Mumbai, Jan 14 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Maharashtra has achieved the highest position in NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, outpacing both Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. The state is leading the way in India’s growth narrative, from policy to performance.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister remarked: “Export Ready, Future Ready: Maharashtra Takes the Lead! I am immensely proud to announce that Maharashtra has attained the 1st rank in NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, surpassing Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. From policy to performance, our state is driving India’s growth narrative. Key highlights for Maharashtra include: Overall Score: 68.01 (the highest in India), Total Exports (FY24): Rs 5.63 lakh crore, Classification: Recognised as a ‘Leader’ state.”

He went on to state: “Key Sectors: Outstanding performance in gems and jewellery (47 per cent of India’s exports), pharmaceuticals (the highest number of clusters in India), and chemicals (19 per cent of India’s GVA). Infrastructure: Supported by 50 operational ports and 13 air cargo terminals. This accomplishment reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership in enhancing our industrial and business ecosystem.”

BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized that the export trajectory of India is increasingly influenced by the readiness of states and districts. There was a strong emphasis on improving export infrastructure, enhancing cost competitiveness, fostering robust institutions, and creating predictable and transparent policy environments. Enhancing export readiness at the subnational level is crucial for sustaining long-term growth, generating employment, reducing regional disparities, and integrating more deeply into global value chains amid increasing global volatility.

Dr. Arvind Virmani, a member, underscored the importance of states and UTs in maintaining and amplifying this momentum by identifying strengths, addressing structural gaps, and designing strategies to capitalize on new trade opportunities. Dr. Virmani further reiterated the Prime Minister’s call for producing quality products to enhance competitiveness.

As per the government release, the 2024 edition enhances analytical depth by including new dimensions such as macroeconomic stability, cost competitiveness, human capital, financial access, and the MSME ecosystem while refining existing indicators to boost precision and policy relevance.