INDORE: Madhya Pradesh is eyeing to increase the state’s contribution in the country's total export basket to 5 per cent from the current 2.2 per cent by focusing on quality, branding and identifying markets.
In 2017, share of Madhya Pradesh in national export was 1.5 per cent and grew by over 45 per cent to 2.2 per cent in 2020.
The state government has also constituted a state-level export council aimed at boosting exports by adding value to products, maintaining quality and helping identify markets. “Consistent quality, quick clearance and quick funds are key to promote business and exports. We are aiming to increase the state’s share to 5 per cent in national exports. The state government is drafting an export policy aiming to facilitate and handhold exporters,” said Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Minister Rajvardhan Singh Dattigaon.
He said to achieve the target, exporters should aim to improve quality because it’s one thing that matters a lot in the international market and reduce the cost of manufacturing. Singh said efforts are also being taken to bring MP in top three states of the country in ease of doing business.
Singh was in Indore to inaugurate an exporters conclave organised by Madhya Pradesh Development Corporation and Directorate General of Foreign Trade on Wednesday where senior officials from state planning commission, National Highways Authority of India and export promotion councils were present.
“A state-level committee is formed to facilitate exporters and promote exports from the state. To address the quality issue, we also want to encourage exporters to set up laboratories and the state government will give financial assistance,” said Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Department principal secretary and MPIDC chairman Sanjay Kumar Shukla . An exhibition to display products identified under ‘one district one product’ scheme was also organsied on the occasion. Agar-Malwa has chosen oranges under the scheme, Indore Potato, Khargone chilli,Ratlam has garlic and Ratlami sez and Jhabua has tomato and Kadaknath . “A new ecosystem is being nurtured to boost exports and this needs to be linked with laboratories to maintain quality standards,” said MP State Policy and Planning Commission’s vice chairman Dr Sachin Chaturvedi.
Chaturvedi stressed on reducing cost of logistics, warehouse facility, smooth movement of trucks, digitisation, electricity, timely release of funds and bulk manufacturing to achieve the target.
The industry department has also started a portal for exporters and a toll free number.
MPIDC managing director John Kingsley said, “Exporters have already started registering on the portal and we are receiving many calls from budding exporters on the tollfree number. The aim is to make exporters aware of the basic requirements and help them to identify correct products and market.” Panel discussions were held on ‘challenges and opportunities in making the region an export hub, efficient supply chain and overview on software, BPO/KPO and fintech.
“Exports are happening but everyone is working in their own silos but we are aiming to create a platform where businesses, government and agencies come together to work in tandem,” said MPIDC Indore’s executive director Rohan Saxena.
Source:thetimesofindia.com