PHDCCI & NITI Aayog organised workshop on “States as Drivers of Export-led Growth”
India will grow when its States grow : Sanjeet Singh
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, 12 March-
Today PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised one day workshop with the collaboration of NITI Ayog under the theme of States as Drivers of Export-led Growth. The Inaugural session addressed by Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog joined virtually as guest of honor and said that the strategic policy reforms like FDI liberalization in key sectors including defense, space, agriculture, and technology has reshaped the landscape of trade and investment, propelling exports and economic growth.
Simultaneously, public sector restructuring, tax overhauls, and strategic industry policies facilitated disinvestment and privatization, fostering a dynamic international trade and investment environment.
The First session started under the theme of Towards Effective Participation of MSMEs by the Shri Sanjeet Singh, Sr. Advisor (Trade, Commerce, Economic & Finance) NITI Aayog as esteemed guest. He said that we are privileged to be living in Amrit Kaal, a time when our Honorable Prime Minister has underlined the pivotal role of states in India's trajectory of growth. India is set to forge Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with all G7 trading partners, aiming to maximize investment, employment, and export infrastructure to reduce export costs to 8% at par with global standards.
India's leadership in service exports, particularly in the IT sector, is seen as a global powerhouse. NITI Aayog's collaboration with industry bodies like PHDCCI reflects a concerted effort to drive innovation and synergy.
Moreover, Shri RS Sachdeva, Chair, Punjab Chapter, PHDCCI presented the formal vote of thanks highlighting the enhanced need for ease of doing business, especially in the transportation sector.
Furthermore, Shri P J Singh, Managing Director, Tynor Orthotics, emphasized the need to expand production and transcend borders, stressing the importance of bolstering states like Punjab and Haryana to achieve this objective.
He underscored the critical significance of Ease of Doing Business in facilitating smooth operations and fostering business growth. Singh advocated for acknowledging and honoring individuals and entities contributing significantly to the Indian economy and exports, highlighting the importance of recognizing their efforts in driving national prosperity.
Dr. Harjinder K Talwar, FICCI stressed the importance of continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to capitalize on the opportunities and drive sustainable growth while moderating the session. The discussion was followed by questions and answers round from the participants of the Workshop.
Dr. SP Sharma, Chief Economist| DSG, PHDCCI, delivered the opening remarks by emphasizing India's status as the third-largest startup ecosystem worldwide, with a strong focus on trade and exports.
He highlighted the growing prominence of MSMEs, crediting government reforms for their increasing significance. He also noted the substantial uptick in exports, signaling India's expanding presence and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Dr. Harjinder K Talwar, Board member of MSME and FICCI, emphasized that the power of startups is shining and Make in India is now a global supply chain. She noted that India is sitting on the leap of opportunities with the Government has provided a great hand-holding. Shri VikasVerma, North Zone, UNDP graced the occasion with his presence.
Ms. Muskan Agarwal, Young Professional, NITI Aayog, moderated the session and underscored the government's steadfast dedication to GYAN and Amritkal emphasizing that these core principles act as guiding forces behind government initiatives, paving the way for a prosperous and enlightened future for the nation during her moderation of the session.
R.K. Aameria, the Additional Commissioner of Industries, Government of Rajasthan, while addressing “One Day Workshop on States as Drivers of Export-led Growth” under “NITI for States”, shared insights on the increasing exports from Rajasthan, backed by government support. The "Niryatak Bano" initiative by Rajasthan has garnered appreciation, and the State is gearing up to launch "One District, One Product" to enhance export opportunities. The Rajasthan Export Promotion Council, along with six special economic zones and an export park, is playing a key role in promoting exports. Several initiatives are in progress for MSMEs, including a streamlined single window clearance process for their applications.
Shri Vikas Verma, North Zone, UNDP emphasized the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the need for businesses to prioritize them as national mandates. He highlighted the increasing relevance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, particularly for private enterprises, in reducing harm to the planet.
Mr. Verma emphasized India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as declared during COP26. He urged a shift in business mindset from shareholder-focused to stakeholder-focused.
Shri Vishal Dhingra, Chair, Foreign Trade and Investment Committee, PHDCCI, outlined strategies for boosting exports, emphasizing the need for a simplified regulatory environment. He emphasized the importance of minimizing laws and policies to create a streamlined platform that allows businesses to maintain focus.
Sanjiv Singh Sethi, Co-Chair, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI, emphasized the importance of making current laws more practical and workable to enhance compliance and ensure strong implementation, particularly by simplifying regulations. In the second session, started under the theme of Strengthening Export infrastructure & logistics by the Shri Sanjeet Singh, Sr. Advisor NITI Aayog. On this occasion, Dr. Meera Malhan , Professor, Delhi college of Arts and Commmerce, University of Delhi, Dr. Geethanjali Natraj, Principle, International Trade Policy, Confederation of Indian Industry, Prof. Nidhi Sharma, Indian Institute of advance studies Shimla, Shri Vishav Bhandhu, joint Director, Policy Implementation Unit, Government of Punjab were present.
In the third session of workshop Dr. Pravakar Sahoo, sr. Advisor NITI Aayog, Dr. Abhay Sinha, Director general, Service Export Promotion council, Shri Kathir T, Shri Sumit Aggarwal, Shri Sarvjit Singh Minhas explain there views on challenges and opportunities in Export. In the end, Dr. SP Sharma presented the thanks to participants in workshop.