Himachal Pushes for Export Boost, Seeks DGFT Office and NIPER Campus in Industrial Hub
Shimla/New Delhi: Seeking to strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s growing export sector and industrial ecosystem, the state government has urged the Centre to establish a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) satellite office in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) industrial corridor and a satellite campus of NIPER Mohali in the upcoming Bulk Drug Park at Una.
The demands were raised by Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan during the Board of Trade meeting held in New Delhi and chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Highlighting the state’s impressive industrial growth, Chauhan noted that Himachal Pradesh’s exports have witnessed a remarkable rise—from ₹500 crore in 2003-04 to over ₹20,400 crore in 2024-25. He said the growth reflects the expansion of the state’s manufacturing base, export-oriented industries and policy initiatives aimed at connecting Himachali products with global markets.
According to the minister, setting up a DGFT satellite office in the BBN industrial belt would provide crucial support to exporters, simplify trade-related procedures and encourage businesses to explore international markets. He said such institutions play a vital role in improving the ease of doing business and strengthening sectors such as pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.
Chauhan also stressed the need for a NIPER satellite campus in Una’s proposed Bulk Drug Park, saying it would help build skilled manpower, boost research capabilities and support the state’s pharma industry.
One of the major challenges facing industries in Himachal, he said, is the high cost of logistics, particularly in the hilly terrain. To address this, he urged the Centre to expedite the long-pending Chandigarh-Baddi rail corridor, which would improve the movement of raw materials and finished goods and make the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Baddi fully operational.
The minister also highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s rich heritage and specialty products, noting that the state currently has 17 Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products. He said the government’s “One District, Three Products” initiative is helping promote local entrepreneurship, value addition and market access for indigenous products.
Calling for stronger support to exporters, Chauhan emphasized the need for world-class testing, certification and accreditation facilities in the state. He also advocated graded incentives to help Himachali products compete more effectively in international markets.
Responding to the state’s concerns, Union Minister Piyush Goyal assured support for promoting GI-tagged products and initiatives such as One District One Product (ODOP) under the proposed Export Promotion Mission. He also promised assistance in showcasing local products through trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets and other export promotion platforms.
The minister further informed the Board that detailed project reports for four proposed industrial clusters—in Vaknaghat and Nalagarh (Solan district), Kala Amb (Sirmaur district), and Beetan-Taliwal (Una district)—are being finalized and will soon be submitted to the Centre for consideration.
The proposals reflect Himachal Pradesh’s broader push to improve industrial infrastructure, reduce logistics costs and position itself as a stronger player in India’s export-driven growth story.
