The latest report from the WTO secretariat, titled "Market Access for Products and Services of Export Interest to Least Developed Countries," highlights India's Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme. Introduced in 2008, the scheme covers 94.1% of India's tariff lines, positioning it among the broadest market access programs offered by a developing nation to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The report credits the DFTP scheme with significantly boosting exports from LDCs, particularly those in Asia and Africa, aligning with India's Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.
This initiative currently benefits 35 LDCs, including countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, which share increasing trade linkages with India. The scheme reflects India's stated commitment to South-South cooperation and inclusive regional growth. Notably, India was identified as the first developing country to fully implement the WTO Ministerial decision to provide duty-free, quota-free market access to LDCs in 2008.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india-outpaces-china-eu-in-duty-free-access-as-wto-credits-india-s-dftp-scheme-for-boosting-exports-from-poorest-nation-11761209425489.html