Gujarat approves creation of Gujarat Export Promotion Council to support MSMEs
The state-backed institution will help startups and entrepreneurs overcome market-entry barriers and connect with international buyers.
The Gujarat government has approved the establishment of the Gujarat Export Promotion Council (GEPC) to assist MSMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs in reaching international markets, according to a report by Urban Acres.
Operating as a wholly state-owned, non-profit private limited company, the GEPC will function as a special purpose vehicle under the industries and mines department.
The council aims to help smaller businesses navigate challenges such as international regulations, certification requirements, and export procedures. It will also provide market intelligence, consultancy, and technical assistance.
The initiative follows a May 2025 report by the Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT), which recommended a dedicated institution to improve manufacturing competitiveness.
The GEPC will develop export promotion plans for every district to assess local manufacturing capabilities and industrial specialisations. District export promotion councils will then coordinate activities to link local products with global buyers.
The council's board will consist of three to 15 members, with the chief secretary serving as chairperson. Future plans include developing digital trade platforms, incubation centres, and promoting green technologies and Industry 4.0 tools.