Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced plans to train around 1,000 people in regional languages to support existing and potential exporters across India.
The proposed network will operate at the district and state levels. The trained personnel will help businesses understand trade-related matters and access export opportunities.
The Commerce Ministry said the personnel will provide handholding support through industry chambers and regional associations.
Regional Language Support for Exporters
The proposed network aims to make export-related information easier to access for businesses outside major cities.
Many small businesses and first-time exporters need help with trade rules, documentation and market access. Regional language support could help them understand these requirements more easily.
The government plans to connect the trained personnel with local businesses through industry bodies and regional associations. This approach will allow exporters to seek guidance closer to their locations.
Trade Connect Platform to Support Businesses
Goyal also highlighted the Trade Connect platform, which the government is developing to provide exporters with detailed trade information.
The platform will provide product-wise and HSN-code-wise information. It will include details about destination-country tariffs, free trade agreement opportunities and procedures for accessing FTA benefits.
The government also plans to use digital and AI-enabled tools on the platform. These tools could help businesses identify export opportunities and understand infrastructure gaps.
Focus on Free Trade Agreements
The government has been working to help Indian businesses use opportunities created by free trade agreements.
During the stakeholder meeting, officials discussed recent FTAs and trade facilitation reforms. The discussions covered both opportunities and obligations under India’s trade agreements.
Exporters need to understand rules of origin and other requirements before they can claim preferential tariff benefits. The proposed support network could help businesses navigate these procedures.
Industry Seeks Better Digital Integration
Industry representatives also raised concerns about the need for better integration between government systems and foreign trade platforms.
They discussed the electronic transmission and verification of Certificates of Origin under FTAs. The Commerce Ministry said it would examine proposals to extend such digital processes to other FTA partners.
Industry representatives also called for greater integration of the export cycle. This includes coordination between the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Customs, banks and other stakeholders.
Logistics and Customs Remain Key Issues
The meeting also covered several challenges related to logistics and trade procedures.
Industry representatives highlighted documentation backlogs and concerns over sea-freight costs. These issues can affect the cost and speed of shipments.
The government is also examining ways to simplify export processes. Better coordination between different agencies could reduce delays for businesses.
Support for MSMEs and New Exporters
The proposed network could particularly help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and first-time exporters.
Smaller businesses often have fewer resources to manage complex export procedures. Local personnel who understand regional languages could provide guidance on documentation, market requirements and FTA opportunities.
The government has also encouraged MSMEs, farmers, fishermen, startups and women entrepreneurs to explore international markets. Recent policy measures have focused on reducing barriers and expanding access to export opportunities.
India Pushes Export Growth
The announcement comes as India seeks to expand its presence in international markets.
India’s goods exports recorded strong growth during the first half of September, according to figures shared by Goyal. Merchandise exports also rose significantly during April-August 2026.
The government is pursuing several measures to support exporters. These include new trade agreements, market diversification and efforts to simplify export procedures.
New Network to Strengthen Export Support
The proposed 1,000-person regional language export network will add a local support layer to India’s export system.
By combining trained personnel with digital platforms such as Trade Connect, the government aims to make export information more accessible to businesses across states and districts.
The success of the initiative will depend on how effectively the network connects local businesses with government agencies, trade bodies and international market opportunities.