DW BUREAU / cHANDIGARH Marching ahead on the path of development and strengthening industrial infrastructure in the state, Haryana has proved its mettle once again by securing 1st position under Landlocked Category in the Niti Aayog's Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2021. In this chart, Haryana is followed by UP, MP, and Punjab respectively. Haryana's position is up two places from 3rd to 1st and it is a top performer in the Landlocked Category as compared to 2020. The state's robust performance is reflected in improved scores in all sub pillars of the business ecosystem. Apart from seizing 1st position under the landlocked category, Haryana has ranked overall 5th among all the States of the country with 58.20 points in the EPI chart which was 7th in the previous report released by the Niti Aayog in 2020. Haryana is leading this chart by leaving behind industrially developed States like Delhi, Punjab, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. To achieve this feat, the state has shown continuous growth in ensuring institutional framework, business environment, transport connectivity, export diversification, and infrastructure development. Here it is noteworthy that the structure of the EPI includes four pillars ?Policy, Business Ecosystem, Export Ecosystem and Export Performance and 11 sub-pillars including Export Promotion Policy, Institutional Framework, Business Environment, Infrastructure, Transport Connectivity, Access to Finance, Export Infrastructure, Trade Support, R&D Infrastructure, Export Diversification and Growth Orientation. The State Government led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal is driven by his vision of transforming the industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to rapid export preparedness in the State. This report is a testimony to the good work being undertaken by the Haryana Government in the field of trade, commerce, industry, and exports. As Chief Minister Manohar Lal is dedicated to ensuring state-of-the-art technology and strengthening infra in the state, his vision is to make all the 22 districts of the state better in exports and specialize in exporting at least one unique product. His vision also includes building common facilities such as design, training, testing, and certification centres to increase the cost competitiveness of exporting units. (editor@dailyworld.in)