MIA plans to set up export centre shortly

Mysore, Oct 26: The Mysore Industries Association (MIA) in an effort to increase the exports from industries operating in Mysore, Mandya and Chamarajanagara districts, has proposed to set up a Mysore Export Centre(MEC) shortly.

The association has established a Global Industrial Information and Facilitation Centre (GIIFC) on the premises of the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) in the industrial area where detailed information on export was being provided to prospective exporters. MIA General Secretary Sureshkumar Jain told UNI that an export centre would function on a small scale at GIIFC and would start full fledged operations once the new building comes up at Hotagalli Industrial area on the outskirts of the city. Industries in three districts have been demanding setting up of an export centre for a long time as it exports over 65 products to several countries.

The city lacks a centre where information on exports. Most of the exports are presently done through Chennai and Mumbai, he added.

In spite of manufacturing export 'oriented products, we do not have an export promotion agency.

At least 40 per cent of small scale industries in Mysore are engaged in exports. But many industrialists are unaware of export norms and how to enter into tie-ups with foreign firms.

The proposed export centre would look into all these issues as it would be supported by export promotion agencies, Mr Jain said.

Mr Jain said, it was perhaps for the first time that an industries association was setting up an export centre in the state to promote exports and bring in more foreign firms to develop linkages for global business. The centre would create more awareness on exports among the non-exporting industries here, he said.

A full fledged centre with all facilities for export promotion would come up at the new building of the GIIFC.

There were both direct and indirect exports from here, 'exports from the Agarabatti and handicrafts industry are also of a high percentage, he added.

"Our association felt the need for having its own export centre to support export-oriented business on a large scale. This includes providing a complete information about procedures, guidelines and union government's support.

The products that are exported from Mysore would be displayed at the centre so that foreign visitors could get the feel of the city's export potential, thereby increasing the export market, Mr Jain said.

The association has sought Rs 6 crore under the Union government-sponsored Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development and Exports to construct the GIIFC building at a cost of Rs 8 crore. The remaining amount would be raised through the state government and the industries here.

UNI