Cabinet approved Kerala Export Promotion Policy

The export promotion policy is introduced with the objective of transforming Kerala as one of the prominent destinations among global export hubs with the help of the state’s unique confluence of natural resources, skilled workforce, cultural heritage and advanced business ecosystem. The exporters from the state will be provided openings to tap opportunities, to engage in new partnerships and to prove their presence at global arena. Ultimately, the export policy is introduced towards contributing to the economic progress and welfare.

Objectives of export promotion policy

Utilising the natural advantages of the state: Kerala will identify and take benefit out of its rich natural resources, skilled workforce, rich cultural heritage and strategic geographical location.
The government aims to establish export & import centres in selected places and maximise export opportunities through such centres. Skill development and capacity development will be encouraged towards building up the competency of the existing export units.
Promoting innovation: The export promotion policy aims to promote research and accept new technologies in various sectors, encourage cooperation between academic institutions and research institutions. By way of promoting innovative entrepreneurship a favourable atmosphere and favourable ecosystem can be created, which is capable of producing the products and services, which would cater to the needs of global market.
Encouraging sustainable methods: Attention will be given for following environment friendly methods by recognising the importance of sustainability in international trade and the long term requirements in following ESG methods.
Favourable ecosystem: A robust ecosystem will be created which supports export oriented businesses. This includes making administrative proceedings effective and increase measures to smoothen trade activities. The government will give attention to develop world class facilities in areas such as such as logistics, transportation and connectivity towards ensuring the easy and effective movement of goods and services.

Growth and diversification

The government will find out export opportunities and potential markets within and beyond the traditional sectors. Government aims smoothen the market entry, taking up trade missions, taking part in international trade fairs and support market research activities.
The Export Policy stresses upon areas which have high potential for export: 1. Spices, Horticulture & Agriculture products 2. Shrimp and other Marine products 3. Processed food products 4. Engineering goods 5. Petrochemical Products 6. Organic & Inorganic Chemicals 7. Textiles & Garments 8. Defence & Aerospace 9. Electronics & allied manufacturing 10. Ancillary engineering & technology 11. Ayurveda & Pharmaceuticals 12. Services including IT, Healthcare etc. 13. Gl listed products from the State

Economic encouragements

Export infrastructure support: One time subsidy equal to 25% of infrastructure investment will be given with a maximum restricted amount of Rs.One crore towards establishing export oriented basic infrastructure such as cold storage units, warehousing, logistics centres and testing laboratories. This will be given to organisations in the state as an option for gap funding towards availing the Infrastructure for Export Scheme of the government of India.
Export turnover based incentive: One percent incentive on Free On Board (FOB) value will be given to the units who involve in export from the state.
Logistics support: Reimbursement up to 50% of the logistics expenses including transportation cost at ports, handling charges etc for exporting, with a ceiling of Rs.15 lakhs for period of five year starting from the date of first export.
Export marketing support: Subsidy with a ceiling of Rs.2 lakhs will be given to exporters to promote their products and services by taking part in national / international trade fairs, exhibitions and buyer-seller meets through 75% reimbursement.
Export documentation support: Subsidy will be given up to 50% of the expenses with ceiling of Rs.2 lakhs will be given for two years to meet the cost/ allied expenses of certifications needed to comply with international trade rules and quality testing requirements.
Export promotion fund: Special fund will be established to provide financial assistance and subsidy to exporters for market research, product development, branding and promotional work.

Export research and market intelligence

Government fund up to Rs.One crore will be given to one organisation to conduct detailed research and analysis to find out the upcoming trends, markets unreached and the demand for products. Such information shall be given to exporters on subsidised rates or as part of export advisory services. Those institutions, which are supported as part of market access initiative scheme of government of India, will be provided this assistance.

Non-financial promotions

Export training and skill development: Training programs, workshops and skill development initiatives will be organised to build up the knowledge & understanding of exporters in the areas such as export procedures, international marketing, quality standards and trade rules.
Export skill upgradation: The employees of export oriented industries will be helped to get equipped with new abilities which helps them to improve productivity as well as quality standards through skill upgradation and capacity building.
Export packaging: Training and skill upgradation support will be provided to improve export oriented packaging including eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions.
Establishing NABL recognised labs with international certifications: Basic facilities such as quality testing labs will be strengthened by renovating existing labs and by establishing world class testing labs through PPP mode in coastal areas.
Export incubation centres: Exclusive export incubation centres will be established which would provide ample support to start ups and budding exporters.
Export advisory services: The government will establish exclusive advisory service unit to provide individual directions and expert advice to exporters. Such service centres can extend assistance in areas such as market research, export strategy development, complying with regulations and export negotiations.

Research & Development

Support services will be given to encourage exporters to invest in research and development aimed at product upgradation, technical upgradation and process improvement towards increasing competence in global market.

Other encouragements

Digital export platform: Government will create a state-sponsored digital platform to connect exporters with global buyers, simplify procedures, provide access to trade related information, updates on market trends and logistic support. This platform shall offer subsidies of reduced rates to the exporters who will be availing its services.
Export consortium: Government will encourage formation of export consortium or clusters of small and medium exports which explores export opportunities by bringing together their resources as well as expertise. Such policy shall enable providing financial assistance to these consortium for joint marketing initiatives, participation in trade shows and sharing of basic facilities.
Export card: Export card will be issued to exporters in the state who have good track record for early and prioritised transit of export goods from check posts of government agencies subject to the guidelines of existing state government policies/rules.

The cabinet has given approval to the export promotion policy on the condition that the amount of various incentives aimed at export promotion shall be restricted to the plan fund allocated in each financial year for industry incentive scheme.

Remuneration of government pleaders at High Court revised

The monthly remuneration of special government pleader, senior government pleader and government pleader in the High Court was revised. It will be hiked to Rs.1,50,000, Rs.1,40,000 and Rs.1,25,000 respectively. The arrears will be sanctioned by giving retrospective effect for the hike from 1st January 2022 onwards.
The fees/ allowance of advocate general, the fees/allowances of additional advocates general, director general of prosecutions and state attorney will also be revised.

Appointment of sportspersons

Sports persons Chitharesh Natesan and Shinu Chovva will be given appointment by creating two supernumerary posts of Armed Police Inspectors in Armed Police Battalion. Their service will be regularised in the two vacancies of Armed police Inspectors, which would arise soon in the battalion.

Post

One post of Consultant Transplant Coordinator will be created in the Kerala State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation. One post of Data Entry Operator on daily wage basis will also be sanctioned.

Remission

Recommendation will be submitted to the governor to issue remission in the conviction period of Sherin, the convict in Bhaskara Karanavar murder case . This has been done after considering the recommendation from the Advisory Committee, Kannur Women Prison & Correctional Home and the opinion of the department of Law.

To be altered

Centralised Procurement Rate Contract System will continue subject to the condition that while buying IT products in government, public sector undertakings, Boards, Commissions and autonomous bodies, the price of items in same specifications shall be compared with the rates available in GeM portal and shall procure through the portal in which lowest rate is available.

The director of IT Mission shall take measures fix specifications of more general IT products and publish it along with their price details in the CPRCS portal.

Kerala State IT Mission and KELTRON shall take measures to avoid delay in payment of money to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and expedite the delivery of products ordered through CPRCS as well as to improve the current set up of CPRCS.

Kerala State IT Mission shall also ensure that various departments are given training and operational directions regarding the usage of GeM portal, through website.

Appointment on contract

B.Radhakrishnan, former State Electricity Appellate Authority will be appointed on contract as the State Electricity Appellate Authority for a period of two years.