At a state-level workshop in Chennai, Tamil Nadu set out a roadmap to raise merchandise exports from US$59 billion to US$72 billion in 2026-27 and released a 100-FAQ handbook for first-time exporters.
At a state-level workshop in Chennai, Tamil Nadu set out a roadmap to raise merchandise exports from US$59 billion to US$72 billion in 2026-27 and released a 100-FAQ handbook for first-time exporters.
A state-level workshop was held in Chennai on 30 October to widen Tamil Nadu’s export opportunities across the world and to take the benefits of India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to the state’s industries. Industries Minister S. Keerthana addressed the gathering and released a handbook of 100 Frequently Asked Questions for first-time exporters.
The 100-FAQ guidebook explains export procedures in simple question-and-answer form. It is aimed at aspiring first-time exporters, women entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and self-help groups (SHGs). The Minister stressed making full use of FTAs so that the benefits of exports reach every district.
Breakout sessions were held on (1) textiles and apparel, (2) agriculture, food processing and marine products, (3) leather and footwear, (4) gems and jewellery, (5) engineering, automobiles and auto components, and (6) electronics and technology hardware. They looked at new export opportunities, key products under each FTA, rules of origin, quality standards and non-tariff barriers. Their findings will form the basis of a State Action Plan.
Officials of Guidance Tamil Nadu, the Industries Department, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, MEPZ, NABARD and ECGC joined export bodies such as FIEO, APEDA, MPEDA, EEPC, GJEPC, the Council for Leather Exports, ACMA and ELCINA; industry chambers including CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CODISSIA, the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association and SIMA; commodity boards; MSME exporters, farmer producer organisations and self-help groups.