosystem have positioned Andhra Pradesh as one of India’s leading export hubs.

CII Vijayawada chapter chairman Abhinav Kotagiri addressing a seminar on FTAs in Vijayawada on Friday