ODOP Scheme to be activated to boost exports from Punjab: announced Mr. Sibin C at PHDCCI Video Conference

No.PR-229 August 26, 2020 New Delhi ODOP Scheme to be activated to boost exports from Punjab: announced Mr. Sibin C at PHDCCI Video Conference “One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme to be activated to boost exports from Punjab” This was stated by Mr. Sibin C, IAS, Director, Industries & Commerce, Government of Punjab while addressing a video Conference on Export Promotion and Risk Management organized jointly by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and Punjab Government here today. The objective of the video conference was to discuss issues being faced by exporters during Covid-19 and suggest possible workable solutions. Mr. Sibin C informed that the State is all set to focus on exports under the GOI Atmanirbhar and Make for World Schemes. For this purpose, One District One Product Scheme is being activated. For implementation of this scheme, District Level Export Promotion Councils are being set up in each district under the Chairship of Deputy Commissioners. These Councils will include representatives from DGFT and Industry Associations. He informed that Punjab is already running cluster development programs for boosting exports. Earlier, welcoming the speakers and participants, Mr. RS Sachdeva, Mentor, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI said that the exports from Punjab have been hit due to Covid-19 and the exporter community needs support and handholding to navigate the current crisis. He added that the State has great export potential and today’s program has been organized by PHDCCI jointly with the Punjab Government to highlight the support available to exporters from Government and Banks. Addressing the Conference, UK based Mr. Graham Bonner, Chair, Gallus Ecom India Pvt. Ltd. informed that Ecom has a business to business portal dedicated to Indian Manufacturers & Suppliers. The Indian businesses can host their goods & services and advertise them on this portal to attract buyers for their products globally. He added that to support the Indian exporters during Covid-19, their company is offering this service free of cost for one year. Mr. Bonner stated that India has huge resources and has great potential in manufacturing and can easily compete with China. He underlined that excellent quality, competitive pricing and robust supply chain along with good communication are pre requisites for boosting exports. Dr. Ms. Manjeet Bhatoya, Deputy DGFT & Indian Trade Service Officer, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ludhiana gave details of different schemes offered by DGFT for promotion of exports. She informed that to start exports, businesses need IEC Number which can be obtained online from DGFT Portal. She explained in detail about schemes like Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme under which machinery required for manufacture of export goods, is allowed to be imported, Advance Authorization which allows duty free import of input material for manufacture of export goods, Free sale certificate to facilitate export of medical equipment and drugs. She informed that DGFT also helps in amicable solution of quality disputes between the Indian exporters and foreign buyers. Mr. Rakesh Suraj, Regional Director (NR), Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) of India made a Presentation at the Video Conference to highlight the support offered by EEPC to exporters. He informed that while exports from India have declined in the last few months but in July, they have registered a growth of 8-9% which is a positive sign. He also informed that EEPC maintains sector wise and country wise data of export products and potential markets. This information can be highly useful for exporters. He said that a list of items that were imported from China and now blocked by GOI, is also available with EEPC that can help manufacturers. Detailing the support provided by ECGC to exporters, Mr. Kuldeep Singh, Branch Manager, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd.(ECGC) informed that ECGC has taken a number of steps like extension of Policy and reduction of 50% fee to help the exporters during the difficult period of Covid-19. He said that besides providing insurance cover to exporters, ECGC maintains data of buyers and verifies the credit worthiness of foreign buyers. It also maintains a list of defaulting companies so that Indian exporters can be cautious while dealing with such companies. He advised that exporters should be careful while signing the trade agreements and accepting the invoices as they can have some hidden clauses which can risk their payments. Mr. Kuldeep Singh mentioned that ECGC also educates exporters on various aspects of export contracts and process for recovering payment from defaulters. Mr. Vinod Kamra, AGM, State Bank of India informed that SBI has set up a Trade Finance Cell at Mohali which provides e-forex facility to the customers in tricity and surrounding areas. He said that Trade Finance Cell is an online transparent platform where all documents can be submitted online and the rates can be directly booked by the customer himself with the treasury. He said similar Cell is also available in Ludhiana. Thanking the Chief Guest, Mr. Sibin C, other speaker and participants, Mr. Karan Gilhotra, Chair, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI hoped that today’s discussion would help the exporters to enhance exports from the region and contribute to higher economic growth in the coming times. Ends Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry