 "Centre urges Odisha to rework export strategy")
“A draft export strategy prepared by you was received by the Department of Commerce which was later examined in detail. In the meanwhile, the ASIDE (Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development of Exports) division of the Ministry of Commerce has devised a broad template to prepare the state’s export strategy. This will lend greater depth and analytical rigour in preparation of the strategy. Further, this will also enable the export strategies of various states to be uniform in content and form making it possible for critical analysis,” Asit Tripathy, joint secretary, Union Commerce and Industry Ministry wrote to Panchanan Dash, secretary, MSME (micro, small & medium enterprises), Odisha.
The ministry has suggested a broad template to Odisha for re-formulating its export strategy. This would include information on the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), level of per capita income, natural availability of raw materials like ores and minerals, presence of infrastructure facilities like airports, ports, warehouses and cold chains, percentage share of agriculture, industry and services to the state GDP and sectors receiving FDI (foreign direct investment) inflows.
The compilation would contain information on major items of exports and potential exports, potential destinations for identified items, measures taken for export promotion and trade facilitation and efforts being taken for mainstreaming exports at state level.
In its draft export policy, the state government has targeted to achieve overall exports of Rs 29,693 crore in the next 10 years. The exports from the state stood at Rs 11,448 crore by the end of 2012-13.
The policy has identified six potential sectors for focused attention. These are agriculture and forest products, handloom products, handicraft products, marine products, engineering and allied products and services sector.
The last field includes exports of computer software, tourism, medical services, education services, engineering consultancy and export management service. Metallurgical and mineral products have a lion’s share in the state’s export basket.
The draft paper has proposed to introduce ‘Green Cards’ (exporters’ card) for the exporters having good track records for early passage of their consignments at the check gates of the government on priority basis subject to the fulfilment of certain provisions. The exporters’ card would entitle the holder to minimum inspection and speedy clearance of all proposals by all departments of the state government.