Punjab emerges as ‘Leader State’ in NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 17, 2026:Punjab has been recognised as a “Leader State” in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 released by NITI Aayog, Punjab Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Government, Sanjeev Arora, informed on Friday.
The Export Preparedness Index is a comprehensive, data-driven framework developed by NITI Aayog to assess the export readiness of Indian States and Union Territories. It evaluates performance across four major pillars—policy framework, business environment, export ecosystem and export performance—using more than 70 indicators, including institutional capacity, research and development infrastructure, logistics and transport connectivity. The index aims to promote competitive federalism while helping states identify areas to strengthen their global trade competitiveness.
The EPI 2024 report was released by BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog, and Arvind Virmani, Member of NITI Aayog, who praised Punjab for its significant improvement in the latest assessment. The recognition reflects enhanced policy support, infrastructure development and the steady expansion of the state’s export ecosystem.
Highlighting the achievement, Sanjeev Arora said Punjab has secured second position among landlocked states in EPI 2024 and has been categorised as a Leader State. He noted that the accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as five of the top seven ranked states are coastal states with natural access to seaports.
Despite being landlocked, Punjab’s rise to the top tier demonstrates its success in addressing logistical challenges through focused policy interventions, strong internal connectivity and continuous infrastructure upgrades, the minister said.
Arora emphasised that EPI 2024 places renewed emphasis on effective policy implementation, administrative reforms and outcome-based performance, providing a realistic assessment of a state’s industrial and export strength. He attributed Punjab’s progress to progressive sector-specific industrial policies in textiles, agri-processing, manufacturing and allied sectors, ease of doing business reforms with simplified regulatory approvals, a resilient export ecosystem supporting both MSMEs and large exporters, and strengthened institutional and logistics facilitation.
He further pointed out that Punjab has received consistent national recognition, including being ranked among the Top Achievers in Ease of Doing Business 2024 and winning the Gold Award in the State Category at the ODOP Awards 2024, underscoring the state’s reform-oriented and business-friendly governance.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment, the minister said Punjab will continue to deepen reforms and strengthen export-oriented infrastructure to ensure it plays a key role in India’s journey towards becoming a global export powerhouse.