Introduction to Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) #
Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) is an autonomous body established by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, to promote and develop the sports goods industry in India. SGEPC is responsible for promoting exports of sports goods and accessories from India and representing the Indian sports goods industry on the global stage. The council plays a vital role in facilitating the growth of the sports goods industry in India by providing support, guidance, and assistance to manufacturers, exporters, and other stakeholders.
History and Overview of SGEPC: #
The SGEPC was established in 1958, and it has been serving the Indian sports goods industry for more than six decades. The council is headquartered in Jalandhar, Punjab, which is considered the hub of the sports goods industry in India. The primary objective of the council is to promote the exports of sports goods from India by providing assistance and support to manufacturers and exporters. SGEPC works closely with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies and programs that benefit the sports goods industry.
Functions of SGEPC: #
SGEPC performs several functions to promote the exports of sports goods from India. Some of the essential functions of SGEPC are as follows:
Market Development: SGEPC organizes various trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets to promote the sports goods industry and increase the exports of sports goods from India. These events provide an opportunity for Indian manufacturers and exporters to showcase their products and services to international buyers.
Export Promotion: SGEPC provides assistance and support to Indian manufacturers and exporters to increase their exports of sports goods. The council offers various schemes and incentives to promote exports, such as the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme, which provides financial assistance to exporters for participating in trade fairs and exhibitions.
Research and Development: SGEPC conducts research and development activities to promote innovation in the sports goods industry. The council works closely with Indian manufacturers and exporters to identify new trends and technologies in the sports goods industry.
Quality Control: SGEPC provides assistance and support to Indian manufacturers and exporters to improve the quality of their products. The council offers various quality control programs and certifications to ensure that the sports goods manufactured in India meet the international quality standards.
Policy Advocacy: SGEPC represents the Indian sports goods industry on the global stage and advocates for policies and programs that benefit the industry. The council works closely with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies that support the growth of the sports goods industry.
Achievements of SGEPC: #
Over the years, SGEPC has made significant contributions to the development of the sports goods industry in India. Some of the notable achievements of SGEPC are as follows:
Increase in Exports: SGEPC has played a vital role in increasing the exports of sports goods from India. According to the data published by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, the exports of sports goods from India have increased from US$ 139.63 million in 2016-17 to US$ 282.77 million in 2020-21, registering a growth of 102.67%.
Market Development: SGEPC has organized several trade fairs and exhibitions to promote the Indian sports goods industry. Some of the significant events organized by SGEPC are India International Sporting Goods Show (IISGS) and India Sports Expo. These events have provided an opportunity for Indian manufacturers and exporters to showcase their products to international buyers.
Quality Control: SGEPC has played a crucial role in improving the quality of sports goods manufactured in India. The council has implemented various quality control programs and certifications, such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for sports goods, which ensures that the sports goods manufactured in India meet the international quality standards. This has helped Indian manufacturers and exporters to enhance their credibility and reputation in the global market.
Policy Advocacy: SGEPC has represented the Indian sports goods industry on the global stage and advocated for policies and programs that benefit the industry. The council has worked closely with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies that support the growth of the sports goods industry. For example, SGEPC has recommended the inclusion of sports goods under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) to promote exports of sports goods from India.
Challenges faced by SGEPC: #
Despite the significant achievements, SGEPC faces several challenges in promoting and developing the sports goods industry in India. Some of the major challenges are as follows:
Competition from other countries: The sports goods industry is highly competitive, and Indian manufacturers and exporters face stiff competition from other countries, such as China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. These countries have a significant market share in the global sports goods industry, and Indian manufacturers and exporters need to be competitive in terms of price, quality, and innovation to succeed in the global market.
Lack of infrastructure: The sports goods industry in India lacks modern infrastructure, such as testing laboratories, research and development centers, and logistics facilities. This hinders the growth of the industry and makes it difficult for Indian manufacturers and exporters to compete with their counterparts in other countries.
Inadequate government support: Although the government of India has taken several initiatives to promote the sports goods industry, such as the launch of the Khelo India program and the establishment of the National Sports University, more needs to be done to support the industry. The sports goods industry needs better access to credit, technology, and infrastructure, and the government needs to provide more incentives and subsidies to promote exports.
Conclusion: #
The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) has played a significant role in promoting and developing the sports goods industry in India. The council has facilitated the growth of the industry by providing assistance and support to manufacturers, exporters, and other stakeholders. SGEPC has made significant contributions to increasing the exports of sports goods from India and promoting the Indian sports goods industry on the global stage. However, the sports goods industry in India faces several challenges, such as competition from other countries, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate government support. To overcome these challenges, the industry needs more support from the government and other stakeholders.