EEPC asks Punjab govt to create growth opportunities

Ludhiana, June 15 (UNI) Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), the apex body of engineering exporters from India has urged the Punjab government to create new growth opportunities in the region and play more active role in the promotion of engineering exports.

Speaking on the occasion of Council's northern region award function for 2005-06 EEPC (northern region) here today, Chairman S C Ralhan emphasised on the role of the state government and urged for creation of new growth opportunities in the Punjab region.

The function was graced by Punjab Industries and Commerce minister Manoranjan Kalia. Other prominent guests on the occasion were, chief parliamentary secretary, Harish Rai Dhanda and state Director Industries V K Janjua.

Mr Ralhan highlighted certain issues like sharp escalation in steel and fuel prices, shortage of electricity, freight subsidy, poor infrastructure and change of land use charges hindering the growth of exports from the region. He also requested the state government to look into the industrial infrastructure aspects and urged the minister to use his good offices for reducing these hindrances for the rapid industrialisation of the state.

Later on this occasion, EEPC chairman Rakesh Shah said while foreign trade policy is primarily in the domain of central government, the exporter essentially works in an environment that is largely influenced by state government policies. This is one area where enough was not being done by the various state governments, he added.

With 5.5 billion dollar engineering exports, northern region had a share of 27 per cent of the country's total eningeering exports of 20.35 billion dollars in 2005-06. However, this share has declined to 25.36 per cent of the total Indian engineering exports of 31.25 billion dollars in the last fiscal year.

While congratulating the award winners of the northern region, the EEPC chairman said without the impressive performance of the members in the northern region, it would have been virtually impossible to achieve this export figure.

On the occasion, 66 companies from the region were awarded for their excellent export performance. The list included some leading names like IRCON, MMTC, SAIL, Hero Exports, HONDA Siel, PEC ltd, Jindal Saw, Uniparts India, H R International Deepak International.

Many medium and small scale enterprises have also been awarded for their export performance during the year 2005-06. All the winners were awarded with specially made trophies and certificates.

Mr S K Dhanda, Vice chairman, Punjab Medium Industries Development Board was also present on this occasion.

UNI HS PD CS1728