Platform to provide information on trade events, FTAs, and international trade data; Major export growth from districts like Jamnagar, Kanchipuram, and Mumbai.
The Indian government is in the process of developing a trade connect e-platform aimed at linking Indian exporters, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs with a variety of stakeholders, including Indian missions abroad, export promotion councils, and other partner government agencies. This initiative was announced by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Trade Information: The platform will offer detailed information on trade events around the world, benefits arising from India’s free trade agreements (FTAs), and other pertinent international trade-related information and data.
- Stakeholder Connectivity: The platform is designed to facilitate connections between Indian exporters, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs with Indian missions abroad, export promotion councils, and partner government agencies.
- Support for Export Growth: Prasada highlighted that major districts showing robust export growth include Jamnagar, Kanchipuram, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, and Kachchh.
During April-May of the current fiscal year, Jamnagar recorded the highest exports at $10 billion. It was followed by Kanchipuram with $3.27 billion, Mumbai with $2.24 billion, Pune with $2.14 billion, Kachchh with $2 billion, and Surat with $1.98 billion.
In response to a separate query, Minister Prasada mentioned that a proposal to offer an 80 percent concession for women entrepreneurs and a 50 percent concession for MSMEs in licensing fees granted by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) is under active consideration by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The development of the trade connect e-platform is a significant step towards enhancing the global connectivity of Indian exporters, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs. By providing crucial trade-related information and facilitating stakeholder connections, the platform aims to bolster India’s export performance and support economic growth. The government’s active consideration of concessions for women entrepreneurs and MSMEs further underscores its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and supporting small businesses.
