Noida, once a satellite city of Delhi, has transformed into a significant export hub in India. Strategically located with robust infrastructure and proactive government policies, Noida is at the forefront of Uttar Pradesh’s (UP) ambitious goal to triple its exports by 2030. This blog delves into Noida’s export growth and the government’s initiatives propelling UP’s exports.
Noida’s Emergence as an Export Powerhouse
Noida’s ascent in the export sector is marked by its designation as a ‘Town of Export Excellence’ for apparel products. The city hosts a diverse range of export sectors, including:
- Apparel and Textiles: A significant contributor to Noida’s exports, with numerous manufacturing units.
- Electronics and IT Services: Leveraging the city’s technological infrastructure.
- Engineering Goods: Catering to both domestic and international markets.
- Gems and Jewellery: A growing sector with increasing global demand.
The Noida Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) is pivotal in facilitating exports. In January 2024, NSEZ emerged as a leader in goods exports, contributing 47% (Rs. 578 Crores), with significant outputs in gems, jewellery, and engineering goods.
Government Initiatives Promoting Exports in Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government has launched several initiatives to bolster exports:
- Export Promotion Policy 2020–25: Focused on enhancing infrastructure, providing financial incentives, and simplifying export procedures.
- Upcoming Export Policy 2025–30: Aims to triple exports by 2030, with plans to increase aid to each exporting unit to Rs 25 lakh annually and transport incentives up to Rs 30 lakh per year.
- Uttar Pradesh Export Promotion Council (UPEPC): Established to coordinate export activities, provide training, and facilitate market access for exporters.
One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme
Launched in 2018, the ODOP initiative aims to promote unique products from each district in UP, enhancing their marketability and export potential.
Key Highlights:
- Economic Impact: ODOP exports from UP soared to INR 2 trillion, a significant increase from INR 86,000 crore in 2017.
- Employment Generation: The scheme has fostered entrepreneurship and job creation, with 96 lakh MSME units operational and providing employment to 40 lakh people.
Product Promotion: Efforts are underway to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) tags for 75 products, enhancing their authenticity and market reach.
Infrastructure Development Supporting Exports
Infrastructure development is central to UP’s export strategy:
- Logistics and Transportation: Enhancement of road networks, including the Yamuna Expressway, facilitates the efficient movement of goods.
- Industrial Parks and Clusters: The development of export-oriented industrial parks and clusters, such as the PM MITRA Park, supports textile manufacturing.
- Digital Infrastructure: Investment in digital platforms supports e-commerce exports and streamlines export processes.
Skill Development and Employment Generation
Aligning workforce skills with industry needs is crucial:
- Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM): Offers training programs in tailoring, IT services, and the manufacturing sectors.
- Special Projects: Initiatives like ‘Special Project Praveen‘ aim to align vocational training with international standards, expanding global employment prospects.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite significant progress, challenges remain:
- Global Competition: UP’s exports face stiff competition in international markets.
- Compliance with Standards: Ensuring products meet international quality and compliance standards is essential.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Addressing potential disruptions to maintain consistent export flows.
Strategies for Sustained Growth
- Diversification: Expanding into new markets and product categories.
- Innovation: Investing in research and development to enhance product quality.
- Policy Support: Continuous refinement of export policies to adapt to changing global dynamics.
Noida’s rise as an export hub exemplifies the synergy between strategic location, robust infrastructure, and proactive governance. The Uttar Pradesh government’s initiatives, including the ODOP scheme and comprehensive export policies, have laid a strong foundation for sustained export growth.
