The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Odisha State Council, successfully convened a Conference on Leveraging India’s Modern FTAs: Unlocking Export Opportunities in UK & European Markets - Reshaping Odisha’s Export Driven Economy on 19 February 2026 at Hotel Lyfe, Bhubaneshwar. The conference brought together senior policymakers, industry leaders and trade experts to deliberate on how India’s evolving Free Trade Agreements with the United Kingdom, European Union and EFTA can be effectively operationalised to enhance Odisha’s export competitiveness. The conference commenced with Welcome Remarks by Mr. Sanjaya Satapathy, Co-Chair, FICCI Odisha State Council & CHRO, IMFA, followed by the Inaugural Address delivered by Mr. Ayaskanta Mohanty, Founder and Managing Director, Tatwa Technologies Ltd. Setting the broader legal and policy framework, Dr. James Nedumpara, Head and Professor, Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) and India Chair, WTO Chairs Programme, outlined the strategic evolution of India’s modern FTA architecture, emphasising institutional preparedness and coordinated Centre-State-Industry engagement in translating negotiated commitments into tangible economic outcomes. The deliberations were further enriched by the Theme Address delivered by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Mishra, OAS (SB), Director, Directorate of Export Promotion & Marketing (DEP&M), Government of Odisha, and the Keynote Address by Mr. Hemant Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary - Department of Industries, Department of Home, and Department of I & PR, Government of Odisha. The conference concluded with a constructive exchange between government, academia and industry, reaffirming the importance of institutional collaboration in ensuring that India’s modern trade agreements translate into sustained export growth and strengthened global economic engagement.