The Commerce Ministry on Saturday organised an outreach programme in Jaipur to help exporters understand and use benefits available under India's free trade agreements (FTAs)."The programme aimed to help Indian enterprises translate preferential market access under FTAs into export opportunities through targeted information, capacity building, practical guidance and coordination among the Department of Commerce, State Governments, industry associations and exporters," the ministry said.

Joint Secretary Mohit Yadav addressed the participants.Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India's FTAs offer commercial opportunities for farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), artisans and industry. He urged businesses to make use of reduced- or zero-duty access by focusing on quality and competitiveness.Live EventsA presentation by Jaipur Joint Director General of Foreign Trade Md.

Moin Afaque focused on export opportunities for the gems and jewellery sector under India's recently concluded FTAs. It covered potential in lab-grown diamond jewellery, coloured gemstones, Kundan-Meenakari jewellery, smart and wearable jewellery, recycled and ethically sourced gold jewellery, and pearl and cultured jewellery.India ranks eighth among global gems and jewellery exporters, with a 2.9% share of the $1 trillion global market, according to the presentation.

It also said the agreements covered offer immediate duty-free access across tariff lines.India's trade agreements with partners such as the UAE, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and the UK offer Indian businesses opportunities to reach overseas consumers, buyers and investors, subject to the terms and implementation status of each agreement.Rajasthan's key export sectors include textiles and garments, handicrafts, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, stone and minerals, and agricultural and processed-food products.

FTAs can help farmers, farmer-producer organisations, MSMEs and artisans explore overseas markets, subject to product eligibility and the requirements of importing countries.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)