ITANAGAR :  In a major step towards strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s export ecosystem and enhancing global market access for local products, the Department of Trade and Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata, on Wednesday for the establishment of an Export Facilitation Cell (EFC) in Itanagar.

The MoU was signed at the Civil Secretariat in the presence of Trade and Commerce Secretary Bullo Mamu, Trade and Commerce Director Sonyung Modi, IIFT Kolkata Head Dr K. Rangarajan, Consultant and EFC Coordinator with States, X-Cell, IIFT Kolkata, Sumana Das, and officials of the department.

The Export Facilitation Cell will function as a dedicated support mechanism for exporters, entrepreneurs, farmers, producer groups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups across the state. It will provide assistance in export procedures, market intelligence, product development, quality standards, trade documentation, capacity building and market linkage opportunities.

Welcoming the IIFT delegation, Trade and Commerce Secretary Bullo Mamu said the establishment of the EFC marks a significant step towards unlocking the state’s vast export potential. She noted that the facility would help connect Arunachal Pradesh’s unique products with international markets through export-readiness support, market intelligence, capacity building and trade facilitation services.

Under the partnership, IIFT will provide technical expertise, research support, policy inputs and capacity-building programmes to stakeholders, further strengthening the state’s efforts in export promotion, entrepreneurship development and economic growth.

The initiative is expected to boost ease of doing business in the state and advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by enhancing export competitiveness and market integration.