New Delhi, Aug 8: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said Bihar is gaining greater visibility in international markets, with India’s trade agreements creating fresh opportunities for the state’s exporters, farmers and industries.Goyal said recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) were helping open overseas markets for products from sectors including agriculture and food processing, textiles, leather, footwear, engineering, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.His remarks came as India’s total exports reached a record USD 863.1 billion in 2025-26, according to the government.
The Centre has been pursuing trade agreements and other export-promotion measures to widen India’s market reach and reduce dependence on individual destinations.Over the last five years, India has entered into several major trade agreements, including arrangements with the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Mauritius, the European Free Trade Association, Oman, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
FTAs generally seek to improve market access by lowering trade barriers and establishing agreed rules for commerce between participating countries. Preferential treatment under such agreements can make eligible Indian products more competitive in overseas markets.
For Bihar, the potential benefits extend across agriculture, agro-processing and labour-intensive manufacturing. Increased export demand could create opportunities for farmers, processors, small businesses and workers while encouraging investment in production and value addition.
The government has also been working to address non-tariff barriers that can make exports difficult. These include differences in technical standards, certification requirements, product regulations and conformity procedures between countries.
Trade agreements can provide mechanisms for greater transparency and cooperation on such technical requirements, helping exporters better understand and comply with destination-market standards.
The Centre is pursuing export promotion through initiatives involving diplomatic missions, Export Promotion Councils, industry bodies and other stakeholders, alongside bilateral, regional and multilateral trade engagements.
Officials maintain that expanding international market access, improving product quality and strengthening export infrastructure will be crucial for ensuring that businesses and farmers in states such as Bihar can fully benefit from India’s growing global trade network.
