The Hindu Business Line : AP's draft export policy targets 22 pc growth

ANDHRA Pradesh has come out with a draft export policy for five years, targeting a growth rate of 22 per cent by providing a proactive institutional mechanism and creating effective export infrastructure.

The draft policy, prepared by a working group under the aegis of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was presented by Mr B. Shankar, Chairman of Foreign Trade Committee of the chamber, at a national seminar on foreign trade here on Saturday.

"While world exports have been growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6 per cent for the last five years, Indian exports have been growing at 6.7 per cent. But our share in the global trade is just 0.7 per cent in 2002. In order to touch the 1 per cent mark by 2007, India will have to increase exports a CAGR of 11.9 per cent," he said, giving a backdrop for the draft policy.

Keeping in view India's export projections for 2002-07, the State proposed to set a target of 20 per cent export growth rate from the current 13.8 per cent.

"The policy aimed at balanced economic growth which can optimise productivity, modernisation and competitiveness in the fields of industry, agriculture and service sectors at internationally accepted standards of quality," the draft paper said.

The paper has identified eight potential sectors to trigger growth in exports from the State. These are: agro and processed food, leather and marine products, minerals and mineral-based products, handicrafts, engineering goods, handlooms and textiles, drugs and pharmaceuticals, and software and related services.

In an interesting recommendation, the paper has proposed to introduce `Green cards' for exporters by introducing a rating mechanism. The cardholders would be given preferential treatment on a number of issues. It has been suggested that the trucks carrying consignments of green card companies should get automatic clearance at check posts and at ports. "People should salute the trucks carrying consignments for exports. It should be a national endeavour. Because, if you fail to deliver consignments in time, you will not be losing just an order. You will be losing a customer," Mr Shankar said.

In order to increase the foreign direct investment inflows, the paper suggested creation of an FDI entity with a clear vision.

It also called for establishing a `Common Branding and Marketing Fund' to promote and market all the products manufactured by the clusters under a common brand name.

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