Handloom textile exporters of Karur were provided an overview of the export opportunities created through the free trade agreements (FTAs) signed by India with various countries at a training organised by the Textile Export Facilitation Centre (TEFC) of Textiles Committee here on Tuesday.

The training on “Maximising export potential through free trade agreements and Trade Connect portal and awareness on RELIEF Support under Export Promotion Mission,’ was inaugurated by Bharat Prakash, Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), Tiruchi.

Speaking at the inaugural, J. Parameswaran Deputy Director, Textiles Committee, Mumbai, said Karur had established a unique position in the global markets as a major centre for the production of home textile products. India had signed 17 FTAs with various countries / group of countries for the benefit of trade and industry. Free Trade Agreements played a vital role in accelerating economic growth by reducing or eliminating tariffs, minimising trade barriers and strengthening cooperation between participating countries.

He added that the agreements created a more open and predictable trading environment that benefits businesses, consumers, and economies alike. The free trade agreements enabled exporters to access largest international markets with fewer restrictions, increasing export opportunities.

P. Gopalakrishnan, president, Karur Textile Manufacturer Exporters Association & Southern Regional Chairman of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), urged exporters to make use of the training to improve their business.

V .N. Gowrisankar, Quality Assurance Officer, Textiles Committee, explained in detail the free trade agreements that India had signed so far. Presentations were made on each of the 17 FTAs giving the export potential for each home textile product of Karur.

Presentations on the Trade Connect portal and Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF), an intervention under the Export Promotion Mission to support Indian exporters affected by extraordinary freight escalation, increased insurance premia and war-related export risks arising from disruptions in the Gulf and wider West Asia maritime corridor were also made, an official release said.