MP Identifies Five Districts As Export Hubs To Expand MSME Overseas Footprint

Bhopal, Aug 11 (KNN) Madhya Pradesh has identified Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior and Narmadapuram for development as export hubs as part of efforts to expand the state’s export base and increase participation of smaller businesses in overseas markets.

The initiative is part of a Centre-led programme to develop around 500 districts across the country as export hubs, with a focus on reducing the concentration of exports among a limited number of districts.

Under the programme, MSMEs are expected to receive support in quality testing, international certification, packaging, export documentation, logistics and access to overseas buyers, reported Times Of India.

MSMEs To Get Support For Export Readiness

A senior official from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), who requested anonymity, said the key challenge was bringing more small businesses into the export ecosystem.

The official said the focus would be on identifying businesses with export potential, helping them meet quality and certification requirements and establishing support systems to enable more domestic manufacturers to become regular exporters.

Madhya Pradesh exported goods worth around Rs 68,500 crore in the last fiscal. 

However, exports remain concentrated in a few districts, with Dhar accounting for 35.92 percent, followed by Indore at 12.45 percent and Raisen at 11.21 percent. The top 10 districts together contributed nearly 88 percent of the state’s exports.

Districts To Build Sector-Specific Export Ecosystems

Indore has a strong base in pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, auto components and processed food, while Bhopal has established capabilities in heavy electrical and engineering products.

Ujjain has strengths in textiles, chemicals and agro-processing, while Gwalior is known for sandstone products, footwear and sesame. Narmadapuram has potential in agricultural products, including basmati rice, maize and pulses.

Nodal Teams To Help MSMEs Overcome Export Barriers

The proposed framework aims to identify existing and potential exporters, help domestic manufacturers become export-ready and increase both the number of exporters and the value of shipments from the state.

Dedicated officers or nodal teams are also expected to assist MSMEs with compliance requirements and address procedural bottlenecks at the district level.

For Madhya Pradesh, the initiative seeks to expand exports beyond established centres such as Dhar and Indore by developing new clusters of export-ready businesses in Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior and Narmadapuram.

(KNN Bureau)