The third edition of the NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2022, released on July 17, 2023, showcases Tamil Nadu’s exceptional performance, securing the top position with an impressive overall score of 80.89. Maharashtra follows closely behind, claiming the second spot with a score of 78.20, while Karnataka stands at third place with a score of 76.36.
The report emphasizes the significance of the top 100 districts, which contribute approximately 87% of India’s total exports. To promote and facilitate exports, 647 districts have established District Export Promotion Committees, and 557 districts have formulated District Export Action Plans.
In addition to the state rankings, the index provides insights into the performance of specific regions. Among coastal areas, Gujarat secures the fourth position with a score of 73.22, with Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Kerala following in the rankings. Uttarakhand leads the hilly/Himalayan states, followed by Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram. Haryana claims the top spot among landlocked regions, with Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan in pursuit. In the category of Union Territories and small states, Goa ranks first, trailed by Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Ladakh.
Examining export districts, Jamnagar in Gujarat secures the highest position, followed by Surat, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai, Pune, Bharuch, Kanchipuram, Ahmedabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Bengaluru Urban. Gujarat emerges as the state with the highest number of districts within the top 25 export districts in the country.
The Export Preparedness Index serves as a comprehensive assessment of the export readiness of states and union territories in India. It analyzes various export-related parameters to identify their strengths and weaknesses. The index’s methodology is an evolving process that incorporates stakeholder feedback to ensure its accuracy and relevance.
The objectives of the index are to provide an objective assessment of export preparedness, highlight achievements and best practices, foster competitiveness among states and union territories, and promote cooperation between them and the central government for sustainable growth and development in India.
The index evaluates states and union territories based on four key pillars: Policy, Business Ecosystem, Export Ecosystem, and Export Performance. The Policy Pillar assesses the adoption and implementation of export-related policies at the state and district levels. The Business Ecosystem pillar examines the availability and quality of infrastructure, such as power, water, land, logistics, and transportation connectivity. The Export Ecosystem pillar focuses on the supportive infrastructure and trade services provided by states and union territories. Lastly, the Export Performance pillar measures actual export outcomes, including growth, diversification, and competitiveness.
By recognizing and addressing strengths and weaknesses in these areas, states and union territories can enhance their export readiness and contribute to India’s economic growth on the global stage.