Big

impact of Yogi Govt’s policies, first place achieved among landlocked states

Historic

improvement from seventh to fourth position in overall ranking

Export

policy, ODOP, trade shows and infrastructure improvements changed the picture

Export

readiness increased due to efforts of Yogi Government

Lucknow,

14 Jan (HS): Today, Uttar Pradesh is not only emerging as a rapidly growing

exporting state, but is also setting an example as a new national model by

linking exports with employment, investment, regional balance and inclusive

development. The latest example of this is the ranking of the Export

Preparedness Index 2024 (EPI 2024) released by NITI Aayog. In this ranking

released on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh has achieved a remarkable feat by securing

the overall fourth position and the first position among landlocked states. In

the 2022 ranking, Uttar Pradesh was at the seventh position overall and second

among landlocked states. This big leap in just two years is considered a direct

result of the extensive reforms in the state's export sector and the

export-promotion policies of the Yogi Adityanath government.

Under

the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, special emphasis was laid on

strengthening export infrastructure, increasing cost competitiveness, promoting

the export of diverse products and facilitating the business environment in the

state. Initiatives like the Uttar Pradesh Export Promotion Policy, One

District-One Product (ODOP) scheme, Common Facility Centers, logistics

improvements, road connectivity and dry ports have proved to be crucial in

accelerating export readiness. Facilities provided by the government such as

freight expenses, participation in national and international

fairs/exhibitions, quality certification, e-commerce onboarding fees, courier

and air-freight expenses and reimbursement on export credit guarantee have

reduced the cost burden on exporters and made them competitive in the global

market.

The

Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show, organized for the last three years, has

served as an important platform for the state's exporters. Through this, MSMEs

and traditional artisans of UP got direct contact with international buyers,

which led to entry into new markets and an increase in export orders. This has

given new recognition to the state's handloom, handicrafts, food processing,

leather, pharma and agri-based products.

While

preparing the EPI-2024 ranking, NITI Aayog evaluated the states based on four

major pillars—export infrastructure, business ecosystem, policy and governance,

and export performance, along with 70 indicators across 13 sub-pillars. Uttar

Pradesh has registered comprehensive improvements on these various parameters.

Expansion of export portfolio, access to new markets, development of logistics

support system and industry-friendly policies have strengthened UP's position.

The

first three positions in the ranking have been secured by coastal states like

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, while Uttar Pradesh's achievement of the

fourth position despite not having a coastline is being seen as a major

success. Due to the lack of a coastline, exporters from Uttar Pradesh have to

bear more time and cost to transport goods to ports. Despite this, the state's

overall achievement of the fourth position is proof that the structural

reforms, policy support and active hand-holding by the Yogi government have

provided real benefits to exporters.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi