Boosting 'Made in Gujarat': State Sets Up Dedicated Export Promotion Council to Drive Global Trade

In a major push to consolidate Gujarat’s position as India’s primary export engine, the state government has approved the establishment of a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)—the Gujarat Export Promotion Council (GEPC). The movevi ams to provide an institutional framework to take local enterprises, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups, to international markets.

Formalised through a government resolution issued on 3 November 2026, the GEPC will operate as a wholly state-owned, non-profit private limited company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, with its registered office in Gandhinagar.

Driving India’s $5-Trillion Economy Goal

The decision follows recommendations from a high-level task force committee formed to boost the competitiveness of Gujarat’s manufacturing sector. Identifying export development as one of the three foundational pillars of state industrial growth, the committee highlighted the need for a focused institution to support India's vision of becoming a $5-trillion economy.

Building on a detailed proposal submitted by Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT) in May 2025, the Industries Commissionerate drafted the blueprint that has now received final cabinet approval.

Integrated Handholding for MSMEs and Start-ups

While smaller enterprises across the state produce high-quality goods, many face hurdles entering foreign markets due to complex regulatory requirements, international certifications, and limited market intelligence. The newly formed council will bridge these operational gaps by delivering strategic market access, business consultancy, mentoring, and end-to-end handholding.

Digital Platforms, Advanced Logistics, and Infrastructure

To streamline operations, the GEPC will build an integrated digital trade ecosystem featuring an exporter portal, incubation hubs, common facility centres, and dedicated testing and certification facilities. Exporters will gain access to:

• Pre-shipment and post-shipment trade finance options and insurance support.

• Modern supply chain and logistics facilitation.

• Advanced analytics, product development guidance, and brand management tools.

• Strategic assistance to navigate non-tariff barriers, intellectual property rights (IPR), patents, and international trade disputes.

District Export Plans: Expanding Beyond Industrial Hubs

Rather than concentrating trade activities solely in major urban manufacturing hubs, the GEPC will roll out tailored District Export Promotion Plans across all districts. Working closely with District Export Promotion Councils (DEPCs), the agency will map localized production strengths, assess global demand, and create targeted pathways for regional specialities to enter overseas markets.

Additionally, the council will focus on import substitution, identifying critical import-dependent sectors and offering technical and financial guidance to domestic manufacturers to produce viable alternatives locally.

Governance Structure and Capital Allocation

The council starts with an initial authorized and paid-up capital of Rs 1 lakh, with 100 per cent equity held in the name of the Governor of Gujarat through authorized state nominees. The entity retains statutory powers to raise independent funding and secure credit facilities from financial institutions.

The administrative structure comprises a Board of Directors led by key state officials:

 Chairman: Chief Secretary of Gujarat

 Vice-Chairman: Additional Chief Secretary / Principal Secretary / Secretary, Industries & Mines Department

 Managing Director: Industries Commissioner

The board also includes representation from the Finance Department, MSME Commissionerate, GIDC, iNDEXTb, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB), and departments covering Ports, Cottage Industries, and Agriculture.