The Gujarat Export Promotion Council will help MSMEs and startups access international markets and expand the state’s exports. The Gujarat government has approved the establishment of the dedicated body under its Industries and Mines Department.
The council will operate as a special purpose vehicle (SPV). It will provide a common institutional platform for export guidance, market access, technical assistance, finance and logistics support.
Furthermore, it will prepare district-specific export promotion plans. These plans will identify local products and industries with potential for international markets.
According to a government resolution dated November 3, the council will operate as a wholly state-owned, non-profit private limited company. It will be incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, with its registered office in Gandhinagar.
Gujarat Export Promotion Council to support smaller businesses
The proposal follows recommendations from a task force constituted to improve Gujarat’s manufacturing competitiveness. The task force identified export development as one of three key pillars of industrial growth.
Additionally, the Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT) recommended establishing a dedicated export promotion institution in a report submitted in May 2025. The Industries Commissionerate subsequently submitted the proposal for government approval.
The council will address challenges that smaller enterprises face when entering foreign markets. These include limited awareness of international market requirements, export procedures, regulations and mandatory certifications.
Accordingly, the GEPC will help businesses identify overseas markets and develop market-entry strategies. It will also provide business consultancy, mentoring and handholding support.
Furthermore, the council will organise training programmes, workshops, seminars and skill development initiatives. These activities will target entrepreneurs and exporters seeking to expand their international operations.
Digital platforms, finance and logistics support planned
The GEPC will collaborate with government institutions and trade organisations to facilitate participation in domestic and international trade fairs. It will also support marketing programmes to promote Gujarat’s products overseas.
To simplify export processes, the council plans to develop digital trade platforms and an exporter portal. It will also facilitate common facility centres, incubation centres, testing and certification facilities, and logistics support systems.
Additionally, exporters will receive assistance with product quality testing and international certifications. The council will also facilitate access to trade finance, insurance, pre-shipment and post-shipment financial facilities.
Its support will extend to supply chain management, market intelligence and trade analytics. Moreover, the council will guide businesses on product development, branding and international regulatory compliance.
District-level export plans to identify opportunities
A key responsibility of the Gujarat Export Promotion Council will involve preparing a separate District Export Promotion Plan for every district.
These plans will follow the state’s Export Promotion Strategy. Furthermore, the council will periodically update them after assessing local production capacity, industrial specialisations, market demand and export potential.
District Export Promotion Councils (DEPCs) will coordinate and monitor export-related activities. Regional and sector-specific institutions will also participate in implementation.
Meanwhile, the state plans to undertake international branding and marketing campaigns. The initiative aims to establish Gujarat-manufactured products as recognised global brands.
Council to promote technology and sustainable exports
Beyond export expansion, the GEPC will work to reduce import dependence. It will identify import-dependent sectors and support manufacturers developing domestic alternatives.
The council will also encourage artificial intelligence, blockchain, digitisation and Industry 4.0 technologies. These technologies will support improvements across export-related processes.
Additionally, it will promote sustainable exports through green technologies and environmentally friendly products. Businesses will receive guidance on meeting international environmental standards.
The council will also assist exporters seeking intellectual property rights in overseas markets. This support will cover patents, trademarks and copyrights.
Furthermore, it will help businesses address international trade disputes, legal issues and non-tariff barriers.
Gujarat government to oversee council’s board
The council’s initial authorised and paid-up capital will stand at Rs 1 lakh. The entire share capital will remain in the Governor’s name through authorised state government nominees.
However, the council will also have powers to raise funds and secure loans from banks and financial institutions. Such activities will follow applicable legal provisions.
Its board will comprise between three and 15 members. The Chief Secretary will serve as chairperson, while the Industries and Mines Department’s Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary or Secretary will serve as vice-chairperson.
The Industries Commissioner will hold the managing director’s position. Representatives from several departments and state agencies will also join the board.
These include the Ports and Transport Department, Cottage and Rural Industries Department, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, and MSME Commissionerate.
The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, iNDEXTb, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board and Finance Department will also have representation.
The proposed council will bring export promotion activities under a common institutional framework. Consequently, the state aims to connect district-level production capabilities with international markets and expand opportunities for smaller businesses.
