World Trade Centre Mumbai Submits Study Findings to Governor of Maharashtra

by Shrutee K/DNS 

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai presented a copy of MVIRDC WTC Mumbai’s Research Study on ‘Accelerating Maharashtra’s Export Competitiveness to Mr. Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra at a meeting held at Raj Bhavan. High-level functionaries of MVIRDC WTC Mumbai and All India Association of Industries were also present at the meeting.

While presenting the Study Mr. Kalantri said, “Our Research Study meticulously analyses Maharashtra’s investment competitiveness across nine of its major export-oriented industries, and its infrastructure-readiness, vis-à-vis other major states in India. The study is backed by recommendations to improve Maharashtra’s export competitiveness along with expert opinion. MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai believes in promoting India’s international trade through cutting-edge research and market analysis. I affirm that the book will serve as a useful guide in policy-making, and will be beneficial to academicians as well as industry officials”.

The study also critically examines Maharashtra’s infrastructure-readiness compared to other major states on key parameters such as availability of power, road density, lease rentals, export infrastructure etc. The study suggests the need to enhance per capita availability of power, reduce cost of power and bridge power deficit during peak hours. The study identifies that while the state fares well in terms of export infrastructure such as container freight stations, inland container depots and notified and exporting special economic zones, Maharashtra needs to promote export-oriented units to set shop in the state. Maharashtra has a little above 50% of the export oriented units compared to other leading states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The study emphasises the need to augment Maharashtra’s cold storage infrastructure to support export of perishable farm commodities.

The study has put forth actionable recommendations for policymakers, both in the central and the state government and is backed by opinions from experts. The research study emphasises on the need for a balanced regional development in Maharashtra, besides highlighting the need to have a dedicated export policy for the state. Among other policy measures, the study suggests setting up a four-tier institutional mechanism with representation from state and district export promotion councils from every district.

The study calls for renewed policy thrust to promote skill development, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The study recommends the state government to promote awareness of e-commerce as an effective tool for accessing global markets among MSMEs.