The Hindu Business Line : Merchandise exports cross $60-b mark

THE country's merchandise exports have crossed the $60-billion mark in the 10 months of the current financial year (2004-05). Exports touched $61 billion in April-January and were estimated to be over $7 billion in the month of January 2005.

Merchandise exports of $61 billion during this period represented a 26 per cent jump over that achieved in the same period in the previous year, the Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr Kamal Nath, has said.

Earlier, in an address at a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry here on Friday, Mr Kamal Nath had indicated that the country's merchandise exports would exceed the growth target of 16 per cent set for the year to reach a level of about $75 billion (16 per cent growth corresponds to a level of $73.4 billion).

The Minister highlighted that the high growth has been achieved despite strengthening of the rupee vis-à-vis dollar and the overall impact of rise in fuel prices on competitiveness.

Mr Kamal Nath held that the country was clearly "heading towards a doubling of its percentage share of world trade merchandise trade and increasing its exports to $150 billion by 2009."

India's exports in 2003-04 were estimated at $63.4 billion.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Meenakshi Temple a world wonder?

Air India, IA working on greater synergy options

Merchandise exports cross $60-b mark

Shipping Ministry revives plan to levy maritime cess

Budget will pursue tax reforms: PM

Infosys' global education centre inaugurated

Employees participatory management — Tata Tea turns a new chapter

Bajaj Capital dons new role to help Morepen investors