Key Points

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reviewed India's FTAs and proposed SEZ reforms to enhance exports. He highlighted India's growing toy exports to 153 countries and flagged off litchi shipments to Qatar and Dubai. The UAE remains the top destination for Indian mangoes, showcased at the 'Indian Mango Mania 2025' event. Additionally, the National Skill Olympiad aims to boost seafood value-added exports.

Key Points: Piyush Goyal Reviews FTAs and Proposes SEZ Reforms for Export Growth

  • Commerce Ministry reviews FTAs and industry expectations
  • SEZ reforms proposed to ease procedures and boost exports
  • India expands toy exports to 153 nations with quality focus
  • Litchi and mango exports surge with global demand rising
2 min read

Commerce Ministry reviews FTAs, proposes SEZ reforms

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal discusses FTA reviews, SEZ reforms, and India's rising toy and fruit exports while pushing for manufacturing expansion.

"India is now manufacturing toys domestically and exporting to 153 countries, thanks to consistent policy support and strict quality standards. – Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, July 6

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday shared key highlights from the Ministry last week, where he met Export Promotion Councils and industry associations to review free trade agreements (FTAs), their impact, utilisation, and industry expectations from the ongoing trade talks.

Proposed SEZ reforms aimed at easing procedures and boosting growth were also shared during the meeting, as the minister urged industries to scale up manufacturing, diversify supply chains, and cut import dependence.

“India is now manufacturing toys domestically and exporting to 153 countries, thanks to consistent policy support and strict quality standards. At the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Expo 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, urged the industry to focus on strong branding, eye-catching packaging, and innovative design to tap global markets,” Goyal said in a post on X social media platform.

The first consignment of 1 metric tonne of rose-scented litchis from Pathankot, Punjab, was flagged off to Doha, Qatar last week.

“Also, 0.5 metric tonne of litchi was flagged off to Dubai, marking a boost to India’s fresh fruit exports. While mangoes, bananas, grapes, and oranges lead, fruits like cherries, jamuns, and litchis are gaining global traction, strengthening India’s potential in global markets and benefiting our farmers,” the Commerce Minister highlighted.

‘Indian Mango Mania 2025' was held in Abu Dhabi to showcase India’s finest mango varieties, including GI-tagged and regional specialities from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and several eastern states. Mango-based delicacies were also featured. The UAE remains the top export destination for Indian mangoes, informed the minister.

“The first National Skill Olympiad to promote seafood value addition and create a skilled workforce in the sector was held. It is an effort aimed at making India a global hub for value-added seafood exports,” he added.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As someone from Punjab, I'm so proud our litchis are reaching Gulf markets! 🎉 But government should also help farmers with better cold storage facilities - we lose so much produce to spoilage every year.
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Arjun K
FTAs are good but we need to be careful about opening our markets too much. Remember what happened with Chinese imports flooding our markets? Atmanirbhar Bharat should be the priority!
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Priya S
The mango promotion in UAE is brilliant! Our Alphonso and Langra varieties are world-class. Maybe next year they can include more women entrepreneurs in these exhibitions? #WomenInTrade
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Karthik V
While exports are growing, domestic consumers are paying higher prices for these premium products. Government should ensure farmers get fair prices without making fruits unaffordable for common people.
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Michael C
Working in Dubai, I can confirm the craze for Indian mangoes here! The 'Mango Mania' event was packed. Suggest adding online ordering options next time - many expats missed out due to work schedules.
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Divya L
Skill Olympiad for seafood sector is much needed! Coastal states have so much potential but lack trained workforce. Hope they include traditional fish workers in these programs, not just new entrants.

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