The Madhya Pradesh Export and FTA Conclave 2026 was organised on Thursday at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, Government of India. Jointly organised by the Department of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation, along with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the India Trade Promotion Organisation, the event witnessed participation from more than 800 exporters and entrepreneurs from across the state. The conclave featured an inaugural session, a technical session, three panel discussions, two presentations and a concluding fireside discussion. Fourteen stalls showcasing the state's One District One Product (ODOP) and GI-tagged products, along with stalls of seven government institutions, were also set up at the venue.
MSMEs Account for Nearly Half of India's Exports: Minister Shri Kashyap
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Shri Chaitanya Kumar Kashyap said that MSMEs account for nearly half of the country's total exports. With the rising costs of electricity, labour and infrastructure in China, significant opportunities have emerged for Indian and Madhya Pradesh manufacturers in the global market. To capitalise on these opportunities, entrepreneurs must expand their production scale and capacity, thereby reducing per-unit costs. He said that under the trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union, zero-duty benefits on apparel exports require a higher share of Indian content in the products. With the PM MITRA Park facilitating the entire textile value chain, from fibre to spinning and weaving, apparel exporters in Madhya Pradesh will be able to benefit from these provisions.
Minister Shri Kashyap urged industry associations to identify the export potential of each industry and bring their recommendations to the government. He assured them that the State Government would make necessary policy changes, if required, to facilitate the growth of businesses, whether small or large.
₹1 Lakh Cr Export Target Achievable in One Year: CS Shri Barnwal
Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal explained how industries could maximise the benefits of trade agreements. He said that the government opens access to markets through trade agreements, but reaching buyers ultimately depends on product quality and pricing. Such agreements provide exporters with an additional competitive advantage to outperform their competitors. To achieve the export target of ₹1 lakh crore, he outlined three steps for industry associations. First, each association should identify at least five products from its respective sector that have the highest export potential. Second, it should identify the most promising markets for these products among FTA partner countries. Third, it should identify enterprises capable of exporting these products at the required scale.
Chief Secretary Shri Barnwal said that the export target of ₹1 lakh crore set by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav could be achieved within a year if industry and the government work together.
Addressing concerns raised by the pharmaceutical industry, he informed that approval for adding products to drug licences upon receipt of export orders would now take no more than two days. He also directed the Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation to establish a regular dialogue platform with industry associations.
Five New Initiatives Launched for Exporters
Minister Shri Kashyap and Chief Secretary Shri Barnwal launched five initiatives for exporters at the conclave.
The Madhya Pradesh FTA Action Plan 2026–27 outlines 31 action points under seven objectives.
The FTA Handbook for Exporters provides product-wise information on the benefits available under trade agreements, rules of origin and relevant contact details.
Through the FTA Helpdesk, exporters can seek assistance by calling 0755-2577145 or writing to export.investment@mpidc.co.in.
The MP Trade Portal's FTA Module enables exporters to select their products and check the applicable tariffs under different trade agreements.
Under the FTA Accelerator, 80 export units across four sectors will receive assistance in selecting suitable trade agreements, certification, pricing and arranging meetings with overseas buyers.
First Panel Discussion: Practical Application of FTAs
The first panel discussion, on the theme “Practical Application of FTAs”, was moderated by IM Global CEO Shri Ravi K. Tiwari. Experts from the India Trade Promotion Organisation, ICRIER, Chintan Research Foundation, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and Hind Pharma explained the export process, covering various aspects from dispatching consignments from factories to overseas buyers to understanding HS codes, rules of origin, certificates of origin and buyer-specific standards.
It was highlighted that tariff concessions are available only when the buyer claims them, and exporters must preserve records relating to the origin of goods for several years.
Second Panel Discussion: Madhya Pradesh Industry and Export Targets
The second panel discussion, on “Madhya Pradesh Industry and Export Targets”, was moderated by Pratibha Syntex Managing Director Shri Shreyaskar Chaudhary.
Representatives from LT Foods, VE Commercial Vehicles, Shreeji Polymers, Flexituff Ventures and Serve Foam discussed the markets in which they plan to expand exports under various trade agreements and the support required from the government to achieve these objectives.
Third Panel Discussion: Role of Government Institutions
The third panel discussion, on “Role of Government Institutions”, was moderated by Joint Director General of Foreign Trade Shri Abhishek Sharma.
Representatives from ECGC, EXIM Bank, CONCOR, India Post and the Apparel Export Promotion Council shared information on export credit, export insurance, rail freight transportation, exports through postal services and assistance provided by the respective institutions and councils. They also responded to queries from industry representatives.
Shri Sharma also made a presentation on the Central Government's Export Promotion Mission, while participants were briefed on the Trade Connect Portal.
Helpdesk, Portal and Accelerator to Address Information Gaps: MSME Secretary Shri Kingsley
Secretary, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Shri John Kingsley, said that information asymmetry in trade remains a major challenge for small exporters. Small entrepreneurs often lack information about the tariffs applicable to their products in different markets and the ways to avail themselves of benefits under trade agreements. He said that the helpdesk, portal and accelerator launched at the conclave would help bridge this information gap. The department would work towards achieving the export target within the one-year timeframe outlined by the Chief Secretary.
Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, Shri Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh, suggested that similar events should also be organised in other divisions and districts of the state. Managing Director of MPIDC Shri Chandramauli Shukla was also present at the conclave.
