Annual Report 2022-23

ANNUAL
R E P O R T 2022-23Overview 02 1. Organisational Structure and Functions 05 2. Global Economic and Trade Situation 24 3. Trends in India’s Foreign Trade 29 4. Foreign Trade Policy and Major Schemes 35 5. Export Promotion Mechanism 52 6. Commercial Relations, Trade Agreements and International Trade Organizations 79 7. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs) 114 8. Specialized Agencies 123 9. Programmes undertaken for the welfare of SCs/STs/OBCs, Women and Persons with Disabilities 180 10. Transparency, Public Facilitation and Allied Activities 188 Annexures 197 ANNUAL
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OVERVIEW ANNUAL
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1. GLOBAL ECONOMIC OVERVIEW 3. INDIA’S MERCHANDISE TRADE The global economy is going through a slow down on India’s Merchandise exports had shown resilience and account of multiple shocks. After recovering from the continue to offer bright prospects for India’s growth pandemic-induced downfall, the global economy has lost revival, despite multiple challenges. Merchandise exports momentum on account of Russia-Ukraine war and other touched a record US$ 422 billion in 2021-22 surpassing the factors, which is slowing down growth and broadening US$ 400 billion target set for the year and registering an inflationary pressures. As per International Monetary Fund impressive growth of 44.62 per cent over US$ 291.8 billion (IMF) World Economic Outlook (WEO), October 2022, the during 2020-21. A national effort with whole of Government global economy is experiencing a number of turbulent approach and interactions with all stakeholders - line challenges, and the future of global economy rests Ministries/ Departments, State Governments, Indian critically on the successful calibration of monetary policy, Mission abroad, Export Promotion Councils, Exporters and the course of the war in Ukraine, and the possibility of Industry Associations were held to achieve this target. A further pandemic-related supply-side disruptions. IMF has similar approach has again been followed to monitor and projected global growth to decline from 6.0 per cent in boost exports in 2022-23. During April-December 2022 (QE), 2021 to 3.2 per cent in 2022 and 2.7 per cent in 2023. merchandise exports were US$ 332.76 billion as against US$ 305.04 billion during April- December 2021. The multiple shocks being faced by the global economy is affecting various regions/countries to different degrees via Merchandise imports during 2021-22 registered an increase of 55.43 per cent from US$ 394.44 Billion in 2020-21 to US$ impacts on global trade and output. IMF’s October 2022 613.05 Billion in 2021-22. Imports during April- December projections shows the aggregate output of the Advanced 2022 stood at US$ 551.70 billion as compared to US$ 441.50 Economies (AEs) to grow by 2.4 per cent in 2022 and 1.1 per billion during April- December 2021. cent in 2023, as compared to 5.2 per cent in 2021. In con- trast, the aggregate output of Emerging Market and The trade deficit in 2021-22 was estimated at US$ 191.05 Developing Economies (EMDEs) is expected to grow by 3.7 billion as against the deficit of 102.63 billion in 2020-21. In per cent in both 2022 and 2023, as compared to 6.6 per cent April- December 2022, trade deficit increased to US$ 218.94 in 2021. billion from US$ 136.45 billion in April- December 2021. 2. GLOBAL TRADE 4. INDIA’S SERVICES TRADE Global trade is slowing sharply and is expected to worsen in The services sector has been the dominant sector in India’s 2023 in the wake of rising uncertainties and deteriorating GDP, with significant contribution to exports and FDI. The economic conditions. Global trade, especially goods trade pandemic has had a significant impact on the economic had slowed in 2022 as supply chains continued to get growth, however, the services sector has shown resilience disrupted by the lingering effects of the pandemic along to the economic disruptions. Services exports in 2021-22 with the geo-political tensions. The World Trade Organiza- stood at US$ 254.53 billion as compared to US$ 206.09 tion (WTO) in October 2022 had projected the world billion in 2020-21, with a growth of 23.5 per cent. India’s merchandise trade volume to grow by 3.5 per cent in 2022 services export is estimated at US$ 235.81 billion during and 1.0 per cent in 2023, as compared to a high growth of April- December 2022 as compared to US$ 184.65 billion 9.7 per cent in 2021. While the forecast of 3.5 per cent for during April-December 2021, a positive growth of 27.71 per 2022 is slightly better than 3.0 per cent forecasted in April cent. 2022, the forecast of 1.0 per cent for 2023 is a sharp fall from Services imports were US$ 147.01 billion in 2021-22 as 3.4 per cent forecasted in April 2022. compared to US$ 117.52 billion in 2020-21, with a growth of Significant regional disparities persist, with some regions 25.09 per cent. The estimated value of imports during April- falling well short of the global average. The latest projec- December 2022 was US$ 134.99 billion as compared to US$ tions of WTO show the Middle East to have the strongest 105.45 billion during April- December 2021. trade volume growth in 2022 for export as well as imports. A surplus of US$ 107.52 billion and US$ 100.82 billion was However, both exports and imports of Commonwealth of generated in services trade in 2021-22 and April- December Independent States (CIS) is projected to record negative 2022 respectively. growth in 2022. 3 DEPARTMENT
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5. INITIATIVES TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COM- Tobacco Board, Tea Board, Coffee Board, Rubber MERCE TO BOOST INDIA’S EXPORTS Board and Spices Board. Department of Commerce continues to take a number of v Interest Equalization Scheme on pre and post steps to boost exports. Some of the major steps taken are shipment rupee export credit has been extended upto as follows: 31st March 2024. v The Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 has been extended v Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products upto 31st March 2023. (RoDTEP) scheme is under implementation since v Districts as Export Hubs initiative has been launched 1st January 2021. by identifying products with export potential in each v India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership district, addressing bottlenecks for exporting these Agreement (CEPA) was signed on 18th February 2022 products and supporting local exporters/ manufactur- and entered into force on 1st May 2022. ers to generate employment in the district. v India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade v Assistance provided through several schemes to Agreement was signed on 2nd April 2022 and entered promote exports like Trade Infrastructure for Export into force on 29th December 2022. Scheme (TIES) and Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme. v Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin has been launched to facilitate trade and increase Free v In addition, assistance to the exporters of agricultural products is also available under the Export Promotion Trade Agreement (FTA) utilization by exporters. Schemes of Agricultural & Processed Food Products v Active role of Indian missions abroad towards Export Development Authority (APEDA), Marine promoting India’s trade, tourism, technology and Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), investment goals has been enhanced. 4 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
1 Organizational Structure and Functions ANNUAL
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1. VISION AND MISSION v Ten Subordinate Offices The long-term vision of the Department is to make v Ten Autonomous Bodies India a major player in the world trade and assume a v Five Public Sector Undertakings role of leadership in the international trade organiza- tions commensurate with India’s growing impor- v Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created under tance. section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 The policy tools being adopted involve a strategy v Thirteen Export Promotion Councils focussing on the targeted commodity and country in v One Advisory Body the medium term and the Foreign Trade Policy in the long run. v Five Other Organizations 2. FUNCTIONS A complete list of these offices/ organizations along with the postal addresses is given at Annexure A. The Department formulates, implements and moni- tors the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) which provides the The broad organizational set up and major role and basic framework and strategy to be followed. The functions of the offices / organizations under the Trade Policy is periodically reviewed to incorporate administrative control of the Department are dis- changes necessary to take care of emerging eco- cussed below: nomic scenarios both domestic and international. Besides, the Department is also entrusted with (A) Attached Offices responsibilities relating to multilateral and bilateral (i) Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) commercial relations, Special