Indian exporters demand concessions to meet target

Monday, 01 January 2007, 18:30 IST
Printer Print Email Email
New Delhi,: Indian exporters have urged the government to address "certain deficiencies", including their demand for abolition of export cess and reducing costs of inputs, to support them in reaching the export target of $125 million for fiscal 2006-07. The exporter community has also urged the government to address issues such as maintaining an exchange rate range favorable to exporters, moderating the taxes at various levels, improving physical infrastructure and checking the frequent fluctuations in the prices of raw materials, stated a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) release. According to the exporters, increasing cost of inputs is posing a serious problem for them to meet competition. They have also asked the government to abolish the export cess for the enhancement of India's exports. "They have strongly suggested that the Indian embassies in foreign countries should become facilitation centers for promoting Indian businesses," the release added. "The government should take initiative in combating the problems that has to do with the tariff and non-tariff barriers." One of the major concerns for the exporters is lack of adequate space aboard ships that overbook cargo through multiple slot agents. This results in the upsetting of delivery schedules leading to cancellation of contracts. Lack of security in the port areas also remains a primary concern for the exporters, which results in theft and pilferage. They have suggested installation of CCTVs (closed circuit television) at the ports and warehouses.
Source: IANS