The Hindu Business Line : Kerala chambers hail Foreign Trade Policy

THE trade and industry has welcomed the Foreign Trade Policy announced by the Union Commerce Minister by describing it as a well-designed document for export promotion.

As in the Union Budget, the FTP also places greater emphasis on the export of agricultural produce by outlining special initiatives for the same, Mr A.K. Nair, President, Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a statement issued here. This is a welcome move; one which, Kerala should be in a position to take advantage of, he said.

The various export promotion schemes, especially the `Served from India Scheme,' aimed at promoting the export of services and the Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme, are commendable. The special emphasis that the FTP places on export-oriented units is a move in the right direction that will give the EoUs a chance at achieving rapid growth, Mr Nair said. The fact that the FTP has been formulated to act as an effective instrument of growth and employment generation is highly commendable. He lauded the policy as it aims to ease controls, create an atmosphere of trust and transparency, simplify procedures and cut transaction costs.

Mr P. M. Muraleedharan, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the common facility centres to be promoted for use by home-based service providers will also be of special advantage to Kerala with a reservoir of talented workforce in software development and multimedia operations.

The mention that funds should be earmarked under Assistance to States for Infrastructural Development for Exports for development of agri-export zones; and the Special Agricultural Produce Scheme for promoting export of fruits, minor forest produce, as well as incentives for handloom and handicrafts exports are of special significance to Kerala, he said.

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