Economic Zones, state trading, export promotion and trade facilitation and Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Organi- development and regulation of certain export- zation is an attached office of the Ministry of oriented industries and commodities. Commerce and Industry, and is headed by Director General of Foreign Trade. Right from its inception till The Department is headed by a Secretary who is 1991, when liberalization in the economic policies of assisted by One Additional Secretary & Financial the Government took place, this organization has Adviser, Three Additional Secretaries, Fourteen Joint been essentially involved in the regulation and Secretaries and Joint Secretary level officers and a number of other senior officers. promotion of Foreign Trade. Keeping in line with liberalization and globalization and the overall The Department is functionally organized into the objective of increasing of exports, DGFT has since following Nine Wings/Divisions: been assigned the role of a “facilitator”. The shift was v Trade Negotiation Wing - Bilateral from prohibition and control of imports/exports to promotion and facilitation of exports/imports, v Trade Negotiation Wing - Multilateral keeping in view the interests of the country. v Territorial, Commodity & Products Wing This Directorate, with headquarters at New Delhi is v Trade Policy Wing headed by the Director General of Foreign Trade. It v Trade Intelligence & Analytics Wing assists Government in formulation of Foreign Trade Policy and is responsible for implementing the v Global Trade Promotion Wing -India Trade Foreign Trade Policy and Schemes under the FTP with v Administration, Establishment & General Wing the main objective of promoting India’s exports. Further, it is responsible for implementation of v Finance Division Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, v Supply Division 1992 and Rules and Regulations notified there under. The various offices / organizations under the The DGFT also issues authorizations to exporters and administrative control of the Department are: monitor their corresponding obligations through a network of 24 Regional Offices. The regional offices v Two Attached Offices are located at the following places:- 6 DEPARTMENT
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*In compliance with the Order dated 04.10.2019 of the Hon'ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh Principal seat at Jabalpur in W.P. 21039/2019, status quo on Regional Office of DGFT at Bhopal is maintained subject to final/further orders. In addition to implementation of Foreign Trade Policy State Governments to assist in formulation/ imple- and FTDR Act, 1992, regional offices provide mentation of state export policy/strategy and to facilitation to exporters in regard to developments in represent the Department of Commerce in the State International Trade i.e. WTO Agreements, Rules of and UT Governments. Origin and anti-dumping issues etc. in their import (ii) Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) and export decisions in the international dynamic The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) environment. (earlier known as Directorate General of Anti- Recognizing that State Governments are key stake- Dumping & Allied Duties) is an attached office of the holders in promotion of exports, DoC is now actively Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & engaging with them for promoting exports. DoC has Industry. The Directorate General of Anti-Dumping & advised State Governments to constitute State Allied Duties (DGAD) which was formed in 1997 has Export Promotion Committees, under the chairman- been restructured as DGTR in May 2018 by restructur- ship of Chief Secretaries, for focusing on export ing and re-designing DGAD into DGTR by incorporat- promotion wherein Regional Authorities of DGFT are ing all the trade remedial functions i.e. Anti-Dumping the co-conveners. Nodal Officers at the rank of Duty (ADD), Countervailing Duty (CVD), Safeguards Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary from DoC have Duty (SGD) and Safeguards Measures (QRs) under a been appointed to attend the meetings of the State single window framework. Thus, the DGTR has been Export Promotion Committee. State Export Promo- formed by merging of functions of DGAD, Depart- tion Committees have been constituted in all the ment of Commerce, Directorate General of Safe- States/UTs. This Committee is overseeing the formu- guards, Department of Revenue and Safeguards (QR) lation and implementation of State Export Promotion functions of DGFT into its fold. The DGTR is a profes- Strategies in consultation with Export Promotion sionally integrated organization with multi-spectrum Councils and FIEO. skill sets emanating from officers drawn from Regional Authorities of the DGFT have been assigned different services and specializations. The DGTR is a enhanced role and responsibilities to liaison with quasi-judicial body that independently undertakes 7 DEPARTMENT
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investigations before making its recommendations to ment of infrastructure facilities. All laws of India are the Central Government. applicable in SEZs unless specifically exempted as per the SEZ Act/Rules. Each Zone is headed by a Develop- It is the single national authority for administering all ment Commissioner and is administered as per the trade remedial measures including anti-dumping, SEZ Act, 2005 and SEZ Rules, 2006. Units may be set countervailing duties and safeguard measures. The up in the SEZ for manufacturing, trading or for service DGTR provides a level playing field to the domestic activity. The units in the SEZs have to be net foreign industry against the adverse impact of the unfair exchange earners but they are not subjected to any trade practices like dumping and actionable subsidies predetermined value addition except (Gems & from any exporting country, by using trade remedial Jewellery Units) or minimum export performance methods under the relevant framework of the WTO requirements. Sales in the Domestic Tariff Area from arrangements, the Customs Tariff Act & Rules and the SEZ units are treated as if the goods are being imported and are subject to payment of applicable other relevant laws and international agreements, in customs duties. a transparent and time bound manner. It also pro- vides trade defence support to our domestic industry (iii) Pay and Accounts Office (Supply) and exporters in dealing with instances of trade The payment and accounting of the Supply Division, remedy investigations instituted against them by including that of the DGS&D were performed by the other countries. office of Chief Controller of Accounts (Supply) under (B) Subordinate Offices the Departmentalized Accounting System, through its Regional Pay and Accounts offices at New Delhi, (i) Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Consequent upon and Statistics (DGCI&S) Union Cabinet Decision to close the DGS&D w.e.f. The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & 31.10.2017, the office of Chief Controller of Accounts Statistics (DGCI&S) is the premier organization of (Supply) has been discontinued and residual works Government of India for collection, compilation and are now being handled/performed by the O/o Chief dissemination of India’s trade statistics and commer- Controller of Accounts (Commerce) with the skeletal cial information. The Directorate, headed by a staff and 02 PAOs, one each in New Delhi and Kolkata. Director General, has its office at Kolkata and is The residual work of RPAO (Supply), Mumbai and responsible for collecting, compiling and publishing/ RPAO (Supply), Chennai are being performed by disseminating trade statistics and various types of RPAO (Commerce), Mumbai and RPAO (Commerce), commercial information required by the policy Chennai respectively in addition to their own work. makers, researchers, importers, exporters, traders as (iv) Pay and Accounts Office (Commerce & Textiles) well as overseas buyers. It is the first large scale data processing organization functioning as a nodal The Secretary is the Chief Accounting Authority. This agency for export & import data, with an ISO certifica- responsibility is discharged with the help of the Chief tion 9001:2015 for compilation and dissemination of Controller of Accounts (CCA) on the advice of the India’s foreign trade statistics. Financial Advisor of the Ministry. The Secretary certifies the Appropriation Accounts and represents (ii) Offices of Development Commissioners of the Ministry in the Public Accounts Committee and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) at Cochin Special Standing Parliamentary Committee on Accounts. Economic Zone, Falta Special Economic Zone, MEPZ Special Economic Zone, Kandla Special Economic There is a common Accounting wing for both the Zone, SEEPZ Special Economic Zone, Visakhapatnam Department of Commerce and Ministry of Textiles. Special Economic Zone and Noida Special Economic The Accounts wing functions under the supervision of Zone. Chief Controller of Accounts (CCA) who is assisted by a Controller of Accounts (CA), Assistant Controller of The main objectives of the SEZ Scheme are genera- Accounts (ACA) and 10 Pay and Accounts Offices tion of additional economic activity, promotion of exports of goods and services, promotion of invest- (PAOs) {4 PAOs in Delhi and two each at Chennai, ment from domestic and foreign sources, creation of Mumbai, Kolkata}. The responsibility of the Budget employment opportunities along with the develop- Division of the Ministry is also entrusted to the CCA. 8 DEPARTMENT
