Office bearers' election in EPCs, FIEOs being monitored by Commerce Ministry

The commerce ministry's committee tasked with reviewing the eligibility criteria for the election of office bearers in export promotion councils (EPCs) and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is set to submit its report by the end of this month, according to an official statement. Exporters have been pressing for the swift release of the report to facilitate elections based on the updated criteria.

The ministry initiated the review in May of this year with the goal of enhancing inclusivity and representation in the election process. A three-member panel was formed to examine the existing guidelines and recommend improvements to ensure broader stakeholder representation in managing committees and other positions.

The committee circulated a draft report to the export promotion councils, seeking feedback on the proposed changes. The received feedback is now under review, and the final report will be submitted to the higher authorities of the ministry, the official stated.

Various export promotion councils, including EEPC India, Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZs, and Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, have been actively engaged in providing input for the review. Additionally, FIEO, established in 1965 as the apex body for export promotion in India, plays a crucial role in facilitating status holder exporting firms and issuing Certificates of Origin, essential for proving the origin of goods in many countries.