National Workshop Explores Environment-Related Trade Challenges
The Department of Commerce of India, in collaboration with the Centre for WTO Studies (CWS) and the Centre for Research in International Trade (CRIT) at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), has launched a two-day National Workshop focused on “Environment-Related Non-Tariff Measures: WTO Rules and Their Implications for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).” This event, held at IIFT Bhawan’s Nalanda Hall in New Delhi, gathers key figures from government, industry, and academia to address critical trade issues.
The workshop aims to foster dialogue among senior government officials, trade specialists, WTO practitioners, and industry representatives. Participants will examine the increasing prevalence of environmental and climate-related trade measures and their possible effects on India’s export dynamics. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies that enhance India’s trade competitiveness while ensuring sustainable practices.
Discussions will cover a variety of significant topics, including the rules governing Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), sustainability-related non-tariff measures, and emerging trade challenges linked to carbon and deforestation. The event seeks to formulate responses through multilateral and bilateral trade frameworks that can help safeguard India’s access to global markets.
The inaugural session was marked by opening remarks from Dr. Pritam Banerjee, Head of the Centre for WTO Studies. Ms. Richa Prakash Choudhary, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Commerce, welcomed the attendees and outlined the workshop’s objectives. Highlighting the urgent need to bolster India’s readiness for sustainability-linked trade measures, Shri Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh, Joint Secretary at the Department of Commerce, delivered a special address. The session wrapped up with a vote of thanks from Dr. Murali Kallummal, Professor and Head of Administration at CRIT-IIFT.
Among the distinguished experts participating are Shri Erik Wijkström, Head of the TBT Section from the Trade and Environment Division at WTO in Geneva, and Shri Anwar Shaik, Former Chair of the WTO TBT Committee. Also contributing to the discussions are Shri Anil Jauhri, Former CEO of the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies, and several other notable figures, including trade policy authority Shri Pranav Kumar.
The workshop, which aims to conclude with a valedictory session on June 23, 2026, is poised to play a crucial role in shaping India’s approach to navigating the complexities of global trade challenges stemming from environmental regulations.
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