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CCA extends all assistance to Financial Advisor in Karnataka is the headquarters of the Research budgeting, monitoring & control of expenditure, Department with a Sub-Station at Chettalli render Professional expertise in matters related to (Karnataka) and Regional Research Stations at Financial Management System, Preparation of Chundale (Kerala), Thandigudi (Tamil Nadu), disclosure statements as required under FRBM Act, Narasipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Diphu (Assam). Annual Finance Accounts, Appropriation Accounts, The Extension network is spread over the traditional Estimation & flow of Non-tax Revenue Receipts etc. coffee growing areas (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu), Non-Traditional Areas (Andhra Pradesh and The functions of the Accounting wing include pay- Odisha) and North Eastern Region (Assam, Tripura, ment of claims, accounting transactions, consolida- Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and tion of Accounts and other related matters like Arunachal Pradesh). The Coffee Quality Division of finalization & payment of pension, revision of pension the Research Department is involved in setting up of with the help of Drawing & Disbursing Officer (DDO) quality standards, capacity building in the areas of & payment of final GPF cases, loan & advance, Grant in coffee roasting and retailing business and certifica- aid, maintenance of General Provident Fund (GPF), tion of coffee as per National and International quality New Pension System (NPS), Leave Salary Contribu- standards. The Promotion Department is involved in tion & Pension Contribution (LSC & PC), etc. Further, promotion of Indian Coffee in export market and also implementation and smooth functioning of PFMS promotion of coffee consumption in domestic (EAT/DBT/CNA/TSA) in various entities is also coordi- market. nated by the Office of CCA along with monitoring of smooth working of PFMS modules, viz. EIS, EAT, (ii) Rubber Board Pension, GPF, NTRP, LOA etc. The Rubber Board is a statutory body constituted There is an Internal Audit Wing of the Department under Section (4) of the Rubber Act, 1947 and func- which handles the internal audit work of all the tioning under the administrative control of the Departments. There are 347 units under the jurisdic- Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Board is tion of Department of Commerce and M/o Textiles. headed by a Chairman appointed by the Central The role of internal audit is to study the accounting Government and has 28 other members including the and implementation of prescribed procedure with a Executive Director, Members of Parliament (two view to ensure that they are correct and adequate. from House of People and one from Council of States) and representatives of various interests of natural (C) Autonomous Bodies rubber industry such as rubber growing sector, (i) Coffee Board rubber manufacturing industry, labour interest, representatives of Governments of principal rubber The Coffee Board is a statutory organization under growing states. Executive and administrative powers the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, constituted of the Board are vested with the Executive Director. under the Coffee Act 1942. The Board comprises 33 The Board’s headquarter is located at Kottayam in members including the Secretary, who is the Chief Kerala. Developmental and regulatory functions Executive appointed by the Government of India, a pertaining to the entire value chain of the Indian non-Executive Chairman and remaining 31 members rubber industry are discharged by the Board by way of comprising Members of the Parliament, Official assisting and encouraging research, development, members representing the interest of Coffee extension and training activities related to natural Growing States and members representing various rubber (NR). The functions of the Board also include interests of the Coffee Industry. The Coffee Board collection of statistics of rubber, promoting market- focuses its activities in the areas of research, exten- ing of rubber and undertaking labour welfare activi- sion, development, market intelligence, external & ties. The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), internal promotion and labour welfare measures. The established in 1955, is situated at Kottayam and has Coffee Board functions with its Head Office in nine Regional Research Stations (RRS) located in Bengaluru. The Central Coffee Research Institute various rubber growing states of the country. RRII (CCRI) at Balehonnuru, Chikkamagaluru District, 9 DEPARTMENT
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conducts research activities for ensuring biological Tobacco Board is at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and is and technological improvement of NR in the country. headed by a Chairman. The Board has a training department viz., National The Tobacco Board Act, 1975 aims at planned develop- Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) located at ment of Tobacco Industry in the country. The various Kottayam and acts as the link between research and activities of the Board outlined in the Act for the extension activities for technology transfer and has promotion of the industry are: the mandate for human resource development in all v Regulating the production and curing of Virginia sectors of the NR industry. Tobacco with regard to the demand in India and (iii) Tea Board abroad. The Tea Board is a statutory body constituted under v Propagating information useful to the growers, section 4 of the Tea Act, 1953 and functions under the dealers and exporters (including packers) of administrative control of the Department of Com- Virginia tobacco and manufacturers of tobacco merce. The Tea Board comprises of Chairman, Deputy products and others concerned. Chairman and 30 members appointed by Government v Promoting tobacco grading at the level of growers. of India representing different sections of the industry including Members of Parliament. The v Establishment of auction platforms for sale of Board is headed by a non-official Chairman and Virginia tobacco by registered growers and Deputy Chairman is the executive head of the organi- functioning as an auctioneer at auction platforms. zation. There are two Executive Directors who are v Maintenance and improvement of existing mar- stationed at Zonal Offices one each at Guwahati in kets and development of new markets outside Assam (for entire North Eastern Region) and another India. at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu (for entire South India Region). The Head Office of the Board is located in v Constant monitoring of the Virginia tobacco Kolkata, West Bengal. The Board functions as an apex market, both in India and abroad and ensuring fair body concerned with overall development of the tea and remunerative price to the growers. industry in India by providing necessary assistance for v Purchasing Virginia tobacco from the growers research and developmental activities aimed at when the same is considered necessary or expedi- increasing production, productivity and quality; ent for protecting the interest of growers with the facilitation of trade and promotion of exports so as to prior approval of the Government of India. ensure maximum returns to the producers, including (v) Spices Board small growers; safeguarding the interests of the workers and the consumers; gathering statistical and Spices Board is a statutory body constituted under other relevant data concerning the industry and section (3) of the Spices Board Act, 1986 and function- disseminating the information to various segments of ing under the administrative control of the Ministry of the industry, registering and licensing of different Commerce and Industry. The Board consists of 31 stakeholders’. Tea Board has two Zonal offices at members including the Secretary, who is the Chief Guwahati (Assam) and Coonoor (Tamil Nadu), 17 Executive and is led by the non-Executive Chairman, Regional Offices, one overseas office at Moscow with its head office at Kochi in Kerala. Spices Board is which is being managed by Embassy officials. responsible for the overall development of the cardamom industry and export promotion of 52 (iv) Tobacco Board spices as scheduled under the Spices Board Act, 1986. Tobacco is an important commercial crop grown in The functions of the Board include research & devel- India. In order to regulate production, promote opment and domestic marketing of small and large overseas marketing and control recurring instances cardamom; post-harvest quality improvement, and of imbalances in supply and demand, Tobacco Board export promotion of spices & quality management of was established by the Government of India under spices exported from India. The Board has 83 offices the Tobacco Board Act of 1975. The headquarters of across the country, which includes export promotion 10 DEPARTMENT
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offices, development offices for small and large and New Delhi and five full-fledged Quality Control cardamom, quality evaluation laboratories (QEL), Laboratories. MPEDA has also set up three registered research stations, spices parks etc. The Board works societies viz., Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture with the stakeholders of the spices sector, for (RGCA) for promotion of diversified aquaculture to undertaking programs and projects for development support export promotion by technology transfer, of small and large cardamom and for promotion of Network for Fish Quality Management and Sustain- export of spices. able Fishing (NETFISH) for extension activities on fish quality management, and sustainable Fishing and The programs undertaken by the Board include, National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA) support to exporters for infrastructure development to enable aquaculture farmers to adopt sustainable and value addition; organizing programs for estab- farming practices in the Aquaculture. lishing market linkage of farmers and exporters with international buyers; supporting primary processing (vii) Agricultural and Processed Food Products through establishment of processing facilities in the Export Development Authority (APEDA) major growing centers (Spices Parks); undertaking The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export trade and brand promotion activities for Indian Development Authority (APEDA) was established by spices, including co-participation of stakeholders in the Government of India under the Agricultural and international fairs and exhibitions; quality manage- Processed Food Products Export Development ment of spices exported from India through the Authority Act passed by the Parliament. Quality Evaluation laboratories which provide APEDA has marked its presence in almost all agro analytical services and monitor quality of spices for potential states of India and has been providing export through testing and certification; facilitating services to agri-export community through its Head primary sale of cardamom through the auction Office at New Delhi and 15 Regional offices at Mumbai, system; providing research support to stakeholders Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Chennai, on small and large cardamom; assisting growers of Kochi, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, small and large cardamom for production develop- Ladakh, Tripura, Varanasi and Bhopal. ment and growers of other spices for post-harvest management; working with the regulatory bodies of In accordance with the Section 10 of Agricultural and importing countries, trade support institutions, Processed Food Products Export Development intergovernmental organizations etc. for export Authority Act, 1985, (2 of 1986) the following func- promotion of spices, etc. tions have been assigned to the Authority. (vi) The Marine Products Export Development v Development of industries relating to the sched- Authority (MPEDA) uled products for export by way of providing financial assistance or otherwise for undertaking The Marine Products Export Development Authority surveys and feasibility studies, participation in (MPEDA), a statutory body under the Department of enquiry capital through joint ventures and other Commerce Ministry of Commerce & Industry was reliefs and subsidy schemes constituted in 1972 with a mandate of developing a conducive ecosystem for marine products in the v Registration of persons as exporters of the country and promotion of its export from India. The scheduled products on payment of such fees as Authority has its headquarters located in Kochi, may be prescribed Kerala and consists of 30 members including a v Fixing of standards and specifications for the Chairman (Appointed by the Central Government). scheduled products for the purpose of exports There are 18 Field Offices across the coastal states including one in NE India to assist the marine product v Carrying out inspection of meat and meat prod- exporters, processors and aqua culturists for ensur- ucts in slaughter houses, processing plants, ing timely advice to the stakeholders. MPEDA has storage premises, conveyances or other places three Trade Promotion Offices at New York, Japan where such products are kept or handled for the 11 DEPARTMENT
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purpose of ensuring the quality of such products through either a consignment-wise inspection system or quality assurance/food safety manage- v Improving of packaging of the Scheduled prod- ment system based certification. With more than fifty ucts years of experience in the field of inspection, testing v Improving of marketing of the Scheduled prod- and certification of food items as per the importing ucts outside India country requirements, the EIC has developed a global v Promotion of export oriented production and acceptance. The EIC certification has been recognized by India’s trading partners, like, European Union, development of the Scheduled products United States of America, Australia, Japan, Custom v Collection of statistics from the owners of facto- Union, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, China, South Africa, ries or establishments engaged in the production, etc. The EIC has been instrumental in evolving the processing, packaging, marketing or export of the stakeholders including exporter fraternity to meet scheduled products or from such other persons as the changing requirements of the importing coun- may be prescribed on any matter relating to the tries with rising prevalence of food safety incidents. scheduled products and publication of the The EIC is always actively involved in standard setting statistics so collected or of any portions thereof or process at national and international levels and extracts there from provide feedback to ensure the interest of exporters v Training in various aspects of the industries are well protected. The EIC has adopted Quality connected with the scheduled products Management System and is ISO 9001:2015 certified to v Such other matters as may be prescribed ensure realization of its objectives. (viii) Export Inspection Council of India (EIC) (ix) Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) The Export Inspection Council (EIC) was established (a) Overview by the Government of India under Section 3 of the v Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was set up Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963 to on 2nd May 1963 as an autonomous Institution ensure sound development of export trade of India with a focus on Foreign Trade related Research and through Quality Control and pre shipment inspection Training. and for matters connected thereof. The EIC is an v In recognition of its all-round achievements, the advisory body to the Government of India and is Institute was given the status of “Deemed to be headed by the Chairman. The Executive Head of the University” in May 2002 by University Grants EIC is Director (Inspection and Quality Control) who is Commission (UGC) and graded as Category - I responsible for enforcement of quality control and “Deemed to be University” in June 2018 by Univer- pre-shipment inspection of various commodities sity Grants Commission (UGC). meant for export, which are notified by the Govern- ment under the Export (Quality Control and Inspec- v The National Assessment and Accreditation tion) Act, 1963. The EIC is located at New Delhi and Council (NAAC) accredited IIFT with the highest exercises technical and administrative control over grade ‘A’ (currently equivalent A++) with overall the Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs) established CGPA score of 3.53 in 2015. under Section 7 of the Act. The EIAs are headquar- v The Institute has achieved the AACSB business tered at Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Chennai and Delhi accreditation and was awarded the certificate on with a network of 24 sub offices backed by state-of- 21st December 2021. the art laboratories accredited by NABL as per ISO 17025, spread all over India and cater to the needs of (b) Organizational structure and functions the exporters on a pan India basis. The major role of The Board of Management (BoM) is the principal the EIC is to ensure the quality and safety of products executive body of the Institute. The BoM consists of 11 exported, in order to meet the requirements of the members and is headed by the Vice Chancellor of the importing countries. This assurance is provided Institute. The Secretary, Department of Commerce is 12 DEPARTMENT
