Emerging prospects from Trade agreements held on 14th July 2023

The report on the Capacity Building Session:

“Emerging Prospects from Trade Agreements – Industry Perspective”

Introduction

On 14 July 2023, Dr. Supriya Lamba Sahdev attended the Capacity Building Session on Emerging Prospects from Trade Agreements – Industry Perspective" organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Hotel Taj, MG Road, Bengaluru. The session aimed to provide insights into the potential opportunities and challenges for industries arising from trade agreements.

Key Highlights

The Capacity Building Session featured prominent speakers from industry, academia, and government, who shared their expertise and perspectives on trade agreements. The following are the key highlights from the event:

3.1 Opening Address

Mr. Sumanta Chaudhuri, Principal Adviser, International Trade Policy Division, CII, the President of CII, delivered the opening address. He emphasized the importance of trade agreements in boosting economic growth and expanding market access for Indian industries. He highlighted the need for industry players to understand the nuances of trade agreements and capitalize on the emerging prospects.

3.2 Panel Discussions

The session comprised two panel discussions that covered various aspects of trade agreements:

3.2.1 Panel Discussion 1: "Specific Challenges from FTA Utilization (Goods) Moderated by Mr. Sumanta Chaudhuri, Principal Advisor, CII”

The panelists discussed the impact of trade agreements on different sectors, including manufacturing, services, and agriculture. They highlighted the potential benefits, such as increased export opportunities, access to new markets, and technology transfer. The panelists also acknowledged the challenges faced by industries, such as adapting to regulatory changes and competition from foreign players. They stressed the importance of capacity building and skill development to effectively leverage trade agreements.

3.2.2 Panel Discussion 2: "Session on App Based Related Services App Development: Fintech, Educatech and Healthtech Moderated by Dr Pritam Banerjee, Head, Centre for WTO Studies."

This panel focused on the role of the government in facilitating trade agreements and supporting industries. The panelists discussed the various initiatives taken by the government, such as simplifying trade procedures, providing financial assistance, and promoting export-oriented policies. They emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders to maximize the benefits of trade agreements.

Key Learnings

The Capacity Building Session provided valuable insights and learnings, including:

4.1 Understanding Trade Agreements : The session enhanced the participants' understanding of trade agreements, including their objectives, provisions, and potential impacts on industries. Participants gained knowledge about the various trade agreements that India is a party to and their implications for different sectors.

4.2 Identifying Opportunities and Challenges: The discussions helped participants identify the emerging opportunities arising from trade agreements, such as increased market access, technology transfer, and collaborations. Participants also became aware of the challenges faced by industries, including regulatory complexities, quality standards, and global competition.

4.3 Collaboration and Skill Development: The session highlighted the importance of collaboration among industry stakeholders, academia, and the government to effectively utilize trade agreements. Participants recognized the need for skill development and capacity building programs to equip the workforce with the necessary expertise to navigate the evolving trade landscape.

Conclusion:

The Capacity Building Session on "Emerging Prospects from Trade Agreements –
Industry Perspective" organized by CII provided valuable insights into the potential
opportunities and challenges for industries. The discussions and case studies
highlighted the importance of understanding trade agreements, collaboration, and skill
development to effectively leverage trade agreements. The session equipped
participants with the necessary knowledge and strategies to enhance their
competitiveness in the global marketplace.

The event was a great success, and it has made a significant contribution to enhancing industry awareness and readiness to leverage trade agreements.