<h1>Gujarat Tops Export Preparedness Index 2021 for Second Year; Highlights Regional Disparities and R&D Challenges.</h1> NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Institute of Competitiveness, released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2021, ranking Gujarat as the top performer among Indian states for the second consecutive time. The index evaluates states and union territories based on four pillars: Policy, Business Ecosystem, Export Ecosystem, and Export Performance, along with 11 sub-pillars. It highlights challenges such as regional disparities in export infrastructure, weak trade support, and inadequate R&D infrastructure. The EPI aims to foster competitive federalism by encouraging states to develop export-oriented policies and infrastructure, enhancing India's global export competitiveness.