Government of Maharashtra has identified 113 focus products based on the inherent strengths or natural advantage of 36 districts in the state. These identified products, under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, will be promoted in the international market through District Export Action Plan.

The state government prepared a booklet to highlight focus products of each of these 36 districts and the measures planned to stimulate export of these focus products. The government launched this booklet at the State Level Export Workshop and Export Awards Function held at WTC Mumbai. The event was supported by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai.

During the event, the state government felicitated more than 34 exporters for their outstanding performance during 2017-18. These exporters are engaged in manufacture and international marketing of products related to printing, rubber, chemicals, plastics, wooden articles, auto components, agro products, leather, pharmaceuticals, textile, biodiesel and other sectors. The state also launched the Maharashtra Export Promotion Portal that provides latest information on focus export products, potential markets, government policies, procedures and other guide materials for exports.

Speaking at this function, Hon’ble Shri. Subhash Desai, Minister (Industries, Mining, Marathi Language), Government of Maharashtra remarked, “I appreciate all the export award winners for taking the Brand Maharashtra to the global market. Government of Maharashtra has identified 113 products with export potential across 36 districts under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. I am sure with the support of these exporters we can grow this potential export basket to as high as 1,000 products in future.”

In his remarks, Shri. Baldev Singh (IAS), Hon. Addl. Chief Secretary (Industries), Government of Maharashtra pointed out, “Maharashtra government is planning multi-modal logistics parks in Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Jalna etc. We are also working on a new policy for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which will be launched soon. The state is also working on new IT & ITeS policy for services sector. Maharashtra is planning to launch a separate single window system under its IT & ITeS Policy. The state government has identified 15 sunrise sectors for development, including additive manufacturing, Internet of Things, 3D Printing etc.”

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “Already, Maharashtra ranks second in exports; still it has potential to increase its share from 20% to 30% in the next few years. The state government may provide renewed thrust on value addition in agro commodities, chemicals and cotton.”

The event was also addressed by Dr. Harshadeep Kamble (IAS), Development Commissioner (Industries) & Commissioner (Exports), Government of Maharashtra, Dr. R. Sampath Kumar, ITS, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and other dignitaries.

As part of the program, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai moderated a panel session on Regional Export Action Plan with the Joint Director of Industries of all the six divisions of Maharashtra. The panel session generated discussion on the export potential and challenges faced by exporters in Pune, Nashik, Konkan, Mumbai, Aurangabad and Nagpur/Amravati divisions of Maharashtra.

The one-day event was attended by more than 500 delegates, including exporters, representatives from Export Promotion Councils, senior officials from Government of Maharashtra, DGFT and other organisations.

In Photo (L-R) Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai, Mr. Pravin Darade, IAS, Managing Director, MSSIDC, Hon’ble Shri. Subhash Desai, Minister (Industries, Mining, Marathi Language), Government of Maharashtra, Dr. Harshadeep Kamble (IAS), Development Commissioner (Industries) & Commissioner (Exports), Government of Maharashtra, Dr. R. Sampath Kumar, ITS, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai