The Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) inaugurated the National Centre for Export Promotion (NCEP) at the IIF Center in Kolkata. This new Centre of Excellence joins three others: the National Centre for Skill Development (NCSD) in Chennai, the National Centre for Technical Services (NCTS) in Pune, and the Foundry Informatics Centre (FIC) in New Delhi.

“Our exports are indeed on a strong growth trajectory. Last year, merchandise exports alone totaled about $11.68 billion. To appeal to the younger generation, the foundry industry, with its longstanding knowledge, needs to innovate. As a bridge that provides essential training, upskilling traditional talent, and ensuring wider visibility, NCEP is doing a great job. IIF has my sincere congratulations for this important endeavor” said Smt. Vandana Yadav, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industry, Commerce & Enterprises.

“The NCEP’s inauguration is a testament to IIF’s determination and forward-thinking approach in propelling India’s foundry industry toward global prominence. With the correct direction and funding, this center will solidify India’s standing as a dependable leader in superior castings, which is entirely consistent with our country’s goals of economic development and independence” said Shri Sanjay Budhia, Chairman of the CII National Committee on Exports.

“The necessity for a specific Center of Excellence in the eastern region gave rise to the NCEP idea. Given the large number of foundries in the MSME sector, advice on how to reach export markets is always in demand. NCEP will help meet these demands by offering locally and nationally crucial support,” said recently appointed NCEP Chairman Shri Ravindra Prakash Sehgal.

The NCEP supports worldwide market access and capacity building to increase exports of Indian foundry products. It will facilitate participation in trade shows and delegations and offer training on export documentation, customer networking, and policy changes. Additionally, NCEP will promote India’s foundry sector abroad and support the Make in India campaign by fortifying industry relationships with international trade organizations, consulates, and technical institutions.

Priyanka Dutta