New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) The NITI Aayog unveiled the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 on Wednesday, offering a detailed evaluation of export readiness across various states and Union Territories in India.

This initiative aligns with India’s aim to achieve $1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030 and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The Export Preparedness Index serves as a data-driven framework to assess the strength, resilience, and inclusiveness of export ecosystems at the subnational level. It identifies key structural issues, growth opportunities, and policy avenues to boost export competitiveness at both state and district levels.

During the launch, NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam emphasized the importance of state and district preparedness in shaping India’s export trajectory. He highlighted the need for improved export infrastructure, enhanced cost competitiveness, the establishment of strong institutions, and the promotion of transparent policy frameworks. Strengthening export readiness at the subnational level is crucial for fostering sustainable growth, generating employment, reducing regional disparities, and integrating more deeply into global value chains amid increasing global volatility.

The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 is built around four main pillars, which are further divided into 13 sub-pillars and 70 indicators, providing a detailed and policy-relevant assessment of export readiness.

This new edition enhances its analytical depth by introducing dimensions such as macroeconomic stability, cost competitiveness, human capital, financial access, and the MSME ecosystem, while refining existing indicators for greater precision and relevance.

For comparative analysis and peer learning, states and UTs are categorized into large states, small states, north-east states, and Union Territories. Each category is further classified into Leaders, Challengers, and Aspirers.

There has been a significant focus on districts, recognized as the primary units of export competitiveness, translating national export goals into actionable strategies based on local capabilities, industrial clusters, and value-chain connections.

The Export Preparedness Index 2024 follows a robust, data-driven methodology, utilizing official datasets from Central ministries, state governments, and public institutions. The indicators are normalized and aggregated using sound statistical methods, with balanced weightages assigned across pillars and sub-pillars to accurately reflect their contribution to export readiness.

According to the overall assessment from EPI 2024, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh have emerged as the leading performers within the large states category.

NITI member Arvind Virmani stressed the critical role that states and UTs play in maintaining and enhancing export momentum by recognizing strengths, addressing structural gaps, and formulating strategies to seize new trade opportunities.