Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday called for greater export competitiveness, product and market diversification, and stronger engagement with international buyers during an interaction with representatives of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in New Delhi.
The interaction reviewed the prevailing export scenario, emerging opportunities and challenges in international trade, and measures to further strengthen India’s export competitiveness, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Goyal highlighted the evolving global trade environment, characterised by geopolitical uncertainties, changes in tariff structures, supply chain realignments and emerging regulatory requirements in major international markets. He noted that these developments pose challenges for exporters but also offer opportunities for India to strengthen its position as a reliable and competitive global trading partner.
Focus on Quality, Innovation and Global Value Chains
The Minister emphasised the need for Indian industry to remain agile and responsive to the changing international business environment. He encouraged exporters to improve product quality, innovation, cost competitiveness, reliability of supply and compliance with international standards to enhance India’s participation in global value chains.
Referring to his recent international engagements, including visits to Germany and the Netherlands, Goyal highlighted the growing interest in India as a manufacturing, sourcing and investment destination.
He stressed the importance of translating these engagements into tangible business outcomes through sustained interaction between Indian industry and overseas businesses. He encouraged EPCs to engage proactively with their international counterparts, identify potential buyers and facilitate business partnerships in established and emerging markets.
Leverage Free Trade Agreements to Boost Exports
Goyal highlighted the importance of leveraging opportunities arising from India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements and economic partnerships. He emphasised that preferential market access under these agreements must translate into increased exports, greater market penetration and wider participation of Indian enterprises in international trade.
He encouraged EPCs to undertake sector-specific assessments of export opportunities in partner countries and strengthen exporters’ awareness of applicable trade preferences, standards and market requirements.
The Minister also called for a focused approach to product and market diversification in response to changing global demand and emerging supply chain opportunities. He encouraged EPCs to identify products with untapped export potential, explore new destinations and develop market-specific strategies.
He highlighted the importance of consolidating India’s competitive advantages in established sectors while building capabilities in emerging areas.
Export Promotion Mission to Address MSME Challenges
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to facilitating exports, Goyal highlighted ongoing efforts to improve ease of doing business, strengthen trade infrastructure and address challenges faced by exporting enterprises.
He referred to the Export Promotion Mission as an important initiative to address constraints related to export finance, market access and international competitiveness, particularly for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Highlighting the contribution of MSMEs to India’s export ecosystem, Goyal called on EPCs to expand their outreach to smaller enterprises, startups, new exporters and businesses in emerging export clusters and districts.
He stressed the need for practical handholding support, improved access to market intelligence and greater integration of these enterprises into global markets.
Calls for Data-Driven Export Promotion
The Minister encouraged EPCs to adopt a more data-driven and outcome-oriented approach to export promotion. He emphasised the importance of timely market intelligence, identifying sector-specific opportunities, monitoring international trade trends and resolving operational bottlenecks.
He also highlighted the need for greater collaboration among EPCs, industry associations, State Governments and field formations of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
During the interaction, representatives of the EPCs shared their perspectives on the international trading environment and sector-specific issues concerning export competitiveness, market access, logistics, regulatory requirements and trade facilitation.
The discussions provided an opportunity to exchange views on addressing exporters’ concerns and strengthening coordination between the Government and industry.
Government, Industry to Work Together on Export Growth
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to regular engagement with industry stakeholders, Goyal underscored the importance of collective efforts to make Indian products and services globally competitive and strengthen India’s reputation as a trusted trading partner.
The interaction reflected the shared commitment of the Government and Export Promotion Councils to work collaboratively towards expanding India’s export footprint, harnessing emerging global opportunities and supporting sustainable, broad-based export growth.
-PIB inputs
