In a step towards transforming Mandi into an export hub, the District Export Promotion Committee (DEPC) has finalised the District Export Action Plan (DEAP), outlining a strategy to harness the district’s export potential and boost economic growth through sectoral development.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Additional District Magistrate Dr Madan Kumar. Stakeholders discussed the district’s export capabilities, identified focus sectors and deliberated on measures the required to strengthen export-oriented industries.
Under the finalised action plan, priority would be given to five key sectors—pharmaceuticals, agriculture and agriculture-based products (including fruit wine), aromatic plants, handloom and handicrafts, and tourism and allied services. The committee identified these sectors as having significant potential to expand Mandi’s presence in domestic and international markets.
In the handloom and handicrafts category, special emphasis would be placed on traditional shawls, woodcraft, intricate wood carving and metal crafts, which represent the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the region. Meanwhile, floriculture was not included among the focus sectors after detailed deliberations.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Madan said Mandi possessed immense export potential and that coordinated efforts by government departments, industry stakeholders and entrepreneurs would be crucial in unlocking these opportunities. He said the District Export Action Plan would serve as a roadmap for positioning Mandi as a strong and competitive export hub in Himachal Pradesh.
“Through effective implementation of the export action plan, we aim to strengthen local industries, create employment opportunities and enhance the district’s contribution to exports,” he said.
The meeting also focused on identifying challenges faced by exporters and formulating strategies to address bottlenecks in order to facilitate smoother access to national and international markets.
Joining the meeting virtually, UK Acharya, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ludhiana, briefed participants on the Government of India’s ‘Districts as Export Hubs’ initiative under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. He highlighted various export promotion schemes and provided detailed information regarding import export code (IEC), certificates of origin, free trade agreements (FTAs), and other support mechanisms available to exporters.
Acharya informed stakeholders that obtaining an IEC had become a simplified online process and could now be completed within 24 hours at a nominal fee, making it easier for businesses and entrepreneurs to enter export markets.
The finalisation of the plan is expected to provide a strategic framework for enhancing exports, promoting local products, strengthening tourism-based services, and creating new economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and artisans across Mandi district.
