BHUBANESWAR: The Centre has conferred the tag of 'champion state' on
Odisha for recording the highest growth in exports in 2016-17. In a tweet posted on Friday, the Union commerce ministry said exports from the state had increased by 114% from Rs 19,082 crore in 2015-2016 to Rs 40,872 crore in 2016-2017.
"Glad that Odisha has been recognized by the Centre as champion state in exports growth. Our strategic efforts to ensure an ecosystem for medium and MSME sectors will further boost employment opportunities for the youth,"
Naveen tweeted in response.
The growth of exports has a direct impact on enhancement of employment and livelihood opportunities. The state's major exports are aluminium, aluminium products, iron ore, processed minerals, iron, steel, marine products, residual chemical and allied products, textiles and IT and IT-enabled services. Also, sectors such as engineering, handicrafts, tourism, silver filigree and rubber have also witnessed a growth in exports.
As part of the new export strategy, the state is going to enhance its focus on the export of pharma, plastic, spices, cereals and organic farm items, said MSME secretary L N
Gupta.
The export turnover of the state was merely Rs 563 crore in 2001-02. It increased to Rs 8,917 crore in 2005-07, and then to Rs 15,411 crore in 2008-09.
In the current financial year, Odisha's merchandise export have already crossed Rs 22,000 crore by October, 2017 and the state government is optimistic of doubling the amount by end of the fiscal year.
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