Panaji: The free trade agreements (FTAs) signed by India with countries and blocs such as the UK, the European Union and Gulf nations offer opportunities to expand trade. However, businesses in Goa must overcome challenges to benefit from these agreements, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Monday.He said govt agencies must work with Goan entrepreneurs to identify products with export potential and help them access markets where they have a competitive advantage.“An FTA creates an opportunity, but businesses at the state level must be able to use it,” Sawant said at a workshop on leveraging FTAs organised by the directorate of industries, trade and commerce and the office of the directorate general of foreign trade.“For Goa, the opportunity lies in converting this wider market access into business growth. Our state has capable manufacturers and established MSMEs producing goods with genuine market potential. The next step is to help more entrepreneurs reach buyers beyond India,” he said.Sawant said global markets were increasingly opening up to Indian businesses as the country pursued an ambitious international trade agenda.“We are witnessing the most aggressive trade expansion in Indian history. In just six years, India has executed nine major FTAs spanning 38 nations. Govt of India has set a target of $2 trillion in total exports, and Goa must capture its rightful share,” he said.He urged Goan entrepreneurs to explore international markets for the state’s 15 geographical indication (GI)-tagged products, saying better packaging, international certifications, market research and an understanding of consumer preferences could help them compete in the premium segment.“These are premium heritage products waiting to be launched in international markets. We have to connect them with the right markets and buyers,” Sawant said.He urged the two directorates to engage with Goan exporters to identify opportunities under each FTA, including products and destinations with the greatest potential, certification requirements, logistical challenges and other barriers to exports.“Goa has an opportunity to build a stronger presence in global trade. I invite investors, manufacturers and exporters to consider Goa for their future plans. We welcome investment and production in Goa that create employment. Goa has a bright future, and in the next 20 to 25 years, we will see more exporters. The groundwork has already begun,” Sawant said.
