CTIL, IFT, DGTR, and CII Host Workshop on Trade Remedies and MSMEs
A workshop titled “Trade Remedies and MSMEs: Building Capacity for Fair Trade” took place on July 15, 2025, at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Organized by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) in collaboration with the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the event aimed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The workshop focused on educating these businesses about trade remedy mechanisms and enhancing their participation in related processes.
Empowering MSMEs Through Knowledge
The workshop’s central theme revolved around equipping MSMEs with essential knowledge about trade remedy tools. It aimed to facilitate discussions on the challenges faced by these enterprises and explore actionable strategies to bolster their defenses against unfair trade practices. Key policymakers, trade remedy experts, and numerous representatives from various MSME sectors gathered for focused discussions. The event provided a platform for sharing insights and experiences, fostering a collaborative environment for addressing the unique challenges that MSMEs encounter in the trade landscape.
Insights from Industry Leaders
During the workshop, Shri Siddharth Mahajan, Joint Secretary and Director General of DGTR, emphasized the importance of smaller firms forming associations. He noted that collective representation is vital for effectively voicing their interests in trade remedy proceedings. The workshop featured two comprehensive technical sessions aimed at enhancing the understanding of trade remedy frameworks. These sessions addressed the legal and institutional aspects of trade remedies, as well as the data-related complexities that often impede MSME participation in critical investigations.
Shri Sumanta Chaudhuri, Principal Advisor at CII, pointed out the growing complexity of the international trade environment. He stressed the need for institutional support to help domestic industries navigate trade distortions. This insight underscored the workshop’s goal of fostering a supportive ecosystem for MSMEs.
Support Initiatives for MSMEs
Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head of CTIL, informed attendees about various support initiatives, including the establishment of the Trade Remedies Advisory Cell (TRAC). This cell aims to provide comprehensive assistance to MSMEs in navigating trade remedy investigations. The workshop concluded with an interactive session where MSMEs engaged directly with regulatory authorities. Participants discussed practical challenges, particularly concerning anti-dumping measures in sectors facing intense import competition.
The discussions highlighted specific issues that domestic producers encounter, reinforcing the need for coordinated institutional support and legal preparedness. The collaborative efforts of CTIL, DGTR, and CII aim to create an enabling environment for MSMEs to effectively engage in India’s trade remedy regime.
Commitment to Fair Trade Practices
The workshop reaffirmed the critical need for robust institutional support to empower MSMEs in defending their interests against unfair trade practices. The collaborative commitment from CTIL, DGTR, and CII aims to foster an environment that encourages active participation from MSMEs in trade remedy processes. By enhancing their understanding and capabilities, the workshop sought to strengthen the overall resilience of the MSME sector in the face of global trade challenges.
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