Hyderabad: The Telangana government, with support from the Union Ministry of Commerce, will organise a state-level free trade agreements outreach programme at T-Hub Phase 2 in Hyderabad on Monday.
The programme aims to help exporters, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and entrepreneurs explore international markets through India’s existing trade agreements.
It will also identify products and sectors with significant export potential in Telangana. Officials will explain how businesses can use Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to expand their presence in overseas markets.
IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu will deliver the keynote address. He will also release a series of videos explaining the benefits and opportunities available under FTAs.
Free trade agreements outreach to highlight Telangana’s export potential
The free trade agreements outreach programme will examine opportunities for expanding agricultural and industrial exports from Telangana.
Surendra Mohan, Secretary, Agriculture, will present the state’s existing and emerging agricultural export potential. Meanwhile, Krishna Aditya, Special Secretary, Industries, will outline opportunities for increasing industrial exports.
The National Turmeric Board will highlight international market opportunities for turmeric, a major agricultural product of Telangana. Additionally, officials will discuss how districts across Telangana can develop into export hubs under the Export Promotion Mission.
Local exporters will share their experiences with earlier FTAs. They will also explain how these agreements helped them access international markets.
Officials from the Union Ministry of Commerce will brief participants on trade agreement benefits and rules of origin. They will also explain methods for identifying emerging international trade opportunities.
Sector-specific sessions to guide Telangana exporters
The free trade agreements outreach programme will include breakout sessions covering Telangana’s major export sectors. These sessions will focus on agriculture, gems and jewellery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, engineering and electronics, and textiles.
Representatives from Export Promotion Councils and commodity boards will participate in the discussions. They will provide sector-specific guidance and explain opportunities for improving access to overseas markets.
The sessions will also allow Telangana exporters to examine trade opportunities relevant to their respective industries. Furthermore, the programme will include a demonstration of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s (DGFT) Trade Connect e-platform.
The demonstration will introduce participants to the platform as part of the programme’s broader focus on international trade opportunities. An open-house discussion will follow the demonstration and conclude the state-level outreach programme.