Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, said that the multiple free trade agreements (FTAs) finalised in recent years have opened immense opportunities for Indian exporters, with the Narendra Modi government focused on channelling these benefits to farmers, workers, women, youth, MSMEs, and small businesses so they can carry more Made in India products to global markets.

FTA Outreach Push Across States

To ensure exporters can capitalise on these agreements, the Centre's Department of Commerce is rolling out dedicated FTA outreach initiatives in collaboration with state governments, Goyal said in a post on X. The minister specifically appreciated Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's participation in one such event in the state, noting his efforts to encourage local businesses to explore new export markets.

'More such initiatives will be organised across the country to help every state unlock its unique export potential, ensure greater utilisation of our FTAs and give fresh momentum to India's export growth,' Goyal said.

India-New Zealand FTA Comes Into Force

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement came into force on Tuesday, granting duty-free access for 100 per cent of Indian exports to New Zealand. According to official statements, the agreement will unlock significant opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, women, youth, and labour-intensive sectors, while also opening new pathways for Indian professionals.

Goyal highlighted that India's farmers will gain wider market access for fruits, vegetables, spices, and other agricultural produce, alongside cooperation mechanisms designed to improve productivity, support higher incomes, and strengthen rural livelihoods. Notably, sensitive sectors including dairy remain protected under the agreement, keeping farmers' welfare central to the government's approach.

Investment Potential and Business Opportunities

The minister also pointed to New Zealand's commitment to facilitate $20 billion in investment into India, which he said holds immense potential to strengthen manufacturing, infrastructure, services, and innovation, while supporting enterprise and employment creation across the country.

Goyal urged exporters, businesses, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs to 'make full use of this agreement, build lasting partnerships and translate its potential into tangible gains for our people.'

Broader FTA Strategy

The India-New Zealand pact is among a clutch of FTAs India has concluded in recent years, including agreements with the UAE and Australia. The government's outreach model — engaging state governments as co-implementers — signals a shift from signing deals at the Centre to actively driving utilisation at the ground level. This comes amid concerns that earlier FTAs were underused by Indian businesses, particularly MSMEs, due to limited awareness and documentation complexity. With export targets running into hundreds of billions of dollars, the utilisation gap remains a key policy challenge. How quickly businesses across states can operationalise these trade lanes will determine whether India's FTA push translates into measurable export growth.