Export Awareness Workshop to discuss export prospects for Sikkim held

AMEET OBEROI

GANGTOK, 08 March: The Federation of Indian Export Organisations [FIEO], Eastern Region organised an Export Awareness Workshop [Scope and opportunities from North Eastern States of India] at Chintan Bhawan, today. The workshop was sponsored by Ministry of Commerce, Government of India in association with Department of Commerce & Industries, Government of Sikkim, Office of the Zonal Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Kolkata, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation, Exim Bank of India and Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority [APEDA].
Speaking as the chief guest, Minister for Commerce & Industries Department,Neeru Sewa,while welcoming the delegates stated that there was need for such a workshop to be held in the state. Sikkim has been declared an agri-export zone by the Government of India and is well known for its ginger, cherry pepper [Dalle], large cardamom, orchids and medicinal herbs, which can be exported, she said.
On the other hand, the handloom and handicrafts [Thanka paintings, carpets] of Sikkim are world famous and are in much demand, but need proper looking into so that they too can be made exportable items from the state, she added.
Under the able leadership of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling red carpet welcome is being accorded to investors, whereby many Pharma Companies have come to the state and opened shop here. Promotion of agriculture, horticulture and floriculture is also being emphasized as Sikkim is rich in flora and fauna, she said. The state has earned Rs. 3000 Crores through investments and more than 6500 local people have been absorbed into these companies.
The future road map for the state was also being worked upon by the government, while capacity building programmes on different aspects for the youth are being held in all the four districts of the state. Meanwhile, specific programmes are being given to the youth at the State Institute of Capacity Building [SICB], she further added.
In the end, she also requested the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India to look into the list of items for export through the Nathula Trade as most of the items were either obsolete or were not wanted by the traders and thus revenue was being lost by the government. This she added could be done on priority basis.
A policy session and a technical session was also held in the afternoon which was addressed by various resource persons attending the workshop.
Along with the Minister also present on the dais were MG Kiran [Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim], GP Upadhyaya [Secretary General, FIEO], Ram Lakhan [Under Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India], P Halder [Zonal Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Kolkata], TV Rao [Director, Eximus Centre, Exim Bank], B Baruah [AGM & Regional Manager, APEDA] and Tapasi De [DGM & Regional Manager, ECGC].