J&K lags in Exports Preparedness Index, 2020; Gujarat tops list

ZT TEAM REPORT

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has lagged far below in the exports preparedness index, 2020, general category, and has also fared poorly in the hill states category of the first-ever exports index for states and UTs in the country.

Gujarat has topped the Niti Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2020 followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, according to the government think tank’s report released on Wednesday.

Jammu & Kashmir’s exports have witnessed a steep decline in the past five years. From Rs 1043 crore worth of exports in 2013-14, the state’s exports have come down to Rs 341 crore in 2017-18.

According to economic analysts, this situation has serious implications for the state’s job sector and overall economic wellbeing. This situation, worse, has aggravated the state’s balance of payments.

The poor exports preparedness ranking of J&K goes to further underline the disadvantage the state suffers due to its abysmal infrastructure, challenging geographic position and an unstable environment.

Speaking at the launch of the exports preparedness report, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said rapid growth of exports is a crucial component for long-term economic growth.

A favourable ecosystem enables a country to contribute significantly to global value chains and reap the benefits of integrated production networks, globally, Kant added.

With PTI inputs