The Office of the Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, organized a state-level workshop on leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) on November 2, 2026, at T-Hub Knowledge City in Madhapur, Hyderabad . The Mega FTA Outreach Programme commenced at 3:00 PM and brought together nearly 200 participants, including leading exporters from Telangana, officials from District Industries Centres (DICs), representatives of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), and senior officials from both the Government of India and the Government of Telangana .
The workshop was designed to enhance awareness and facilitate the effective utilization of India's FTAs, with a focus on expanding market access, identifying emerging export opportunities, and strengthening Telangana's export competitiveness . The programme also aimed to help exporters, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and entrepreneurs explore international markets through India's existing trade agreements . IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu delivered the keynote address and released a series of videos highlighting the benefits and opportunities offered by FTAs .
A central feature of the programme was dedicated sectoral breakout sessions focusing on key export-oriented industries. These sessions covered pharmaceuticals, engineering, textiles, and gems and jewellery, while discussions also addressed opportunities across agriculture, dairy, marine products, food processing, electronics, semiconductors, and services . Additional focus areas included Telangana's agricultural export potential, opportunities for turmeric exports through the National Turmeric Board, and developing districts as export hubs under the Export Promotion Mission .
Officials from the Union Ministry of Commerce briefed participants on the benefits of FTAs, rules of origin, and methods for identifying emerging international trade opportunities . The sessions were structured to facilitate interaction between policymakers, industry representatives, and exporters, enabling the identification of sector-specific opportunities, addressing challenges in FTA utilization, and recommending practical measures to improve export performance . Local exporters also shared their experiences, explaining how earlier FTAs had helped them access international markets .
The programme featured presentations from key state officials on Telangana's export landscape. Surendra Mohan, Secretary of Agriculture, presented the state's existing and emerging potential in agricultural exports, while Krishna Aditya, Special Secretary of Industries, outlined opportunities for expanding industrial exports . The National Turmeric Board highlighted international market opportunities for turmeric, one of Telangana's key agricultural products, while officials from the Agriculture and Industries departments outlined sectors and products in which the state can expand its exports .
Representatives from Export Promotion Councils and commodity boards participated in the sector-specific sessions to provide guidance and facilitate greater market access for Telangana exporters . The breakout sessions allowed exporters to examine trade opportunities relevant to their respective industries and engage directly with policymakers and industry experts on practical interventions needed to improve FTA utilization .
The programme concluded with a demonstration of the DGFT's Trade Connect e-platform, introducing participants to the digital tools available for navigating international trade processes . This was followed by an open-house discussion that provided an opportunity for participants to raise trade-related issues and explore opportunities with officials and industry peers . Through this outreach initiative, DGFT sought to strengthen stakeholder awareness, promote the effective utilization of India's FTAs, and facilitate greater integration of Telangana's industries with international markets .
For Telangana's export ecosystem, the workshop represented a concerted effort to bridge the knowledge gap between policy frameworks and on-the-ground export practice. By bringing together policymakers, Export Promotion Councils, and exporters in a structured format with sector-specific breakout sessions, the programme aimed to translate the theoretical benefits of FTAs into actionable strategies for businesses. The state's focus on agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and textiles aligns with sectors where Telangana has demonstrated competitive strength, and the emphasis on district-level export hubs under the Export Promotion Mission signals an intent to broaden the geographic base of export activity beyond Hyderabad.