Uttar Pradesh has achieved a remarkable feat in national export rankings. The landlocked state jumped three positions to secure fourth place in the Export Preparedness Index 2024. NITI Aayog released these latest rankings, highlighting UP's significant progress.
A Major Leap Forward
This achievement represents substantial improvement over just two years. In the previous 2022 edition, Uttar Pradesh ranked seventh overall and second among landlocked states. Now, the state stands as the top-ranked landlocked state in the country.
Overcoming Geographical Challenges
Officials shared this development on Wednesday, attributing the rise to sustained policy reforms. The Yogi Adityanath government's focused export promotion initiatives have clearly paid dividends. Despite lacking a coastline, UP's performance placed it just behind coastal giants like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
This positioning serves as strong endorsement of the state's export strategy. It demonstrates that geographical limitations can be overcome through strategic planning and execution.
Comprehensive Evaluation Framework
The EPI 2024 evaluated states across four key pillars:
- Export infrastructure
- Business ecosystem
- Policy and governance
- Export performance
These pillars included thirteen sub-pillars and seventy specific indicators. Uttar Pradesh showed comprehensive improvement across all parameters. The state expanded its export portfolio significantly while improving access to new markets.
Strengthening Logistics Support
Logistics support received particular attention and strengthening. The Yogi government placed special emphasis on building export infrastructure while enhancing cost competitiveness. Easing the business environment became a priority focus area.
Key Initiatives Driving Success
Several flagship initiatives played crucial roles in boosting export readiness:
- The Uttar Pradesh Export Promotion Policy provided strategic direction
- The One District–One Product scheme highlighted regional specialties
- Development of Common Facility Centres supported manufacturing
- Logistics reforms streamlined supply chains
- Improved road connectivity enhanced transportation
- Establishment of dry ports compensated for coastal absence
Financial and Institutional Support
The government extended targeted support to exporters through multiple channels:
- Reimbursement of freight charges reduced transportation costs
- Assistance for trade fair participation increased market exposure
- Quality certification support improved product standards
- E-commerce onboarding subsidies facilitated digital transition
- Courier and air-freight reimbursements supported small shipments
- Export credit guarantees enhanced financial security
These measures collectively reduced cost burdens for exporters. They improved the global competitiveness of UP-based businesses substantially.
Creating International Connections
The Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show emerged as a key platform over the past three years. This event connected MSMEs and traditional artisans directly with international buyers. Officials confirmed that this initiative helped local enterprises enter new markets successfully.
Export orders increased as a direct result of these connections. The comprehensive approach combining policy, infrastructure and support mechanisms has transformed Uttar Pradesh's export landscape. The state now demonstrates that strategic planning can overcome geographical disadvantages effectively.