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the Chancellor of the Institute. The Vice Chancellor of als, packaging machineries and user industries. the Institute is the principal executive of the Institute Further, some members of the Governing Body are and exercises supervision and control over the affairs nominated by the different Ministries/Departments of the Institute. and Commodity Boards of Government of India. The Director is the Head and Principal Executive Officer of (c) Institutional set-up of IIFT the Institute who is the overall in-charge of the IIFT has following divisions to promote and enhance organization. education, research and cooperation in international (D) Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) trade: (i) State Trading Corporation of India Limited (STC) v Executive Management Programmes (EMP) Division STC was set up on 18th May 1956 primarily with the objective to undertake trade with East European v Management Development Programmes (MDP) countries and to supplement the efforts of private Division trade and industry in developing exports from the v International Collaboration and Capacity Develop- country. STC played an important role and arranged ment (ICCD) Division imports of essential items of mass consumption (such v Graduate Studies in Management (GSM) Division as wheat, pulses, sugar, edible oils, etc.) and industrial raw materials into India and also contributed signifi- v Economics Division cantly in developing exports of a large number of v Research Division items from India. v Division of Alumni Affairs STC has a paid up equity of Rs.60 crore. As on 31.03.2021, the share of Government of India in STC's v Corporate Relations and Placement Division equity was 90%. The total manpower of the Corpora- v Journals Division tion as on 01.11.2022 is 153. Currently STC is not under- v Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) taking any business activity. The STCL Ltd. (formerly Spices Trading Corporation (x) Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) Ltd), a subsidiary of STC, is in the process of winding The Indian Institute of Packaging is an autonomous up and has stopped all its business activities since body under the aegis of the Department of Com- 2014-15. merce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govern- (ii) MMTC Limited ment of India, established in 1966 under Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Institute headquartered MMTC Limited was incorporated in 1963 primarily to at Mumbai has its regional centres at Kolkata (1976), regulate the international trade of Minerals and Chennai (1971), Delhi (1986), Hyderabad (2006), Metals. MMTC was acting as a canalizing agency for Ahmedabad (2017) and Vishakhapatnam (2021). export of iron ore, manganese ore, chrome ore/concentrate and nominated agency for import of The Institute is engaged in various activities like gold & silver and urea, besides trading in other testing and certification of packaging materials and commodities. Disinvestment of Neelachal Ispat Nigal packages for domestic and export market, including Ltd (NINL), a joint venture of MMTC and 5 other mandatory UN Certification of packaging for Central/State PSUs, was completed on 4.7.2022. transport of hazardous/dangerous goods, training, Currently, the business operations of Company are education, consultancy, projects and research and under review. development in the area of packaging. MMTC Transnational Pte. Ltd. (MTPL) Singapore is a The Apex advisory body of the Institute is the Govern- wholly owned subsidiary company of MMTC and was ing Body which has one Chairman and two vice- incorporated in October 1994 under the laws of chairmen and other members from industries repre- Singapore with the objective to take advantage of senting various segments such as packaging materi- 13 DEPARTMENT
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liberalization / globalization of trade and commerce ECGC w.e.f. 1st April 2022, has liberalized its under- to tap South East Asian market for trading in com- writing guidelines in respect of Gems, Jewellery and modities. Since inception, the company has been Diamond (GJD) sector to accommodate export- engaged in commodity trading and has established accounts under WT-ECIB (i.e. Whole Turnover - Export itself as a credible and reputable trading company in Credit Insurance for Banks) cover having exporter- Singapore. group limit of up to Rs. 100 crore and has also intro- duced enhanced cover upto 90 per cent (from an (iii) PEC Limited average 70 per cent cover) to banks providing pre- PEC Limited was incorporated as a subsidiary com- shipment and post-shipment finance, in respect of pany of State Trading Corporation in 1971 as “The accounts with export working capital limit of up to Rs. Projects and Equipment Corporation of India Lim- 20 crore under its existing WT-ECIB cover w.e.f. 1st ited” and became an independent Company in 1991. July 2022, so as to support small exporters. The new The name of the company was changed to PEC Scheme with higher cover will enable the banks Limited on 25th November 1997. The main functions holding WT-ECIB cover to reduce interest rates of PEC Limited included export of engineering further to small exporters. equipment and projects, import of bullion and trading ECGC has been selected as one of the implementing in industrial raw material and agro commodities. The agencies for the Capacity Building of First Time MSE Company is not undertaking any business activity Exporters (CBFTE) sub-component of the Interna- since September 2019. tional Cooperation (IC) Scheme, by the Ministry of PEC Limited also has a subsidiary viz. Tea Trading MSME. Under this Scheme, the MSE exporters are Corporation of India Limited, which is under liquida- eligible for reimbursement of the insurance premium tion since 2002. paid to ECGC up to a maximum of Rs. 10,000 per financial year subject to their Import Export Code not (iv) ECGC Ltd (Formerly Export Credit Guarantee older than three years and they hold a valid Udyam Corporation of India Ltd.) Registration. This move is expected to encourage (a) ECGC Limited MSE exporters to venture into exports and reduce ECGC Limited, a Premier Export Credit Agency (ECA) their transaction cost towards credit insurance of the Government of India, was set up in 1957 in covers. Mumbai, under the Companies Act 1956, to provide (b) National Export Insurance Account Trust (NEIA) export credit insurance services on short term (ST) The Government of India established NEIA Trust in and medium and long term (MLT) basis to exporters 2006 to promote project exports from India that are and banks to facilitate exports from the Country. of strategic and national importance. The trust was ECGC covers export transactions destined to more set up with an initial corpus of Rs. 66 crore. With the than 200 countries of the world. The Company’s contribution of Rs. 4,285 crore by the Government of mandate is to promote exports from the country India over the years, the total corpus of the Trust is Rs. through export credit insurance to exporters on a 6,289.26 crore. However, in view of the recent claims “no-profit no-loss” basis. filed with the Trust, the corpus available for under- The exporters obtain credit insurance cover to writing is Rs. 1,041.09 crore only (as on 31.10.2022). protect their losses in the event of occurrence of The major sectors covered under NEIA are construc- political or commercial risks like default, insolvency and repudiation in respect of payment due from the tion, supply of engineering goods, water treatment overseas buyers. The banks obtain export credit plants, power transmission and distribution projects, insurance covers to protect against losses that may etc. while the major countries covered include Sri be incurred due to default or insolvency of the Lanka, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, exporter borrower in respect of export credit (work- Senegal, Iran, Maldives, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Camer- ing capital loans) extended. oon, Suriname and Mauritania. Successful project 14 DEPARTMENT
