The Hindu Business Line : ITPO to focus on trade with CIS, African countries

INDIA Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) has identified the CIS countries, nations in the African continent and Latin American countries as the focus area for exports in view of the potential offered by them, according to Mr Rajiv Yadav, Executive Director, ITPO, New Delhi.

He told Business Line that ITPO was of the view that Indian exports to these countries could grow at a fast clip as they were new markets that have not been explored and as they were `very receptive to our products'.

At present, nearly 14-15 per cent of India's annual export was made to these countries.

But this should be increased because these were large countries and their markets were growing and not saturated.

He said the demand for products varied from region to region.

In Latin America, the demand might be more for auto components and engineering goods, traditional commodities and handicrafts excluding probably textiles.

In CIS countries, processed food, agricultural produce and pharmaceutical products would be in demand.

In the African continent the Indian technology seemed to suit their needs.

As these are developing countries, they do not want sophisticated and costly technology that was difficult to maintain.

He said the Union Commerce Minister had recently stated that the target of the country was to double its exports in the next five years which meant that the exports should grow at 20 per cent every year.

Last year, ITPO had participated in about 70 trade exhibitions abroad. Generally during the course of any exhibition business worth about $9 million-10 million was generated and the enquiries made might be worth about $20 million to $95 million. This was in case of an average exhibition and not applicable to small or very large ones.

There were specific `India shows' where Indian products were showcased where the business could be much more.

Mr Yadav said the Chennai Trade Centre has become a big hit and it was booked fully for 2005-06.

The next target was Bangalore where ITPO started working last year.

In Coimbatore, ready infrastructure was available in the form of Codissia Trade Fair complex that could be used for organising exhibitions.

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