Indian Institute of Foreign Trade to launch Dubai campus, to introduce new subject on trade negotiations

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is in the process of opening a new campus in Dubai. Speaking at IIFT’s 57th convocation ceremony, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal indicated that the institute’s syllabus may soon include a subject on trade negotiations.

This area has gained significance in a global economic environment, where the contours of bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) often determine their effectiveness for MSMEs in partner countries.

Alongside Harvard case studies, India-oriented case studies will also be taught at IIFT.

Speaking virtually at the event, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal called for extensive studies on non-tariff barriers to help identify obstacles to increasing India’s exports.

The Minister urged for concrete ideas to support India’s ongoing trade negotiations and help achieve the target of $2 trillion in exports by 2030, while also calling for a renewed focus on the social impact of trade as part of the broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate.