As the world is steadily escaping the whirlpools of the coronavirus lockdown and crashing economies, the Indian landscape of commerce and business has witnessed a sharp shift too. This change has been most pronounced by Uttar Pradesh’s rebound in terms of exports at the national level. As per reports and comparative studies, UP’s exports dipped by 30% during the coronavirus crisis, however, post the lockdown, the state has ranked 5th in the country, as an export pioneer.
Favourable business terrain of Uttar Pradesh
According to a comparative study undertaken by the state government, products worth Rs 14,84,386.50 crore were exported from April 2019 to November 2019, of which products worth Rs 80,058.44 crore were exported from Uttar Pradesh alone. These figures dipped by 30% during peak COVID crisis. However, between April 2020 and November 2020, products worth Rs 12,99,354.87 crore were exported, out of which products worth Rs 72,508.14 crore were sent abroad from Uttar Pradesh.
This decline was directly looked after by the Chief Minister, who ordered for focus on increasing exports and undertook many decisions in this regard. The state government then took swift action and made efforts under its ‘ease of doing business’ to offer huge concessions to exporters. These provisions paved way for new endeavours to reach UP, amping its National Rank to no.5 in term of exports, outpacing states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Bihar, Delhi, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
UP Exports climb post-COVID-19
Export of carpets and textiles, floor coverings, meat, brass decorations, toys, and wood products boomed, which brought the decline in UP exports down to 9.43%. According to UP exporters, handicrafts, processed meat, leather products and carpets account for the majority of exports from the state, which accounts for 4.55% of India’s overall exports. Exporters also pointed out that the pharmaceuticals sector also performed well during the corona crisis. During April-November 2020, exports in the sector increased by 15%.
In terms of global presence, products made in Uttar Pradesh are exported to countries like the US, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, UK, Nepal, Germany, China, France, Spain and Malaysia. The ODOP, ‘One District One Product’ scheme has played a crucial role in scaling up the state’s brand value, creating a demand for products outside. Export of products such as rice and iron ore under this scheme have also increased, stated reports. Exporters said they were hopeful that state government policies will help boost exports from Uttar Pradesh.
