To: Members of the Council
Sub: (a) A ‘Whole of Govt’ approach to boost exports,
(b) Key to realise the goal of “Local goes Global: India makes for the World”,
(c) To identify areas of competitive advantage through FTAs,
(d) Need for stakeholders to spread the message of Har Ghar Tiranga
campaign across the nation
Dear Member,
This is to inform you that Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles interacted with EPCs and representatives of Industry associations and reviewed the Export scenario on 5th August, 2022 at New Delhi. A Press Release has been issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Shri Goyal emphasized on a ‘Whole of Govt’ approach to boost exports and so, exporters, EPCs, Govt Agencies & Indian Missions abroad need to work together. Recognizing the crucial role played by EPCs and Industry, he remarked that EPCs & Industry Associations are key to realise “Local goes Global: India makes for the World”.
The Minister stated that EPCs and Industry representatives need to be ready to take on global competition as the ball is in their Court. He said that the Govt. is doing its best through various measures to support Indian exporters to compete globally. He highlighted that with Gati Shakti, the Govt. is improving connectivity and logistics, negotiating to sign more FTAs with important trade partners since this will have a direct impact in providing a level playing field in international markets. He emphasized that everybody would have to work hard to achieve true potential of India in terms of global trade.
Expressing confidence that we are on track to meet expectations of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Goyal said that the country touched highest ever merchandise exports of $ 422 billion and all-time total exports of $ 667 billion - an increase of 34.5% over FY 21. By July 2022, exports reached $156 bn (19% higher) – Readymade garment (22% higher) along with exports of Engineering goods and Agri goods.
Stating that the Govt. has been increasing its international engagement, the Minister underlined the importance of Free Trade Agreements and urged the representatives to study FTAs and identify the areas which have competitive advantage. He is hoping for an agreement on a multidimensional partnership with UK this year. Further, representatives were requested to take advantage of PM Gati Shakti, PLI, NSWS, EoDB reforms to improve export competitiveness wrt to other manufacturing powerhouses.
The Minister urged all the stakeholders in the export ecosystem to take the message of Har Ghar Tiranga to every nook and corner of the country. He further urged industry to unite and work together to keep the Indian flag flying high and make this campaign a grand success.
The Textile Secretary, Shri U. P. Singh informed about working of the Ministry with a select group of private companies to supply 6 crore flags to State Govts. and Dept. of Post by 12th August. 5.12 crore flags have already been produced.
The Minister launched the ODOP catalogue of over 300 products and appealed the people to use ODOP portal and buy products from there since it will directly help Indian artisans / families and even, help revive dying arts of India. Prime Minister has been requesting the nations to use these ODOP products as festival gifts and cooperate gifts.
Shri Goyal asked all stakeholders to prepare a database of the industry associations/EPCs over the country along with their members, employees & other basic details.
Further, presentation was made on National Single window system, being run by Ministry of Commerce and Industry to facilitate ease of doing business. Since its inception last year, 10k approvals have already been given under it.
In his initial presentation, Commerce Secretary Shri B. V. R. Subramanyam praised the efforts of stakeholders in the export ecosystem in achieving the target 9 days ahead of scheduled end of the year. He said that everyone will have to contribute to keep the momentum going.
Members may kindly make a note of the above.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
S. BALARAJU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
