“Today, I am standing in front of the real gems who took the Brand Maharashtra to the global market with their efforts and success in exports. These outstanding exporters of Maharashtra have captured the global market and I appreciate their milestone in this endeavour. Government of Maharashtra has identified 131 products with export potential across 36 districts under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. I am sure with the support of these exporters we can grow this potential export basket to as high as 1,000 products in future,” said Hon’ble Shri. Subhash Desai, Minister (Industries, Mining, Marathi Language), Government of Maharashtra at the State Level Export Workshop and Export Awards Function held at WTC Mumbai. The event was supported by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai.

Speaking about the policy initiatives of Maharashtra in new age sectors, the Hon’ble Minister said, “Industry 4.0, Data Centers, Robotics and Electric Vehicle have been given top policy priority in the state. Maharashtra’s pioneering policies on IT, Data Center and Electric Vehicles are well appreciated and they serve as guiding light for other states. In the coming years, the state will be the hub for manufacturing Electric Vehicles.”

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Maharashtra Export Promotion Portal that provides latest information on focus export products, potential markets, government policies, procedures and other guide materials for exports. During the event, Hon’ble Minister also launched the One District One Product Booklet that showcases 131 focus products for exports from 36 districts in Maharashtra.

Speaking on this occasion, Hon’ble Smt. Aditi Tatkare, Minister of State (Industries and Mining), Government of Maharashtra informed, “I am proud of the export and economic performance of Maharashtra in the last two years despite the disruption caused by the pandemic. Nobody can dislocate Maharashtra from numero uno position in exports. In the last two years, the state received a record USD 23.4 billion FDI, even amidst the pandemic. The extraordinary performance of the state is due to its emphasis on ease of doing business, quality manpower and infrastructure.”

In his remarks, Shri. Baldev Singh (IAS), Hon. Addl. Chief Secretary (Industries), Government of Maharashtra pointed out, “Maharashtra government has doubled the budget for spending on critical industrial infrastructure for the coming financial year. Under the GATI SHAKTI scheme, we are planning state master plan to align with the central master plan to boost logistics sector. The state is planning multi-modal logistics parks in Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Jalna etc.”

Shri. Singh further informed, “We are also working on a new policy for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which will be launched soon. The state is also working on new IT & ITeS policy for services sector. Maharashtra is planning to launch a separate single window system under its IT & ITeS Policy. The state government has identified 15 sunrise sectors for development, including additive manufacturing, Internet of Things, 3D Printing etc.”

Shri. Singh concluded his remarks by pointing out that Maharashtra plans to support exports by giving thrust on infrastructure for quality certifications, improving cost competitiveness and introducing a competitive tax structure.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “Already, Maharashtra ranks second in exports; still it has potential to increase its share from 20% to 30% in the next few years. The state government may provide renewed thrust on value addition in agro commodities, chemicals and cotton.”

Also, Dr. Kalantri suggested the state government to set up a dedicated fund to promote exports. Maharashtra may also appoint a dedicated liaison officer to work closely with Ambassadors and consular corps of foreign countries in India. He pointed out, “WTC Mumbai can support the state government’s initiative in promoting exports as the Center receives more than 60 trade delegations every year from various countries.”

Dr. Kalantri also recommended the state government to revive State Finance Corporation in Maharashtra to bridge the credit gap in the MSME sector. He also emphasised on the need to strengthen MSSIDC to support the raw material demand and marketing needs of small scale sector.

The event was also addressed by Dr. Harshadeep Kamble (IAS), Development Commissioner (Industries) & Commissioner (Exports), Government of Maharashtra, Dr. R. Sampath Kumar, ITS, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and other dignitaries.

Dr. Kamble informed that the state government aims to increase its annual exports from the current USD 60 billion to USD 100 billion in the next few years.

As part of the program, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai moderated a panel session on Regional Export Action Plan with Joint Director of Industries of all the six divisions of Maharashtra. The panel session generated discussion on the export potential and challenges faced by exporters in Pune, Nashik, Konkan, Mumbai, Aurangabad and Nagpur/Amravati divisions of Maharashtra.

During the event, the Hon’ble Minister felicitated more than 34 exporters for their outstanding performance during 2017-18. These exporters are engaged in manufacture and international marketing of products related to printing, rubber, chemicals, plastics, wooden articles, auto components, agro products, leather, pharmaceuticals, textile, biodiesel and other sectors.

The one-day event was attended by more than 500 delegates, including exporters, representatives from Export Promotion Councils, senior officials from Government of Maharashtra, DGFT and other organisations.

Photo Caption: (from left to right): Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai, Mr. Pravin Darade, IAS, Managing Director, MSSIDC, Hon’ble Shri. Subhash Desai, Minister (Industries, Mining, Marathi Language), Government of Maharashtra, Dr. Harshadeep Kamble (IAS), Development Commissioner (Industries) & Commissioner (Exports), Government of Maharashtra, Dr. R. Sampath Kumar, ITS, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai