Odisha govt approves new export policy

In a bid to boost export by providing support to entrepreneurs, the Odisha Cabinet today approved a new export policy aiming at raising export turnover from Rs 12.24 crore to about Rs 39 crore in 10 years.
"In order to provide various support to entrepreneurs to boost export, the state government has brought the Odisha State Export Policy 2014," Chief Secretary G C Pati told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
The policy envisages increasing export turnover from Rs 12.246 crore during the 2012-13 to Rs 38.714 crore in a span of ten years, he said adding in order to compete in the global market, export units need to improve quality, adopt new technology, undertake skill upgradation and diversification.

Under the proposed policy, an Exporters' Card (green card) is envisaged for the exporters of Odisha having good track records for early passage of export consignment at check gates of the government on priority basis, Pati said.
Odisha Small Industries Corporation (OSIC) Ltd has been authorised to supply raw material and fuel like coal to exporting units on priority basis, he said, adding, workshops are proposed at various levels to facilitate exports.
For participation in International Trade Fairs, travel expenses in respect of not more than two persons from a firm would be permitted subject to 50 per cent of the total travel expenses limited to Rs 50,000, Pati said.

The state government would take necessary steps to create containerised facilities at the ports located within the state, so that the exporters get facility to export their goods through ports located in the state instead of exporting through ports outside, the chief secretary said.

Visit of foreign trade delegations would be organised frequently with state government participation to take them to industries at various locations which would expose them to the products of the state and boost exports.
While state export award would be given to exporters annually to create a spirit of competitiveness, international buyers and sellers meet at Bhubaneswar would be organised annually to boost export from the state, Pati said.

Setting up of Export Parks and Trade Centres in different centres of the state having export potentiality, showcasing of MSME product at important cities of India and establishment of WTO Cell to keep exporters updated on happenings across the globe are among the steps to be taken by the state government, he said.
Some the other infrastructural support to be provided include establishment of warehousing and container facilities and inland container depot at different locations of the state for cargo storage and customs clearance, Pati added.