UP takes a big leap in Export Preparedness Index 2024, secures fourth position

Uttar Pradesh is not only rapidly emerging as a leading exporting state but also setting an example as a new national model by linking exports to employment, investment, regional balance, and inclusive development.

The latest example of this is its ranking in the Export Preparedness Index 2024 (EPI 2024) released by NITI Aayog. Uttar Pradesh has achieved a remarkable feat in this ranking released on Wednesday, securing the fourth position overall and first position among landlocked states.

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In the 2022 ranking, Uttar Pradesh was ranked seventh overall and second among landlocked states. This significant leap in just two years is considered a direct result of the comprehensive reforms in the state’s export sector and the export-promotion policies of the Yogi Adityanath government.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, special emphasis has been placed on strengthening export infrastructure, increasing cost competitiveness, promoting the export of diverse products, and facilitating a conducive business environment in the state.

Initiatives such as the Uttar Pradesh Export Promotion Policy, One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, Common Facility Centres, logistics improvements, road connectivity, and dry ports have proven crucial in accelerating export readiness. Government facilities, such as reimbursement for freight expenses, participation in national and international fairs/exhibitions, quality certification, e-commerce onboarding fees, courier and air freight expenses, and export credit guarantees, have reduced the cost burden on exporters and made them competitive in the global market.

The Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show, held for the past three years, has served as a crucial platform for the state’s exporters. It has provided UP’s MSMEs and traditional artisans with direct access to international buyers, leading to their entry into new markets and a significant increase in export orders. This has given a new identity to the state’s handloom, handicrafts, food processing, leather, pharmaceuticals, and agri-based products.

While preparing the EPI-2024 rankings, NITI Aayog evaluated states based on four key pillars — export infrastructure, business ecosystem, policy and governance, and export performance — along with 70 indicators across 13 sub-pillars. Uttar Pradesh has shown significant improvement across these various parameters. The expansion of its export portfolio, access to new markets, development of a robust logistics support system, and industry-friendly policies have strengthened UP’s position.

While the top three positions in the ranking are held by coastal states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh’s achievement of the fourth position, despite being a landlocked state, is considered a major success. Due to the lack of a coastline, exporters from Uttar Pradesh face higher time and cost burdens in transporting goods to ports. Despite this challenge, the state’s overall fourth-place ranking is a testament to the fact that the structural reforms, policy support, and proactive hand-holding provided by the Yogi government have yielded tangible benefits for exporters.