The MoU seeks to enhance Maharashtra’s share in India’s merchandise exports, which currently stands at 17%

February 26, 2024: MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra to promote foreign trade, investment, tourism, technology transfers, joint ventures and other forms of global collaboration for local business community. The MoU was exchanged amidst the esteemed presence of Mr. Uday Samant, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Government of Maharashtra at the State Export Awards and MoU Signing Ceremony held at Pune on February 8, 2024. The event was also graced by Dr. Harshadeep Kamble, IAS, Principal Secretary (India), Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS, Development Commissioner (Industries) & Export Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra and Dr. Vipin Sharma, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) Highlighting the key features of this MoU, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “This MoU aligns with our mission of ‘Prosperity Through Trade and Investment’. We will work closely with the Maharashtra government to connect local business community with the inbound trade missions from across countries, facilitate participation of MSMEs in global trade fairs and organize capacity building or skilling programs in foreign trade. Pointing out to the importance of this agreement, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai remarked, “We are committed to facilitate local MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and start-ups to access global market through exchange of market intelligence and curating high impact business networking sessions. WTC Mumbai will leverage its global network of 320 WTCs across 90 countries to connect local businesses to the global market. Ms. Naik further informed, “To succeed in this highly competitive global market, WTC Mumbai will support MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and start-ups with capacity building programs on international marketing, adherence to global quality standards, logistics, supply chain management and other critical business skills.” Maharashtra is already a leading state in international trade as it has 17% share in India’s merchandise exports, with 52% share in gems & jewellery, 33% in toys, 26% in auto/auto parts, 20% in IT/ITeS, 18% in chemicals and 16% in textile. Through this MOU, WTC Mumbai will partner with the state government to enhance further the contribution of Maharashtra in overall exports of the country through exchange of trade and investment related information, market intelligence to promote export of ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) products and other goods & services manufactured by MSME clusters, women entrepreneurs, start-ups and export-oriented units in the state. Under the MoU, WTC Mumbai and the Directorate of Industries will also collaborate in organising or participation of local businesses in international trade fairs, exhibitions and other trade promotion events.

Mr Uday Samant, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Government of Maharashtra (right) exchanging MoU with Mr Santosh Kotre, Deputy Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai at the State Export Award and MoU signing ceremony at Pune.