Tripura Poised To Lead Export-Oriented Growth In The Northeast By Leveraging New-Generation Free Trade Agreements : Joint Secretary.

Agartala, Tripura, 4th of November, 2026 : A state-level outreach programme aimed at promoting the effective utilisation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) was organised today at Pragya Bhavan, Agartala. The programme, titled “Leveraging Free Trade Agreements”, was organised by the Department of Commerce, Government of India, through the Regional Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Kolkata, in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura. The initiative aims to empower local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by unlocking cross-border trade opportunities under India’s expanding network of international trade agreements and enhancing their export competitiveness.

The programme was addressed by Shri C. Vanlalramsanga, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. He stated that Tripura is poised to lead export-oriented growth in the Northeast by leveraging the opportunities offered by new-generation Free Trade Agreements. With its strategic proximity to international borders and a strong entrepreneurial MSME base, Tripura is emerging as a leading state for export-driven economic growth in the Northeast. The state is well-positioned to maximise the benefits of the Government of India’s new-generation Free Trade Agreements.

He further stated that such outreach programmes are being organised across states with the objective of taking the benefits of India’s modern Free Trade Agreements to grassroots-level micro, small and medium enterprises. Following Meghalaya, Tripura is the second state in the Northeast to host this initiative. He highlighted that Tripura’s geographical location, with its proximity to international markets, offers the state a distinct advantage in connecting locally produced goods with global markets. This can enable producers, artisans and farmers to secure better value for their products. Tripura has a strong base of approximately 3.7 lakh MSMEs. Considering the state’s population of around 43 lakh, this high entrepreneurial density provides a robust foundation for manufacturing and production. Moreover, Tripura recorded a strong foreign trade performance by exporting goods worth approximately USD 15 million during the last financial year, paving the way for greater trade expansion in the future.

The Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Vanlalramsanga, further stated that the Central Government is creating a favourable business environment by simplifying commercial regulations under its Ease of Doing Business framework. The extensive digitisation of trade processes and the launch of a dedicated Export Promotion Mission are aimed at further strengthening MSMEs and local farmers. He stated that a key component of such outreach initiatives is the comprehensive district-wise mapping of products. Through this initiative, high-potential exportable products from every district of the state are being identified to encourage and facilitate export activities by effectively leveraging the opportunities available under Free Trade Agreements.

The Central Government is committed to strengthening Tripura’s export ecosystem through the effective utilisation of Free Trade Agreements. The key objectives are to generate employment opportunities at the local level, enhance people’s incomes and ensure that high-quality products from the state reach consumers across global markets. This initiative is expected to usher in a new and prosperous chapter in Tripura’s trade journey.

Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura, Shri Kiran Gitte, outlined the infrastructural support, financial incentives and capacity-building measures being undertaken to facilitate the effective utilisation of Free Trade Agreements by MSMEs in Tripura. Technical sessions were also organised during the programme, featuring trade experts from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.