<p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="margin: 16px 0px; color: rgb(15, 17, 21); font-family: quote-cjk-patch, Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="">Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with representatives of Export Promotion Councils in New Delhi on 28 October 2026 to review India's export performance and discuss measures to strengthen competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain global trade environment </span><span class="">. The interaction brought together the government and industry stakeholders to assess emerging opportunities and challenges, and to deliberate on how India can maintain its export momentum amid geopolitical disruptions, tariff changes, and supply chain realignments in major markets </span><span class="">.</span><span class="_5f9bba8" data-citation-group="1" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;"><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2329839&reg=48&lang=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="1" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a><a href="https://www.ibef.org/news/union-minister-of-commerce-and-industry-mr-piyush-goyal-interacts-with-export-promotion-councils-calls-for-greater-export-competitiveness-and-market-diversification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="6" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a></span></p><p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="margin: 16px 0px; color: rgb(15, 17, 21); font-family: quote-cjk-patch, Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="">Goyal framed the current environment as one that presents both risks and opportunities. He noted that while geopolitical uncertainties and regulatory changes in major international markets pose challenges for exporters, they also create openings for India to strengthen its position as a reliable and competitive trading partner </span><span class="">. The message was that Indian industry must remain agile and responsive, focusing on product quality, innovation, cost competitiveness, and compliance with international standards to enhance participation in global value chains </span><span class="">.</span><span class="_5f9bba8" data-citation-group="4" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;"><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2329839&reg=48&lang=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="1" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a><a href="https://ddindia.co.in/2026/10/piyush-goyal-calls-for-export-diversification-greater-competitiveness-at-meeting-with-export-promotion-councils/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="11" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a></span></p><p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="margin: 16px 0px; color: rgb(15, 17, 21); font-family: quote-cjk-patch, Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="">A central theme of the discussion was the utilisation of India's expanding network of Free Trade Agreements. Goyal emphasised that preferential market access under these agreements must translate into increased exports, greater market penetration, and wider participation of Indian enterprises in international trade </span><span class="">. He encouraged EPCs to undertake sector-specific assessments of export opportunities in partner countries and to strengthen awareness among exporters regarding applicable trade preferences, standards, and market requirements </span><span class="">.</span><span class="_5f9bba8" data-citation-group="7" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;"><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2329839&reg=48&lang=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="1" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a><a href="https://www.ibef.org/news/union-minister-of-commerce-and-industry-mr-piyush-goyal-interacts-with-export-promotion-councils-calls-for-greater-export-competitiveness-and-market-diversification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="6" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a></span></p><p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="margin: 16px 0px; color: rgb(15, 17, 21); font-family: quote-cjk-patch, Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="">Referring to his recent visits to Germany and the Netherlands, Goyal highlighted the growing international interest in India as a manufacturing, sourcing, and investment destination. He stressed the importance of converting these engagements into tangible business outcomes through sustained interaction between Indian industry and overseas buyers </span><span class="">. The message was that diplomatic outreach must be matched by commercial follow-through, and that EPCs have a role in facilitating that connection.</span><span class="_5f9bba8" data-citation-group="10" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;"><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2329839&reg=48&lang=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="1" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a><a href="https://ddindia.co.in/2026/10/piyush-goyal-calls-for-export-diversification-greater-competitiveness-at-meeting-with-export-promotion-councils/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="11" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a></span></p><p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="margin: 16px 0px; color: rgb(15, 17, 21); font-family: quote-cjk-patch, Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="">The Minister also called for a focused approach to product and market diversification. He encouraged EPCs to identify products with untapped export potential, explore new destinations, and develop market-specific strategies, while consolidating India's competitive advantages in established sectors </span><span class="">. This reflects a recognition that reliance on traditional markets and products leaves Indian exports exposed to shifts in demand and trade policy that are outside India's control.</span><span class="_5f9bba8" data-citation-group="12" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;"><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2329839&reg=48&lang=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="1" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a></span></p><p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="margin: 16px 0px; color: rgb(15, 17, 21); font-family: quote-cjk-patch, Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="">The Export Promotion Mission was identified as a critical instrument for addressing constraints faced by exporters, particularly MSMEs. Goyal highlighted the Mission's role in tackling issues related to export finance, market access, and international competitiveness </span><span class="">. He called on EPCs to expand their outreach to smaller enterprises, startups, new exporters, and businesses in emerging export clusters, stressing the need for practical handholding and improved access to market intelligence </span><span class="">.</span><span class="_5f9bba8" data-citation-group="13" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;"><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2329839&reg=48&lang=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="1" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a><a href="https://www.ibef.org/news/union-minister-of-commerce-and-industry-mr-piyush-goyal-interacts-with-export-promotion-councils-calls-for-greater-export-competitiveness-and-market-diversification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="6" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a></span></p><p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="margin: 16px 0px; color: rgb(15, 17, 21); font-family: quote-cjk-patch, Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="">The meeting also emphasised the importance of data-driven and outcome-oriented export promotion. Goyal encouraged greater collaboration among EPCs, industry associations, state governments, and DGFT field formations to identify sector-specific opportunities and resolve operational bottlenecks </span><span class="">. Industry representatives shared their perspectives on the international trading environment and raised sector-specific issues concerning competitiveness, market access, logistics, and trade facilitation </span><span class="">.</span><span class="_5f9bba8" data-citation-group="16" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;"><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2329839&reg=48&lang=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" aria-label="1" style="color: rgb(57, 100, 254); transition: box-shadow 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-width: 2px 3px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; text-decoration: none; position: relative;"></a></span></p><p class="ds-markdown-paragraph" style="margin: 16px 0px; color: rgb(15, 17, 21); font-family: quote-cjk-patch, Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="">Looking ahead, the interaction signals that the government's export strategy is shifting from broad-based support to targeted interventions focused on FTA utilisation, market diversification, and MSME integration. The challenge will be translating these priorities into measurable export growth at a time when global demand is uncertain, shipping costs remain elevated, and trade policy in major markets is in flux. For Indian exporters, the immediate takeaway is that the government expects them to use the tools available—FTAs, the Export Promotion Mission, and market intelligence—rather than waiting for external conditions to improve.</span></p>
Goyal Reviews Export Scenario with EPCs, Calls for FTA Utilisation and Market Diversification as Global Trade Uncertainties Mount
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal interacted with representatives of Export Promotion Councils in New Delhi on 28 October 2026 to review the prevailing export scenario amid geopolitical uncertainties, tariff changes, and supply chain realignments. He urged exporters to leverage India's expanding FTA network, diversify products and markets, and improve quality and compliance to enhance participation in global value chains. The Export Promotion Mission was highlighted as a key instrument for addressing finance and market access constraints for MSMEs.