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exports enable sustained visible impact on India’s Main objectives are: capacity in executing projects abroad. NEIA through v To promote, organise and participate in industrial its cover for project exports helps make Indian trade and other fairs and exhibitions in India and project exporters more competitive and gain a abroad and to take all measures incidental thereto stronger foothold in regions of national strategic for boosting up country’s trade interest. Successful project exports enable sustained v To publicise in India and abroad International Trade visible impact on India’s capacity in executing pro- Fairs and Exhibitions to be held in India and invite jects abroad. the foreign participants to participate in them The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in v To undertake promotion of trade in goods and its meeting held on 29th September 2021, increased services connected with or relating to fairs, the corpus commitment to the NEIA Trust from Rs. exhibitions, conventions in India and abroad 4,000 crore to Rs. 4,741 crore and approved infusion of Rs. 1,650 over a period of five years, i.e. from FY v To undertake promotion of exports and to explore 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. Out of this a Grant-in-aid of Rs. new markets for traditional items of export and 1,574.99 crore [i.e. Rs. 744 crore during 2021-22 and Rs. develop exports of new items with a view to 830.99 crore during 2022-23 (upto 31st December maintaining, diversifying and expanding the 2022)] has already been released to the Trust. The export trade total Grant-in-aid of Rs. 1,650 crore will enable NEIA to (E) Government e-Marketplace- Special Purpose support project exports worth Rs. 33,000 crore at full Vehicle created under section 8 of the Companies capacity. Act, 2013 (GeM-SPV) As of 31st October 2022, total 160 projects of value Rs. Working on the direction set by the Hon’ble PM Shri 44,495 crore are under various stages of execution by Narendra Modi, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is the Indian Project exporters under the 152 covers consistently working to enhance India’s public extended by the NEIA Trust. procurement ecosystem for seamless, hassle-free, (v) India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) transparent, and digital procurement services. The competitive benefits offered by GeM are elaborated India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) was upon in the Economic Survey 2021-22, which cites the formed in the year 1976, after re-naming Trade Fair GeM as an exemplary policy measure which has Authority of India (TFAI) and merging of Trade enhanced the efficiency of Government spending. Development Authority of India (TDA). ITPO is a Schedule ‘B’ Miniratna Category-I CPSE under the As per the Economic Survey, prior to GeM, Govern- administrative control of Department of Commerce ment procurement prices were much higher than the with 100% shareholding by the Government of India. prices prevailing in the market and there were Its Registered Office is at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. constant complaints about inefficiency. A comparison The regional Offices of ITPO are located in Mumbai, of prices of various commodities on the GeM portal with those of company websites or other online Kolkata and Chennai ensuring representative partici- platforms shows that prices on GeM are on an pation of trade and industry from different regions of average 9.5 per cent lower for the chosen sample. the country in its events in India and abroad. Further, 10 out of 22 commodities in the sample were India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) is a cheaper on the GeM portal as compared to other premier trade promotion agency of India providing a platforms. broad spectrum of services to trade industry and As per GeM’s strategy consultant study, approxi- acting as a catalyst for growth of India’s trade. ITPO is mately 15 per cent reduction was observed in tender- engaged in providing services pertaining to promo- ing cycle time (Bid start to Bid award, sample: 700+ tion/ facilitation of trade by organizing/ participating contracts shared by buyers) between April 2021 to in trade fairs in India and abroad thereby increasing January 2022 on GeM vis à-vis outside of GeM vali- India’s exports. dated GeM's efforts to drive operational efficiencies 15 DEPARTMENT
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through systemic interventions in last 6 years. v Green procurement enablement @ GeM: In Further, 92 per cent of transactions witnessed consultations with DoE, GeM has partnered with participation from 3 or more sellers as compared to UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to make approximately 72 per cent of transactions outside of products such as Green ACs and Green paper GeM, based on sample data shared by buyers for 700+ available on GeM. Gem has also enabled various contracts between April 2021 to January 2022. functionalities as well as categories to support environment-friendly procurement like buy back Major features and functionalities deployed on the options, forward auction, dedicated categories for portal- waste management, handcrafts and natural v Forward Auction- GeM has launched a new module products for forward auction which can be used by various v Technology upgrade initiatives: To ensure that Government offices for selling various types of business growth is supported by the platform with scrap, movable and immovable property etc. reliability and performance, GeM implemented v e-Gram Swaraj integration- GeM has successfully various improvements like efficient caching, integrated with eGS (e-Gram Swaraj) where all the optimizing active storages, improving technology Panchayati raj buyers at different levels like Zila currency across the layers of programming lan- panchayat, Block, and Gram Panchayat, will be able guages to databases, and implemented enhanced to register successfully on GeM using their existing security measures. The Platform is supporting user ID of eGS system. This will bring advantage to approx. 13,500 concurrent users with some DB all the 2.5 Lacs panchayats spread across the loads reaching ~35K QPS (Queries per Second). country GeM has also engaged external security consul- tants for exhaustive audits and has implemented v Onboarding of cooperative societies as buyer on ~75 additional security directives. While load on the GeM - With effect from 01.08.2022, GeM has platform increased by 70%, the page response time initiated the onboarding of Multi-State and Single has seen an improvement of 40%. On an average, State cooperatives as buyers on GeM. On the number of bids per day has also increased from 09.08.2022, the initiative was formally launched by 1,100 in April 2021 to 2,800 in March 2022. Corre- Hon'ble Minister, Shri Amit Shah. 426 Cooperative sponding seller participation per day has also Societies have been onboarded on the GeM portal increased to 15,000 from 10,000 in the same so far period. GeM also includes Intelligent Search using v Integration with Railways - The GeM- IRePS (Indian Natural Language Processing (NLP) in the Search Railway e-procurement System) integration has Module, as well as intelligent virtual assistant to aid been made live. All tenders issued by Railway along buyer/seller journeys with corrigendum are visible to all sellers of GeM v GeM is also in process of implementing Al-ML and the system provides them an opportunity to based fraud detection and other smart features participate in such tenders like buyer seller collusion, splitting of demand, v Procurement Details – GeM could achieve total Inter-seller collaborations, biased bids – Restrictive annual GMV of Rs. 1.06 lakh crore in FY21-22 which is Parameters analysis etc. 17 times more than that in FY17-18 (Rs. 6,207 Crore). v Platform enhancements / Customer experience GeM is expecting to achieve an annual GMV of initiatives: GeM is continuously working towards more than Rs 2 lakh crore during the current FY improving buyer and seller satisfaction and 2022-23 enhancing the platform health with implementa- v There are more than 63,000 buyer organizations tion of more than 2400 functionalities like BOQ registered on GeM. A total of 10,600 product based bidding, demand aggregation, buy back categories and 263 service categories are available feature, vendor rating system etc. in the last 2 on GeM. 55.23 per cent of total order value has years. Several of these are responsive to the been awarded to MSE sellers unique needs of CPSEs' procurement also 16 DEPARTMENT
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v GeM has signed MoU with Common Services of the Department of Commerce, Government of Centre (CSC) and India Post for ensuring last mile India. The Council is entrusted with the export connectivity, rapid seller onboarding and promotion activities of chemical based allied prod- Panchayats and Cooperatives buyer onboarding ucts which includes Bulk Minerals and Ores, Natural on GeM portal Stone Products, Processed Minerals, Paper & Paper Board Products, Auto Tyres and Tubes, Rubber v A detailed exercise for sanitization of categories Products, Ceramics and Allied Products, Glass and has been completed to prevent misuse of any Glassware, Plywood and Allied Products, Cement, category by unscrupulous buyers and sellers. More Clinkers and Asbestos products, Graphite and explo- than 5500 categories were pulled down for sives, Books, Publications & Printing products, Paints, correction or permanent deletion Printing Ink and Allied Products, Miscellaneous (F) Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) Chemical Products, Ossein and Gelatin and Animal by- products. The Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are organisa- tions of exporters, registered as non-profit organiza- (iii) Council for Leather Exports (CLE) tions under the Companies Act/ Societies Registration The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) was set up in Act. Roles and functions of these Councils are guided July 1984. It is an autonomous non-profit company by the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20, which also registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1956, recognizes them as registering authorities for entrusted with export promotion activities and exporters. At present, there are Thirteen Export development of the Indian footwear and leather Promotion Councils (EPCs), as mentioned below, industry. It