Two day Vanijya Utsav organized by PHD Chamber at Shimla
A two days event has commenced on 21st September 2021 as part of the celebrations of ‘’Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’’ focusing the strength and potential of exports from Himachal Pradesh. The event is being jointly organized by Agricultural Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh and supported by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Vanijya Utsav aims to showcase the State as rising economic force in the country in terms of exports and to demonstrate the economic progress achieved in the last 75 years in international trade.
Shri. Anurag Thakur, Honb’le Minister, Information & Broadcasting, Government of India during the inaugural address complemented the initiatives taken by the state to commemorate the 75 years of independence and the achievements accomplished by various sectors in promoting the production, trade and export. Honb’le Minister congratulated APEDA for the efforts made in export of Himachal Apples to Bahrain in the recent past. He asked to relook into the possibilities for a making the agricultural products more competitive in international markets by addressing the logistics challenges. While preserving the history, he urged to create new occasions for enhanced trade including GI products from the state.
The potential of Himachal Pradesh in promoting various products such as Handloom, Handicrafts, Agricultural products, Processed Food products etc. have been highlighted by the Additional Chief Secretary (Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh), Shri. R. D Dhiman in order to enhance the export in pursuance to priority accorded by Government of India in view of its role in expanding economic activity and generating employment opportunities.
Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman APEDA stated on the ample opportunities of the state with wide range of export basket in the food sector. He also stated that in order to expand the possibilities of increased export from the states, APEDA closely coordinates with Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for market access of agricultural products to new destinations in addition to the traceability systems implemented by APEDA to ensure food safety and quality requirements in overseas market. He stated that efforts are being taken by APEDA in strengthening the FPOs for identified agricultural products to empower the farming community while doubling their income. He also stated the need to preserve the Himalayan rich heritage for which activities will be undertaken in collaboration with the Government of Himachal Pradesh in near future.
During his address, Shri. Ajay Srivatsav, Additional DGFT remarked on the immense potential of the state in enhancing the export while contributing to the dream of Honb’le Prime Minister in doubling the export. He recalled the gradual increase witnessed during the past 75 years in terms of both merchandize and service exports of India. He also stated on the numerous initiatives made by Government in sectors such as logistics, banking, customs database etc. He complimented the State on its efforts to achieve an export growth exceeding 25% during Covid year setting HP ahead of most states.
Technical sessions on the initiatives of HPMC, role of ECGC and activities of NABARD and Department of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh, in order to promote exports from the state have also been covered to sensitize the stakeholders on strengthening of FPOs, handling of supply chain of agricultural products and assistance in financial sector.
Ms. Mallika Verma, Director, Agriculture and Food Processing Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry moderated the session and extended the vote of thanks on behalf of PHD Chamber.
The export promotion event also includes exhibition to promote trade and export of various products by Dept. of Animal Husbandry, NABARD, Dept. of Food Processing, Department of Agriculture, Central Potato Research Institute, Handicraft & Handloom, TRIFED, HDFC, EEPC, ECGC, DGFT, and private players from fruit processing, medicinal plants etc also took part.
