For them, help may be at hand. The state government has approved the setting up of a Gujarat Export Promotion Council (GEPC) to strengthen the export sector.

Unlike in other states, however, GEPC will be established as a state-owned, non-profit private limited company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, according to the State Government Resolution dated 3 November 2026.

The initial authorised capital and paid-up capital of GPEC have both been fixed at ₹1 lakh.

The institution will function as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and help exporters, MSME units, startups, and entrepreneurs tap opportunities in global trade. Its registered office will be located in Gandhinagar.

In FY2025-26, Gujarat exported goods worth US$ 110.63 billion, accounting for 25.6% of India’s total exports — more than a quarter of the country’s outbound merchandise trade.

Support For MSMEs, Startups

The primary objective of GEPC is to connect the state's MSME units, startups, and other industries with international trade.

Despite having the capacity to manufacture quality products, small and medium enterprises often fail to make full use of it due to limited knowledge of foreign market requirements, export procedures, international regulations, and mandatory certifications.

To address these challenges, GEPC will provide services such as market identification, strategies for entering international markets, business consultancy, mentoring and handholding support.

Additionally, training programmes, workshops, seminars, and skill development initiatives will be organised to enhance the capabilities of entrepreneurs and exporters. Opportunities will also be facilitated - in collaboration with government institutions and trade organisations - for participation in domestic and international trade fairs and marketing programmes.

Exports As Growth Pillar

The Task Force Committee constituted to enhance the competitiveness of Gujarat's manufacturing sector identified export development as one of the three key pillars of industrial growth.

The Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT) had prepared a report in May 2025 on the establishment of an Export Promotion Council. Subsequently, the state government approved the proposal submitted by the Industries Commissionerate.

Logistics Support

To simplify the entire export process, GEPC will develop digital trade platforms, an exporter portal, common facility centres, incubation centres, testing, and certification facilities, and logistics support systems.

Exporters will receive assistance with product quality testing, international certifications, trade finance, insurance, pre-shipment and post-shipment financial facilities, and supply chain-related support.

Guidance will also be provided in areas such as market intelligence, trade analytics, product development, branding and compliance with international regulations.

District-Wise Plans

To extend the state's export development initiatives beyond major industrial cities and reach the district level, GEPC will prepare a separate District Export Promotion Plan for every district. These plans will be aligned with the state's Export Promotion Strategy and updated periodically.

District-wise production capacities, local industrial specialisations, market demand and export potential will be analysed. Export-oriented activities at the district level will be coordinated and monitored through District Export Promotion Councils (DEPCs) and other regional and sector-specific institutions.

Modernisation Of Export Sector

Keeping in view the changing requirements of global trade, the adoption of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, digitisation, and Industry 4.0 in export processes will be encouraged.

Sustainable exports will also be promoted through green technologies, environmentally friendly products and compliance with international environmental standards. Additionally, exporters will receive support in securing intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights in foreign markets, as well as in addressing international trade disputes, legal issues, and non-tariff barriers.

State-Owned Export Company

The company's share capital will be fully held in the name of the Governor of Gujarat through authorised nominees of the State government. In accordance with legal provisions, the company will have the authority to raise funds in the future and obtain loans from banks and financial institutions.

The company's Board of Directors will comprise a minimum of three and a maximum of 15 members. The Chief Secretary of the state will serve as the Chairperson of the Board, while the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary/Secretary of the Industries and Mines Department will serve as the Vice-Chairperson. The Industries Commissioner will assume the role of Managing Director.

The Board will also include representatives from the Ports and Transport Department, Cottage and Rural Industries Department, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Cooperation Department, MSME Commissionerate, GIDC, iNDEXTb, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, and the Finance Department.

Gujarat's Distinct Model

Other states also have institutional mechanisms for export promotion, but an important distinction needs to be noted.

In most states, export promotion activities are undertaken through government committees, nodal agencies or Export Promotion Bureaus. Gujarat has now decided to establish a separate, wholly state-owned Section 8 company for this purpose.

Uttar Pradesh, in particular, has an Export Promotion Bureau that assists exporters in areas like policy, market access, infrastructure, and export-oriented schemes.

Draft Export Plans 

According to the Ministry of Commerce in the Lok Sabha on 24 March 2026, State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs) have been constituted in all 36 States and Union Territories across the country.

At the district level, District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) are operational. Draft District Export Action Plans have been prepared for 590 districts, of which 249 plans had received formal approval.