New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh has achieved a remarkable fourth position in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, released by NITI Aayog on Wednesday. Among landlocked states, UP secured the top spot, signaling a strong improvement in export readiness and competitiveness.
The overall EPI 2024 ranking is led by Maharashtra, followed by Tamil Nadu in second place and Gujarat in third. Notably, Uttar Pradesh has jumped from seventh position in the 2022 ranking to fourth in just two years, demonstrating the impact of comprehensive reforms in the state’s export sector.
Government Initiatives Drive Export Competitiveness
According to an official statement, this significant improvement is attributed to the Yogi Adityanath government’s focused policies on enhancing export infrastructure, promoting diverse products, and creating a favorable business environment. Key initiatives include the Uttar Pradesh Export Promotion Policy, the One District–One Product (ODOP) scheme, development of Common Facility Centers, and logistics reforms including improved road connectivity and dry ports.
The state government has also reduced costs for exporters through measures such as reimbursement of freight charges, participation in national and international trade fairs, support for quality certification, e-commerce onboarding, courier and air-freight expenses, and export credit guarantees. These initiatives have strengthened the cost competitiveness of UP products in global markets.
International Trade Shows and Market Expansion
The Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show, organized for the past three years, has served as a critical platform for local exporters to showcase their products and connect with buyers from India and abroad. The state has also focused on expanding its export portfolio, entering new markets, and developing a robust logistics support system, further boosting its export performance.
EPI Methodology and UP’s Achievement
NITI Aayog’s EPI 2024 evaluated states on four main pillars: export infrastructure, business ecosystem, policy and governance, and export performance. The evaluation also included 13 sub-pillars and 70 indicators. The ranking highlights Uttar Pradesh’s achievement as especially significant given it is a landlocked state, outperforming several coastal states in export readiness.
Experts view UP’s rise to fourth position as a major milestone that will not only enhance investor confidence but also strengthen the state’s industrial and economic growth.
About Uttar Pradesh’s Export Push
Uttar Pradesh has aggressively pursued export-oriented growth under CM Yogi Adityanath, leveraging both policy reforms and infrastructure development to position itself as a competitive player in national and global markets. Through programs like ODOP and international trade exhibitions, the state aims to provide sustained employment, enhance industrial activity, and make exports a key driver of its economic development.
