Ahmedabad: The 3rd CII Gujarat Export Conclave 2026 explored new pathways for Gujarat’s export growth through FTAs, emerging markets and trusted global partnerships. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Gujarat hosted the conclave in Ahmedabad on August 20. Exporters, policymakers, industry leaders and trade experts attended the event. Representatives from Australia, the United Kingdom and Oman also joined the discussions. The conclave focused on “Trade, Technology and Trust for Gujarat’s Global Growth.”
Gujarat Accounts for 25.6% of India’s Exports
K C Sampat, IAS, Managing Director, iNDEXTb, Government of Gujarat, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted India’s export performance amid geopolitical challenges. He also discussed Gujarat’s growing role in global trade. Avishek Podder, Director, DGCIS, Ministry of Commerce, said Gujarat accounts for one-fourth of India’s exports. He said India now needs to move from export promotion to export intelligence. Achal Bakeri, Chairman, CII Gujarat State Council, highlighted Gujarat’s export performance. He said Gujarat recorded USD 110.63 billion in exports in FY 2025-26. The figure represents 25.6% of India’s total exports, according to the information shared at the conclave. India recorded overall exports of USD 863.1 billion during the same period.
FTAs Offer New Market Opportunities
The first panel examined global value chains, industrial corridors and market access. Experts discussed how exporters can gain more from Free Trade Agreements. They highlighted rules of origin, localisation and sourcing strategies. The panel also stressed the need to understand specific market-access conditions. Industry experts said FTAs can offer opportunities beyond tariff reductions.
Emerging Markets Become a Key Export Frontier
The second panel focused on Africa, the Indo-Pacific and other emerging markets. Experts discussed opportunities across Africa, ASEAN, the Gulf and Central Asia. The discussion also covered the wider Indo-Pacific region. Panellists highlighted compliance, local partnerships and market knowledge. They also stressed risk management for exporters entering new markets. The session identified emerging economies as an important growth opportunity for Gujarat.
Australia Offers Strong Trade Potential
The Australia-focused session examined trade, innovation and trusted partnerships. Christian Jack, Deputy Consul-General, Australian Consulate General in Mumbai, discussed growing bilateral opportunities. He highlighted the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. According to Jack, Indian exports to Australia grew sharply over the past five years. He said the agreement has expanded market access across several sectors. Critical minerals, education, renewables and defence remain key areas of cooperation.
India-UK Trade Opens New Opportunities
The UK Business Opportunity Briefing focused on trade, logistics and strategic partnerships. Mark Birrell, Trade Counsellor, South Asia, UK Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, addressed the session. The discussion covered opportunities under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement. The session also highlighted customs facilitation and cross-border business operations. Chemicals and manufacturing emerged as important areas for bilateral trade. The discussion also covered provisions related to professional mobility.
Oman Positions Itself as a Gulf Gateway
The Oman session focused on trade, logistics and strategic partnerships. H.E. Mahboob Issa Al Raisi, Consul General of Oman, outlined opportunities for Indian businesses. He highlighted Oman’s ports, free zones and logistics infrastructure. These facilities can support Indian companies entering Gulf and East African markets. He also discussed cooperation under the Oman-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy offer strong potential.
Technology and Trust to Drive Export Growth
Industry leaders stressed the role of technology, quality and innovation in global markets. Sanjay Deora, CEO, Nandan Terry Ltd, highlighted value-added manufacturing. He also stressed quality and competitiveness as key export drivers. Japesh Jayadhevan, CEO, Hocco Foods Pvt Ltd, highlighted opportunities for Indian brands. He linked global expansion with innovation, consumer trust and product excellence. Sunil Dave, Convenor, CII Gujarat ITEC Panel, said the conclave has evolved into a platform for trusted business connections.
CII Gujarat Pushes Action-Oriented Export Growth
The conclave connected policy discussions with international business opportunities. Delegates also participated in curated B2B meetings after the formal sessions. The event brought together industry expertise, government support and international market insights. CII Gujarat aims to help exporters navigate the changing global trade environment. The conclave highlighted FTAs, technology, trust and emerging markets as key pillars of Gujarat’s next export growth phase.
