Wed, Oct 14, 2026
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are a trump card for industries in Gujarat and India. However, what matters more is how effectively industries utilise these agreements. He emphasised that industry representatives must move into action mode to capitalise on the opportunities available in global markets.
Speaking at The Secretariat FTA Conclave, Sanghavi made a new announcement, stating that countries across the globe follow the teachings of Buddha. As India also has a Buddhist Circuit, agreements would be signed with other countries to promote tourism activities.
Highlighting the potential of the technology and electronics sectors, Sanghavi said there is a significant gap between market demand and available supply in these sectors. This presents a major opportunity for entrepreneurs to bridge the gap. He urged Gujarat’s industries to recognise this opportunity and move forward with timely investments and production.
He clarified that entering the electronics sector does not simply mean manufacturing mobile phones. Entrepreneurs do not necessarily need to venture directly into high-tech technologies, as numerous opportunities are available across the broader electronics ecosystem. He said this is the right time to explore new businesses and investments in the sector.
Citing the growth of Gujarat’s automobile sector as an example, Sanghavi expressed confidence that the electronics sector could achieve significant growth over the next decade, similar to the progress made by the automobile industry over the past ten years. He urged entrepreneurs to view electronics as a key sector for future growth.
Emphasising the importance of international collaboration and technology partnerships, Sanghavi said Gujarat’s industries have the capabilities, resources and determination to work hard. However, access to the right technology and partnerships with technology providers are equally essential to compete successfully in global markets.
He said the Gujarat government is making efforts at various levels to help industries connect with suitable technology partners. Discussions have been held with countries such as Israel, Russia and the United States on technology and cooperation. These engagements have yielded positive results, and discussions are continuing to explore further opportunities for technology adoption and collaboration.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of the services sector in Gujarat’s economic development. He said industries should explore emerging sectors alongside traditional ones. Considering international partnerships, new technologies and changing global market demand, Gujarat’s industries must seize new opportunities.
He urged entrepreneurs to transform the opportunities offered by FTAs into tangible business ventures, investments and economic growth.
At The Secretariat FTA Conclave Gujarat 2026, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi released two important reports on India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the evolving trade landscape. The reports were released in the presence of Mamta Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, Gujarat, and Ms. Stuti Charan, Joint CEO of the Gujarat Rajya Institution for Transformation (GRIT). The reports aim to provide policy insights into India’s changing trade ecosystem and highlight emerging opportunities for industry and exporters.
The two reports released were “India’s FTA and Trade Ecosystem — National Economic Forum” and “India’s FTA and Trade Ecosystem — Gujarat Rajya Institution for Transformation.” The reports focus on the opportunities emerging from India’s expanding network of trade agreements and their potential to strengthen trade, enhance industrial competitiveness and support export growth at both the national and Gujarat levels.