BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said, the State would have a new export policy to boost export potential and ensure ease of doing business. Speaking at a workshop on ‘Export Strategy of Odisha’, he said the existing export policy of the State is under revision and the new Odisha Export Policy, 2017 would be unveiled soon.
“The State Government is in the process of bringing all export related organisations under one roof. I hope the step will go a long way in enhancing value of exports from the State,” Naveen said. Odisha has registered a significant growth in the field of exports since 2001-02 due to proactive efforts of the State Government as the turnover had increased 34 times in the last 15 years, he added.“The export turnover, which increased from Rs 563 crore in 2001-02 to Rs 19,082 crore in 2015-16, registered a phenomenal growth of 114 per cent in the last fiscal. The turnover rose to Rs 40,872 crore in 2016-17,” he said and complemented the exporters for achieving the feat.
MSME Minister Prafulla Samal called upon the exporters to focus on the overseas trade and tap the maximum export potential of the State. The growing export business of the State is a good indication for the trade in future, Samal said.
Maintaining that the State has tremendous potential for overseas exports, Additional Chief Secretary LN Gupta said, the Government is working on a mission mode to achieve Rs one lakh crore of export turnover by 2025. “We are focusing on improving quality, enhancing value addition of products and marketing diversification, facilitating IT and IT-enabled services besides unleashing potential of e-commerce and promoting eco tourism,” Gupta added.
The CM awarded 19 exporters for their outstanding contribution for exports from the State. While Nalco received Best Exporter Award, Falcon Marine Exports Limited and JK Paper Limited were presented certificate of merit trophy.
Government assistance of Rs 5.8 crore under Odisha Food Processing Policy was also provided to five MSME entrepreneurs on the occasion. Later, Naveen handed over appointment letters to 17 Scientific Assistants, who will be placed in the Directorate of Export Promotion and Marketing.