Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jun 9: Goa's engineering exports recorded a strong 36 per cent growth in FY 2025-26, increasing from USD 405.8 million in the previous fiscal to USD 550.6 million, highlighting the state's growing importance in India's export-oriented manufacturing sector.
The figures were announced during the 42nd EEPC India Western Region Awards for Export Excellence held in Goa on Monday, where 92 engineering exporters from western India were honoured for their achievements.
Addressing the event, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the state had emerged as one of the fastest-growing engineering export hubs in western India.
He noted that India's engineering export sector had shown remarkable growth, particularly in the western region, and said Goa's performance reflected the state's increasing role in manufacturing and exports.
Sawant pointed out that Goa is rapidly establishing itself as a preferred destination for export-oriented industries, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food processing.
The growth comes as the state continues efforts to diversify its economy beyond tourism, with manufacturing sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and engineering products playing an increasingly significant role.
Emphasising the need to sustain the momentum, the chief minister said continued investments in infrastructure, logistics and workforce development would be crucial.
He said the government remains committed to modernising physical infrastructure and digital governance, improving logistics and maritime trade connectivity, extending support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthening technical education to develop a highly skilled workforce.
Sawant added that proactive industrial policies and strategic trade initiatives would help ensure that Goa and India remain globally competitive while promoting sustainable manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
Former Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu, who attended the programme as guest of honour, highlighted Goa's strengths in pharmaceuticals and healthcare-related industries as key drivers of future export growth.
He noted that almost every major pharmaceutical company has a manufacturing presence in Goa and said the sector could significantly boost the state's exports. Prabhu also suggested that Goa could leverage its industrial and medical infrastructure to emerge as a hub for medical and pharmaceutical research and development.
Speaking on the national export scenario, Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, said engineering exports continue to be India's largest merchandise export segment.
He stated that engineering exports have expanded from around USD 70 billion in FY 2015 to USD 122.43 billion in FY 2025-26, while their share in India's merchandise exports has increased from about 20 per cent to nearly 28 per cent, reaffirming the sector's position as the country's largest merchandise export contributor.
Anand said the growth had been achieved despite geopolitical uncertainties, supply-chain disruptions and evolving global market conditions, demonstrating the resilience of Indian exporters.
He also highlighted the increasing diversification of India's engineering export basket and its expanding presence in major markets across North America, Europe and other advanced economies.