SHEFEXIL's Initiatives to Boost Exports from India's North Eastern Region

SHEFEXIL’s Initiatives to Boost Exports from India’s North Eastern Region

By AdminPublished On: February 21, 2025Categories: Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL)0 Comments

The North Eastern Region (NER) of India, comprising states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, is a treasure trove of unique natural resources and cultural heritage. Recognizing the immense potential of this region, the Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL) has undertaken numerous initiatives to boost exports, thereby contributing to the economic development of these states.

SHEFEXIL’s Role in Promoting Exports from the North Eastern Region

Established in 1957 under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, SHEFEXIL was initially formed to facilitate India’s exports of shellac and lac-based products. Over the years, its mandate expanded to include a wide range of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and their value-added variants. In October 2007, SHEFEXIL was designated as the nodal Export Promotion Council (EPC) for the North Eastern Region, aiming to facilitate exports from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Sikkim.(Shefexil)

Key Initiatives and Strategies

Product Diversification and Value Addition

SHEFEXIL emphasizes the importance of moving beyond raw material exports to value-added products. By promoting processing industries within the region, the council aims to enhance the value of exports, ensuring better returns for local producers and artisans. This strategy not only boosts export revenues but also creates employment opportunities within the region.
Quality Enhancement and Standardization

To compete in the global market, maintaining high-quality standards is imperative. SHEFEXIL provides technical assistance and training to producers and manufacturers in the North Eastern states, ensuring that products meet international quality benchmarks. This includes guidance on best practices in cultivation, harvesting, processing, and packaging.
Market Access and Promotion

Understanding the challenges faced by exporters in accessing international markets, SHEFEXIL organizes trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and international exhibitions. These platforms provide producers from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur with opportunities to showcase their products to global buyers, establish business connections, and understand market trends.
Infrastructure Development

Recognizing that inadequate infrastructure can be a significant barrier to trade, SHEFEXIL collaborates with state governments and other agencies to develop necessary facilities. This includes improving transportation networks, establishing quality testing labs, and creating storage and processing units to handle export-grade products efficiently.

Focus on Regional Specialties

Each state in the North Eastern Region boasts unique products with significant export potential:

Assam

Assam is renowned for its tea, contributing to more than 50% of India’s tea exports. The state’s tea estates produce a rich, robust flavor that is highly sought after globally. Additionally, Assam exports Joha rice, Bhut Jolokia (one of the world’s spiciest chilies), cane and bamboo products, and exquisite Muga and Eri silk fabrics.(Assam Industries)
Arunachal Pradesh

With approximately 82% forest cover, Arunachal Pradesh is a reservoir of medicinal plants, herbs, bamboo, cane, and oleoresins. These natural resources have applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and wellness industries worldwide.
Manipur

Recognized as one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots globally, Manipur offers a variety of bamboo, cane, reed brooms, and medicinal herbs. The state’s rich biodiversity presents opportunities for exporting unique flora with medicinal and aromatic properties.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The concerted efforts of SHEFEXIL have begun to yield positive results. For instance, the agricultural sector in Manipur has been growing at a rate of 10.69% per year, while the manufacturing sector has seen a growth rate of 10.53% annually. These figures indicate a robust development trajectory, partly attributed to enhanced export activities.

However, challenges remain. The North Eastern Region’s contribution to India’s total exports is still modest. For example, during the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Assam’s exports were valued at approximately US$497 million, accounting for about 0.11% of India’s total exports.

This underscores the need for continued efforts in capacity building, infrastructure development, and market expansion.

How Altus Exports Can Assist Indian Manufacturers

While organizations like SHEFEXIL lay the groundwork for export promotion, private enterprises play a crucial role in bridging the gap between local manufacturers and global markets. Altus Exports specializes in assisting Indian manufacturers in navigating the complexities of international trade.

Partnering with Altus Exports

Altus Exports offers a comprehensive partnership model designed to simplify the export process for manufacturers:

Expertise in Market Research

Altus Exports excels in identifying potential buyers across various international markets. Leveraging a deep understanding of market trends, buyer behavior, and industry demands, they match products with the right buyers, ensuring a higher success rate in market entry.
Access to Comprehensive Databases

With subscriptions to numerous databases and information sources, Altus Exports provides up-to-date market intelligence. These resources are instrumental in identifying new opportunities, understanding market dynamics, and staying ahead of the competition.
Skilled Marketing Team

The marketing team at Altus Exports utilizes a blend of traditional and digital marketing techniques to promote products internationally. From creating compelling marketing materials to executing targeted campaigns, they ensure that products gain visibility in the global marketplace.
Extensive Network

Over the years, Altus Exports has built a vast network of contacts and partners, including distributors, agents, retailers, and other key stakeholders. This network facilitates smoother market entry and quicker establishment of products in new territories.