Making FTAs more inclusive – A case for promoting SMEs in India

A dedicated support for SMEs through imparting information as well as addressing their concerns will not only improve prospects for SMEs, but will also contribute to greater utilization of the FTAs. While integrating into GVCs, standard compliance does not come easy due to lack of information and the additional costs imposed. The participation of SMEs in trade needs to be improved and strengthened through focussed interventions. With this view, a detailed review of the related provisions in the existing agreements provides useful leads through the mechanisms used. Although some FTAs with India as partner have SME related provisions, most others are silent on SMEs. In some cases, this is in sharp contrast to the presence of thorough provisions in the FTAs negotiated between (India’s) partner country and a third country. With forethought for bringing domestic SMEs in close contact with partner governments and business, recommendations are made for consideration while negotiating future FTAs