FTAs have opened access to 38 markets
India’s next leap in global leadership will be built through collaboration across food, agriculture and hospitality, backed by stronger value addition and market linkages, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has told international delegates at a mega event in New Delhi on 11 Mar.
Addressing inauguration of the 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair, the Minister highlighted that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) were expanding access across 38 markets while safeguarding farmers, fishermen and MSMEs.
India’s food and agricultural exports at nearly Rs.5 lakh crore annually, he pointed out, calling on upon stakeholders to work collectively towards making India the world’s largest exporter of agricultural and processed foods, citing the opportunities created by India’s expanding trade agreements and the growing global demand for Indian products.
He elaborated that the nine Free Trade Agreements concluded over the past three and a half years have opened “access to 38 developed and prosperous countries, and that India now has preferential market access covering nearly two-thirds of global trade—strengthening India’s position as an investment destination and enabling businesses to integrate into global value chains”.
At the same time, Goyal underlined that India’s trade negotiations have carefully safeguarded domestic interests—especially those of farmers, fishermen and MSMEs. He said sensitive sectors such as dairy have been protected, with no concessions to foreign producers, and that genetically modified (GM) products have not been granted duty concessions or market access.
He further clarified that key commodities such as rice, wheat, maize, soy meal and several varieties of pulses have been protected, and that concessions in sugar have generally not been extended to prevent imports that could adversely affect domestic producers.
Goyal encouraged farmers and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Rs.1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and to focus on food processing and value addition to access higher-value global markets, noting that an increasing number of small enterprises are entering the food processing sector and creating avenues for growth and employment.
Goyal welcomed Italy as the partner country for the 40th edition and said India should learn from best practices in Italy’s food and hospitality sector while building collaborations with Italian companies—steps that can help promote Indian cuisine, expand the global taste for Indian products and strengthen trade linkages.
He also pointed to opportunities arising from India’s agreements and partnerships with multiple regions and country groupings, and noted that negotiations with Canada are progressing while discussions with the six-nation GCC group have recently been launched.
From the organiser’s perspective, the 11 Mar inauguration also marked the introduction of several new visitor- and exhibitor-facing enhancements at the venue. In his address, CHAIRMAN, ITPO, Jawed Ashraf spoke about new elements being introduced this year, including Italian chefs conducting masterclasses, a larger culinary art competition, and a hospitality challenge at Bharat Mandapam. He also highlighted improved on-ground experience measures, including air-conditioned food courts, along with other newly introduced amenities. Fiinews.com
