The Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC) is a key organization established to promote the export of project goods and services from India. This includes the export of machinery, equipment, and services for setting up infrastructure projects abroad, as well as turnkey projects and engineering services. PEPC plays a crucial role in supporting Indian businesses involved in the execution of large-scale projects in foreign markets, including sectors such as construction, engineering, energy, infrastructure, and water supply.
1. Introduction:
The Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC) was established in 1999 under the recognition of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The primary aim of the council is to promote and facilitate the export of Indian project goods and services to overseas markets. PEPC acts as an important facilitator for Indian companies involved in project exports, especially turnkey projects, engineering projects, and civil construction projects.
India’s strong expertise in executing large infrastructure and engineering projects has made it a significant player in the global project export industry. PEPC's role is to assist Indian exporters in identifying opportunities, providing information about international projects, promoting trade, and addressing regulatory challenges.
2. Constitution:
The Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC) is a non-profit organization that is managed by a Governing Body consisting of representatives from:
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The Government of India representatives who provide strategic direction and policies.
- Industry Representatives: Prominent exporters and project developers from sectors like engineering, construction, and infrastructure, who bring valuable insights into the functioning of the council.
- Office Bearers: The Executive members who manage the day-to-day activities of the council and provide leadership in carrying out its objectives.
PEPC operates under the guidance and supervision of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and works to align its activities with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) of India.
3. Legal Framework:
PEPC functions within the legal framework established by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and follows the guidelines set by the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). The council ensures that Indian project exporters comply with all legal and regulatory requirements for project exports, including tax laws, customs, and export documentation.
PEPC also works closely with various government bodies such as the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) and Exim Bank to provide risk mitigation and financial assistance for Indian project exporters involved in international projects.
4. Functions:
The core functions of the Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC) include:
- Promotion of Project Exports: PEPC plays a key role in promoting the export of project goods and services from India, especially in sectors like construction, engineering, energy, and infrastructure.
- Facilitating Participation in International Trade Fairs: PEPC helps Indian exporters showcase their capabilities by organizing and supporting participation in global trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets.
- Market Research and Intelligence: The council provides market intelligence, updates, and insights on international project opportunities, sectoral developments, and market entry strategies for Indian exporters.
- Policy Advocacy: PEPC represents the interests of Indian project exporters and advocates for policies that support project exports and enhance the competitiveness of Indian companies.
- Export Documentation and Compliance: The council helps exporters with project export documentation, certification requirements, and regulatory compliance to ensure smooth export operations.
- Networking and Collaboration: PEPC works to connect Indian companies with international partners, buyers, and government agencies to foster international collaborations in project exports.
- Capacity Building and Training: PEPC organizes seminars, workshops, and training programs to enhance the skill sets of Indian exporters, focusing on global project management practices, technical expertise, and compliance standards.
5. Schemes:
PEPC assists exporters in availing various government schemes that support the promotion of project exports. Some of the key schemes include:
- Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS): Provides incentives for project exporters based on their performance in global markets, helping reduce export costs and make Indian companies more competitive internationally.
- Market Access Initiative (MAI): Offers financial support for promoting Indian project exports by assisting exporters to participate in international trade events, exhibitions, and project tenders.
- Export Credit Insurance Scheme: Through partnerships with Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC), PEPC helps exporters secure insurance coverage against political and commercial risks in international markets.
- Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG): Allows exporters to import capital goods for project development at concessional duties, aiding in the expansion and improvement of project export capabilities.
- Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES): Offers financial support for infrastructure development, such as the creation of export warehouses and cold storage facilities, which benefit project exporters by improving the efficiency of their operations.
- Financial Assistance for Export Activities: PEPC works with institutions like Exim Bank to help exporters secure financial support for executing large-scale international projects.
6. Products and Services:
PEPC supports the export of a wide range of project goods and services across various sectors. These include:
Project Goods:
- Machinery and Equipment: Including plant machinery, construction equipment, power plant machinery, and specialized machinery for various industries.
- Building Materials: Including cement, steel, tiles, pipes, and other essential materials required for construction and infrastructure projects.
- Electrical Equipment: Power transmission and distribution equipment, generators, transformers, etc.
- Industrial Plants: Including manufacturing plants, refineries, cement plants, water treatment plants, and others.
Project Services:
- Turnkey Project Execution: PEPC promotes Indian companies involved in the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of turnkey projects abroad, covering sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.
- Engineering Services: Export of technical expertise, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and architectural engineering services.
- Consultancy Services: Indian firms provide consultancy services for international projects, including feasibility studies, project management, and design consulting.
- Construction Services: Indian companies involved in construction and civil engineering work for projects like roads, bridges, airports, and housing.
- Infrastructure Development: Export of services related to the development of infrastructure projects in sectors such as water supply, waste management, transportation, and energy.
7. Membership:
PEPC membership is open to all Indian firms and individuals involved in the export of project goods and services. Membership benefits include:
- Access to Trade Information: Members receive valuable insights on international project tenders, market conditions, and trade opportunities.
- Participation in Global Trade Fairs: Members can showcase their products and services at international trade exhibitions, fairs, and buyer-seller meets.
- Policy Representation: PEPC represents the interests of its members in discussions with the government and policymakers regarding trade policies and export regulations.
- Networking Opportunities: Members can connect with international buyers, project developers, and other stakeholders to explore potential collaborations.
- Training and Development: Members gain access to workshops, seminars, and training programs designed to improve skills in project management, compliance, and international trade practices.
Types of Membership:
- Ordinary Membership: For firms involved in the export of project goods or services.
- Associate Membership: For stakeholders, service providers, and consultants who support the project export sector.
Website Link: https://www.projectexports.com/
8. Conclusion:
The Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC) plays a critical role in promoting India's expertise in the execution of large-scale international projects. By offering support through market promotion, policy advocacy, and capacity building, PEPC facilitates Indian companies in expanding their presence in global project markets.
With India’s growing reputation in fields such as construction, engineering, and infrastructure development, PEPC’s efforts continue to help Indian exporters tap into lucrative international projects, thus contributing to India’s overall economic growth and strengthening its position in the global project exports sector.