Uttarakhand has made a big breakthrough because it is ranked the best among the small states in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, issued by NITI Aayog. The state performed better than 18 other states and Union territories of its category, a fact that shows how it is becoming stronger in terms of export preparedness and facilitating international trade.
The Export Preparedness Index is an assessment of the readiness of the Indian states and UTs to promote and maintain exports that is carried out annually. The index is used to determine performance in major pillars like policy environment, business ecosystem, export infrastructure, logistics connectivity, and innovation capacity. The top ranking of Uttarakhand is indicative of the constant attempts of the state government to embark on fortifying these regions.
The officials attributed the success to dedicated policies to enhance industrial infrastructure, liberalize business policies and promote manufacturing with export orientation. It has been working diligently to invest in the logistics, warehousing and connectivity, which have enabled local industries in the country to penetrate both national and international markets more effectively.
The ranking was described by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as a state and people’s pride. According to him, the recognition is a legitimization of the development model, which is based on balanced growth, investor-friendly policies, and encouragement of local products in Uttarakhand. The government has been striving to come up with district-based products and link them to the global value chains to increase exports and job creation.
Uttarakhand has become a major exporter of pharmaceuticals, auto components, food processing products, ayurvedic and herbal products and handicrafts. The industrial clusters in Haridwar, Rudrapur and Dehradun have been instrumental in fueling the increase in exports through the policy incentives and simplified approvals.
Experts also consider that the largest EPI position will increase investor trust in the state. An existing efficient export ecosystem contributes to the growth of foreign exchange earnings, creates employment opportunities, helps MSMEs and enhances regional growth. In the case of a small state with limited geographical boundaries, the performance portrays that focused governance and planning can yield results.
At the national level, the Export Preparedness Index is used as a benchmarking tool, which makes the states compete and cooperate to enhance the total export capacity of India. The success of Uttarakhand makes it a case in point that other small states can also strive to get better prepared with regard to enhancing their trade.
The state government has even reported that it will still work on the enhancement of infrastructure, skill development, and digital trade facilitation to maintain its leading position. As exports have been regarded as a major contributor to economic growth, the first place ranking of the state of Uttarakhand in the EPI 2024 is a step that will be significant towards economic growth in this state.
