DGFT pushes industry to convert trade agreements into tangible exports

India's Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Lav Agarwal has called on industry associations to take greater responsibility in converting the country's expanding network of free trade agreements into measurable export growth. Speaking to industry representatives, Agarwal stressed that preferential market access secured through FTAs remains underutilised unless backed by concrete action on the ground. He emphasised the need for industry bodies to actively mentor smaller and medium-sized exporters and help them navigate the opportunities presented by these trade pacts. Industry associations have been asked to work closely with government agencies to ensure that tariff concessions and market access benefits translate into actual shipments rather than remaining unutilised on paper. Agarwal highlighted the importance of district-level export planning, urging industry to engage with local administrations to identify sector-specific opportunities and remove bottlenecks in supply chains. The DGFT's remarks reflect growing concern that India's bilateral and regional trade agreements, while strategically valuable, have not delivered proportional increases in exports to partner nations. By strengthening coordination between government, industry bodies, and individual exporters, officials hope to unlock the commercial potential of existing trade frameworks and enhance India's export competitiveness in key regional markets.