serves as a bridge between member- under the Department of Commerce: exporters and buyers all over the world. It has its (i) Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export Promo- registered head office at Chennai and five regional tion Council (CHEMEXCIL) offices at Kanpur, Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai & Mumbai and extension offices at Agra, UP and CHEMEXCIL was constituted in 1963 under the Jalandhar, Punjab. Companies Act, 1956 with the aim of promoting the export of chemical products. The Council’s head (iv) EEPC India office is located in Mumbai and it has four regional EEPC India is the Council set up under the aegis of offices at New Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata and Department of Commerce for promoting exports in Ahmadabad. The Council is entrusted with the export the Engineering sector. It is a company set up under promotion activities of the following products: Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956 (company not v Dyes & Dye Intermediates for profit), keeping in view the special requirements v Inorganic & Organic chemicals, including Agro of the Indian Engineering Sector for export promo- tion. EEPC India is the nodal agency for issue of chemicals Registration-cum-Membership Certificate for v Cosmetics, Soaps, Toiletries and Essential oils engineering exports throughout the country under v Castor Oil the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy. The organization has its headquarters at Kolkata with (ii) Chemicals & Allied products Export Promotion regional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Council (CAPEXIL) Delhi and sub- regional offices in Ahmedabad, CAPEXIL, a premier Export Promotion Council, was Bengaluru, Hyderabad (Secunderabad) and set up in 1958 under the Companies Act, 1956. The Jalandhar for providing services to exporters of Council’s registered office and head office is located in engineering products. With a view to establish closer Kolkata and it has four regional offices located at connections with the engineering manufacturers & Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi. The Council exporters and to have a better reach, EEPC India has functions under the guidance of its Committee of also opened its chapters in 15 Tier II/Tier III cities Administration (CoA) and under overall supervision spread across the country. 17 DEPARTMENT
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As an advisory body, it actively contributes to the v Writing instruments & stationery policies of Government of India and acts as an inter- v Merchant Exports face between the engineering industry and the (vi) Sports Goods EPC Government. Set up in 1955, EEPC India now has a membership base of around 11,000 out of which The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) around 60% are SMEs. EEPC India facilitates sourcing was established in the year 1958 with an objective to from India and boosts the SMEs to raise their stan- promote the exports of Sports Goods and Toys from dard at par with the international best practices. It India. The SGEPC is managed by a Committee of also encourages the SMEs to integrate their business Administration (COA), which consists of elected with the global value chain. Keeping 'Engineering the representatives from the Indian industry and includes Future' as the motto, EEPC India serves as the refer- Government representatives. The COA is headed by ence point for the Indian engineering industry and the the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman and the Regional international business community in its efforts Director. towards establishing India as a major engineering The SGEPC’s range of activities includes activities that export hub. spur the industry’s performance on the one hand and (v) Plastic EPC the activities that helps to promote its presence internationally. The SGEPC organizes trade promo- The Plastics Export Promotion Council was estab- tion activities like Indian participation in International lished in 1955 and registered under section 25 of trade fairs, visits of Business Delegations, promo- Companies Act of 1956, with the aim of promoting the tional campaigns in international markets etc. along exports of Plastics & Linoleum products from India. with various other activities to promote the exports The Council’s head office is located in Mumbai and of Toys & Sports goods from India. regional offices are at Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi. The Council also has a branch office at (vii) Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Ahmadabad. The Council functions under the guid- Council (SHEFEXIL) ance of its Committee of Administration (CoA) and The Shellac Export Promotion Council was founded in under the overall supervision of the Department of June, 1957, under the Companies Act, 1956. Its name Commerce. The Council is presently entrusted with was changed to Shellac and Forest Products Export the export promotion activates of the following Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL) on 08.02.2007. The product panel. Council’s registered office is located at Kolkata and it v Consumer & house ware products has no additional branch or regional office. The v Cordage, fishnets & mono filaments Council functions under the guidance of its Commit- tee of Administration (CoA) and under the overall v FIBC, Woven sacks, Woven fabrics, Tarpaulin supervision of the Department of Commerce. v Floor coverings, leather cloth & laminates SHEFEXIL is the designated Nodal EPC for Non Timber v FRP & Composites Forest Produce and also for products from North-East region. The Council is presently entrusted with the v Human hair & related products export promotion activities of the following prod- v Medical items of plastics ucts: v Miscellaneous products and items v Shellac and Lac based Products v Packaging items - flexible, rigid v Vegetable Saps & Extracts of herbs v Plastic films and sheets v Guar Gum v Plastic pipes & fittings v Plant & Plant Portion (Herbs) v Plastic raw materials v Fixed vegetable, Oil cake and others 18 DEPARTMENT
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v Other vegetable materials industry. SEPC members can avail the benefits of various schemes of Ministry of Commerce and v Multi products belonging to the North Eastern Industry, Government of India. region Role and Functions of SEPC (viii) Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL) SEPC serves as a platform of interaction between the services sector industry and policy makers in the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India Government. Specifically, it performs the following was established in 2004 under the Companies Act, functions: 1956, keeping in mind the unique requirements of the Indian pharmaceutical industry for export promotion. v Implements an Export Promotion Strategy to The Council has its headquarters in Hyderabad, with Promote Services Exports regional offices at Mumbai and New Delhi, and branch v Facilitates Overseas Services Enquirers offices in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. There v Channelizes Communication and Publicity are 4120 members in the Council. SEPC has a mandate to promote following service The products and services falling under the purview sectors: of Pharmexcil are Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API); Finished Dosage Forms (FDF); Herbal/ v Healthcare Services including Services by Nurses, Ayurveda; Unani; Siddha; Homeopathy; Biologics; Physiotherapist and Paramedical Personnel Diagnostics; Surgicals; Nutraceuticals; Collaborative v Educational Services Research; Contract Manufacturing; Clinical Trials & Consultancy; Regulatory Services. A separate cell has v Entertainment Services including Audio-visual been established within Pharmexcil to exclusively Services promote the Indian systems of medicines. v Consultancy Services Apart from acting as an interface with the Govern- v Architectural Services and related Services ment, the Council also offers professional advice to its v Distribution Services members in areas such as patent issues, compliance with regulatory requirements, technology up- v Accounting/Auditing and Book Keeping Services gradation, trade related help, etc. Pharmexcil also v Environmental Services acts as a nodal agency for issue of Registration cum Membership certificates. The Council participates in v Maritime Transport Services important exhibitions and fairs in various countries v Advertising Services and also organizes international conferences and v Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling buyer-seller meets in India. Services/Management Services (ix) Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) v Printing & Publishing Services SEPC is an Export Promotion Council set up by v Legal Services Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India for facilitating services export from India. SEPC v Hotel and Tourism related services acts as an interface between the services industry & v Others Government and actively contributes in the formula- tion of policies of Government of India. (x) Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC) It organizes a large number of promotional activities both in India and abroad, such as Buyer-Seller Meets Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC), an (BSM), trade fairs/exhibitions, and India pavil- export promotion council set up by the Government, ion/information booths in selected exhibitions to is an apex coordinating agency to facilitate project demonstrate the capabilities of Indian services exports comprising of overseas projects contracted 19 DEPARTMENT
