Chhattisgarh Sets Export-Doubling Goal, Announces FTA Helpdesk and Regional Workshops

Chhattisgarh Commerce and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan addresses the state-level workshop on using free trade agreements to expand exports in Raipur on 12 November 2026. Other dignitaries are seated on the dais. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR.

At a state-level workshop in Raipur, Commerce and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan announced four measures to help businesses make better use of India’s free trade agreements.

Key Highlights

• Chhattisgarh’s Export Promotion Policy 2026–30 sets a target of doubling the state’s exports.
• The state will launch an FTA Accelerator in collaboration with leading educational institutions.
• The English edition of the state’s FTA guide is due in December 2026, with the Hindi edition to follow in January 2027.
• An FTA helpdesk will open at the Directorate of Industries on 15 January 2027. Workshops are planned in every division by February 2027.

Raipur: Chhattisgarh will open a dedicated helpdesk for exporters and hold workshops across the state to help businesses use India’s free trade agreements, Commerce and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan announced on Thursday, 12 November 2026. Speaking at a state-level workshop on VIP Road in Raipur, Dewangan said the state’s newly notified Export Promotion Policy 2026–30 aims to double exports.

The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the India Trade Promotion Organisation jointly organised the workshop. It brought together established exporters, business owners exploring overseas sales, industry representatives and government officials to discuss how trade agreements can improve access to international markets.

Rice and metals anchor Chhattisgarh’s exports

Chhattisgarh Commerce and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan (left) receives a potted plant as a welcome gesture at the state-level FTA workshop in Raipur on 12 November 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR.

“Rice, steel, ferro-alloys and aluminium are central to Chhattisgarh’s identity,” Dewangan said. He put the state’s exports in the preceding year at approximately ₹18,000 crore and highlighted the contribution of those four product groups. He also pointed to products made from the state’s forest produce as an area with potential for overseas sales.

The workshop discussed opportunities in markets including the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Oman, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Participants examined how businesses in different sectors could identify relevant trade provisions and use them to reach overseas buyers.

Four measures to help businesses use trade agreements

Industry representatives and entrepreneurs attend the state-level workshop on free trade agreements and export opportunities in Raipur on 12 November 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR.

Dewangan announced that the state would work with leading educational institutions to launch a Chhattisgarh FTA Accelerator. The state will also publish a guide to free trade agreements, with the English edition scheduled for December 2026 and the Hindi edition for January 2027.

The FTA helpdesk will begin operating at the Directorate of Industries on 15 January 2027 to provide guidance and assistance to exporters. The government also plans to hold workshops in all divisions by February 2027, taking the outreach beyond the state capital.

Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Rajiv Agrawal spoke about the state’s industrial potential and the need to make it easier for businesses to reach global markets. State Commerce and Industry Secretary Rajat Kumar Bansal and Union Department of Commerce Joint Secretary Manish Chhabra also addressed the workshop.

Districts in focus as potential export hubs

During the technical sessions, Chhabra explained how free trade agreements work and where Indian exporters can find opportunities under them. Chhattisgarh Industries Director Prabhat Malik presented an overview of the state’s established export sectors and areas with scope for growth.

Dr Praveen Kumar, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade at the Raipur regional office, discussed the Export Promotion Mission and the development of districts as export hubs. The session focused on identifying products and resources available in individual districts and connecting local businesses with export opportunities.