Gujarat stood second in exports last fiscal

Gujarat stood second in terms of exports last fiscal among the five states in the western zone, while Maharashtra bagged the top honours.

"The Saurashtra and Kutch regions were top exporters in Gujarat," said D Brar, joint director general, Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO), at a seminar in Rajkot.

According to Brar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhatisgadh, Madhya Pradesh and Diu-Daman hold two-third of the total exports of the country.

"Saurashtra and Kutch have good potential to export herbal medicines and other agricultural products. There is a wrong conception in this region that only big firms are capable for exports business. FIEO conducts seminars to guide small firms for exports," he said.

There is good demand for diesel oil engines, automotive and agricultural products from North America and many European countries. Also, the demand for herbal agricultural products from India has gone up.

"The Saurashtra region had witnessed exports of Rs 650 crore and imports of Rs 125 crore last fiscal. It is essential for exporters to be acquainted with research and development of their production items and its compiled data-based details.

According to Hareshbhai Vora, president, Rajkot chambers of commerce, valve for automobiles are exported to Suzuki company of Japan from Rajkot and exports of automobile parts have open up opportunities for exporters.

Besides, groundnut, oil seeds, sesame seeds, herbal products and sanitary wares are the best items for exports.

According to a survey conducted by the Rajkot Chambers of Commerce, Saurashtra has achieved an export capacity of 8-10 per cent and the region has the potential to achieve the 90 per cent level.