Exports have always been a crucial part of economic development as it enhances the region’s overall growth, international relations, and encourages business entities to explore international markets.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India (APEDA), the Directorate of Horticulture, under the Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment Department of Government of Odisha with the support from Palladium Group as the technical support partner and facilitation efforts of WTC Bhubaneswar as the Export Facilitation Cell of the State under MSME Department Government of Odisha enabled the first-ever export of Dragon Fruits from Patnagarh in Balangir district of Odisha to Dubai. This consignment consisted of around four quintals of premium quality and organically grown Dragon Fruits from the farm owned by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
WTC Bhubaneswar has been working incessantly to enhance the export scenario of the state and the Center has been identified as the State Export Facilitation Cell by the MSME Department, Government of Odisha. WTC Bhubaneswar has been working as the State EFC (Export Facilitation Cell) for the last 18 months and has played a key role in successfully mobilizing over 30 consignments from Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar through Air Cargo. The Center also played a significant role in commencement of Sea Cargo operations from the Paradip Port.
In this first ever consignment of Dragon Fruits exported from the state of Odisha, WTC Bhubaneswar provided the much essential linkage between the different stakeholders involved in the process including the producer, technical partners, airlines, freight forwarders, customs handling agents etc. and there on provided facilitation support to the exporter with the export procedures in the obtaining the statutory clearances and ensured seamless movement of the cargo. The center envisions for more such consignments from the state consisting of a wide range of products from every corner of the state while assisting more entrepreneurs and business entities to venture into global trade through exports/imports.
The consignment took place on 4th September 2024 from BPIA Bhubaneswar.