Event showcased Himachal Pradesh as rising economic force in terms of exports, demonstrated the economic progress achieved in the last 75 years in international trade.
Stakeholders pledge to create new occasions for enhanced trade including GI products from the state, Augment focus on Strength, Potential of Exports from Himachal Pradesh
Shimla : The two day export promotion event titled ‘Vanijya Utsav’ as part of the celebration of ‘’Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’’ focusing on the strength and potential of exports from Himachal Pradesh, concluded at Hotel Holiday Home here today.
The event was jointly organized by Agricultural Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh and supported by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The two day event aimed to showcase the State as rising economic force in the country in terms of exports and to demonstrate the economic progress achieved in the last 75 years in international trade.
Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting & Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag in his virtual inaugural address complimented the initiatives taken by the State to commemorate the 75 years of independence and the achievements accomplished by various sectors in promoting the production, trade and export. The Minister congratulated APEDA for the efforts made in the export of Himachal Apples to Bahrain in the recent past. He asked all the stakeholders to relook into the possibilities for a making the agricultural products more competitive in international markets by addressing the logistics challenges. He urged to create new occasions for enhanced trade including GI products from the state while preserving the history.
Additional Chief Secretary Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, R. D Dhiman highlighted the potential of Himachal Pradesh in promoting various products such as Handloom, Handicrafts, Agricultural products, Processed Food products etc. to enhance the export in pursuance to priority accorded by union government in view of its role in expanding economic activity and generating employment opportunities.
Chairman APEDA, Dr M. Angamuthu threw light on the ample opportunities of the state with wide range of export basket in the food sector. He said that in order to expand the possibilities of increased export from the states, APEDA closely coordinates with Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for market access of agricultural products to new destinations in addition to the traceability systems implemented by APEDA to ensure food safety and quality requirements in overseas market. He added that efforts are being undertaken by APEDA in strengthening the FPOs for identified agricultural products to empower the farming community while doubling their income.
Additional DGFT Ajay Srivatsav threw light on the immense potential of the State in enhancing the export while contributing to the dream of Honb’le Prime Minister in doubling the export. He recalled the gradual increase witnessed during the past 75 years in terms of both merchandize and service exports of India. He complimented the State for its efforts to achieve an export growth exceeding 25% during COVID year setting HP ahead of most states.
Technical sessions on the initiatives of HPMC, role of ECGC and activities of NABARD and Department of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh, in order to promote exports from the state were conducted to sensitize the stakeholders on strengthening of FPOs, handling of supply chain of agricultural products and assistance in financial sector.
The export promotion event also includes exhibition to promote trade and export of various products by Dept. of Animal Husbandry, NABARD, Dept. of Food Processing, Department of Agriculture, Central Potato Research Institute, Handicraft & Handloom, TRIFED, HDFC, EEPC, ECGC, DGFT, and private players from fruit processing, medicinal plants etc.
Director, Agriculture and Food Processing Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ms Mallika Verma conducted the proceedings of the event and extended the vote of thanks on behalf of PHD Chamber.
