New Delhi, May 12 (KNN) Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman of MVIRDC World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai has recently presented a Research Study titled ‘Accelerating Maharashtra’s Export Competitiveness’ conducted by MVIRDC WTC Mumbai to Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation of India at World Trade Centre Mumbai.

Highlighting the useful insights of the study, Prabu said “Such Studies help us to frame policies keeping in view the various suggestions and recommendations outlined therein”.

The Study highlights the views of trade and industry which enable the government to provide direction for policy formulation, he added.

He also, complimented MVIRDC WTC for conducting an elaborative study that will help in enhancing Maharashtra’s export competiveness.

While presenting the Study Mr. Kalantri said, “Our Research Study meticulously analyses Maharashtra’s investment competitiveness across nine of its major export-oriented industries, and its infrastructure-readiness, vis-à-vis other major states in India.”

Backed by recommendations and expert’s opinion, we believe that if the recommended measures implemented there is a scope to double Maharashtra’s exports from about 20% as a share of its GDP to about 40% by 2015, he added.

Further, he affirmed that the book will serve as a useful guide in policy-making and will be beneficial to academicians as well as industry officials.

The study highlights important aspects of the Maharashtra’s and give visible clarity about the Maharashtra’s position in terms of investment competitiveness of its major export-oriented industries vis-à-vis other states in India.

It critically examines the Maharashtra’s infrastructure-readiness compared to other major states on key parameters such as availability of power, road density, lease rentals, export infrastructure etc.

Further it suggests measures like increase in per capita availability of power, reduce cost of power and bridge power deficit during peak hours in Maharashtra.

“Maharashtra needs to promote export-oriented units to set shop in the state as Maharashtra has a little above 50% the export oriented units compared to other leading states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu”, it suggests.

The research study emphasizes on the need for a balanced regional development in Maharashtra, besides highlighting the need to have a dedicated export policy for the state.

Among other policy measures, the study suggests setting up a four-tier institutional mechanism with representation from state and district export promotion councils from every district and involvement of state government in promoting awareness of e-commerce for accessing global markets among MSMEs.

The study calls for renewed policy thrust to promote skill development, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.