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in any of the following modules: introduced in early 1981, primarily to boost exports by creating additional production capacity. It was v Civil Construction Projects introduced as a complementary scheme to the Free v Turnkey Projects Trade Zones/Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Scheme introduced in the sixties. It adopts the same produc- including engineering, procurement and construc- tion regime as SEZs (erstwhile EPZs) but offers a wide tion (from concept to commissioning) and essentially option in locations. includes civil work/ construction and all supplies specific to these turnkey projects: Units undertaking to export their entire production of v Process and Engineering Consultancy Services and goods and services, except permissible sales in the DTA, as per the Export-Import Policy are referred to v Project Construction Items (excluding steel and as export oriented units (EOUs). The EOUs function cement): under the administrative control of the concerned v Construction Engineering Products (Fittings & Development Commissioner of Special Economic Fixtures/ Materials) Zone i.e., under the Department of Commerce, Government of India. v Construction Equipments & Accessories The EOUs are governed by the provisions of Chapter 6 v Other Project Goods of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and its procedures, PEPC is an Autonomous Society under control of as contained in the Handbook of Procedures (HBP). Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce As on 30th September 2022, 1638 units are in opera- and Industry. tion under the EOU Scheme as compared to 1650 (a) Sectors of Development EOUs on 30th September 2021. PEPC, has been actively engaged in the development (xii) Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export Promotion and promotion of project exports in almost all sectors Council (IOPEPC) of economic and industrial development such as Indian Oilseed and Produce Export Promotion Council construction of dams, hydroelectric and thermal (IOPEPC) is concerned with the Development and power plants, industrial plants, utility buildings, large export promotion of Oilseeds, Oil and Oilcakes. It was scale oil and natural gas pipelines, petrochemical formed on 23rd June 1956. IOPEPC, erstwhile known refineries and complexes, motorways, tunnels and as IOPEA, has been catering to the needs of exporters bridges, seaports and airports, large-scale housing since more than six decades. Besides focusing on projects, high-rise and prestige buildings, hotels and exports, the Council also works towards strengthen- tourist resorts, etc. ing the domestic supply chain by encouraging (b) Markets farmers, shellers, processors, surveyors and export- ers with an aim to enhance the quality of oilseeds in The main markets for the Indian process and con- India. struction engineering contractors and consultants have been and are: (xiii) Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council v Asia (SAARC, Middle East, and Far East) (GJEPC) v Africa The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex trade body of the Indian gems and v Russia & CIS jewellery industry has completed 56 years of its v Europe existence this year. It has approximately 8502 mem- bers as on December 2022. The Gem & Jewellery v Latin America sector is among India’s leading foreign exchange (xi) Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZ earning sectors. Exports of gem and jewellery from Units India during the fiscal year 2022-23 (upto September, 2022) registered a performance of US$ 20,715.15 The Export Oriented Units (EOUs) scheme was 20 DEPARTMENT
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million, showing a growth of 6.87 per cent as com- During the Board of Trade meeting, presentations pared to US$ 19,383.13 million for the same period were made on a variety of subjects such as India’s previous year. Despite of rising interest costs and Import/ Export Performance, restructuring of the sluggish demand from major export markets like the Department of Commerce, FTAs and way forward, USA, Hong Kong, Israel, UK & Netherlands, Gem & States export performance, District as Export Hubs, jewellery exports have managed to register growth new proposed Foreign Trade Policy, trade remedial, during the first half of fiscal year 2022-23 which is likely trade facilitation measures undertaken by customs, to continue further in view of supportive Government Government e-Marketplace etc. policies and ease of doing business. Ministers from states made interventions in the (G) Advisory Body meeting, giving their state-specific suggestions, and also expressed their support to the Central Govern- Board of Trade (BOT) ment initiatives in promoting the external trade. The Council for Trade Development and Promotion The meeting was attended by Various State Ministers (CTDP) a forum responsible for regular dialogue with and other senior officials of key line Ministries and State Governments and UTs on International Trade States, all major trade and industry bodies, Export was merged with Board of Trade (BoT) an advisory Promotion Councils and industry associations. body for discussion and consultation with Trade and Industry; for greater coherence in consultation (H) Other Organizations process vide Notification dated 17th July 2019 and the (i) Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) new forum remains as Board of Trade. At present 29 non-official members, 25 ex-officio members and 39 Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) was official members including DG, DGFT as Member set up in 1965 as an Apex Body of Export Promotion Secretary, MoS Commerce & Industry and Minister in Organisations. It is registered under the Societies Charge of Trade and Commerce in States and UTs as Registration Act, 1860 with its Headquarters in Delhi. Member and Hon’ble CIM as Chairperson constitute FIEO has Regional Offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, and Chapters in Jaipur, Kanpur, the Board of Trade. Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Indore, Hyderabad, Department of Commerce has regularly held stake- Kochi, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi holder consultations with various Industry Associa- and Guwahati. The organization is ISO 9001:2015 tions, Export Promotion Councils. As part of consul- certified. tation, a Board of Trade meeting was held on FIEO has a direct membership of over 35,000. In the 13.9.2022. The Board of Trade meeting focused on Foreign Trade Policy, FIEO has been designated as a export target setting, the new Foreign Trade Policy Registering Authority for status holder exporting (FTP), and the strategies and measures to be taken in firms and also for the exporters dealing in multi- order to take forward domestic manufacturing and products. FIEO issues Certificate of Origin (Non- exports. The Board of Trade, inter alia, advises the Preferential) which is required by many countries as Government on policy measures connected with the proof of origin of the goods. It directly and indirectly Foreign Trade Policy in order to achieve the objectives serves the interests of all goods and services sector in of boosting India’s trade. It provides a platform to the country. State Governments and UTs for articulating state- oriented perspectives on Trade Policy. It also acts as a FIEO provides a crucial interface between the export- platform to Government of India for appraising State ers and the Central and State Governments, financial Governments and UTs about international develop- institutions, ports, railways, surface transport and ments affecting India’s trade. It is an important other agencies engaged in export trade facilitation. It mechanism for deliberations on trade related issues serves on the high-level committees constituted by with industry bodies, associations, Export Promotion the Government of India to facilitate trade. It pro- Councils, and State and UT Governments. vides vital inputs to the Government on various matters of trade. 21 DEPARTMENT
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FIEO gives “Niryat Shree” and “Niryat Bandhu” (iii) National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) Awards to exporters and export facilitators respec- Union Cabinet has approved the winding up of NCTI tively in recognition of their contributions to the and liquidation process is under progress. exports from India. FIEO also organises State Exports (iv) Price Stabilization Fund Trust (PSFT) Excellence Awards in order to encourage and moti- vate exporters from the States. The Price Stabilisation Fund Trust was registered on 11th September 2003 as a Public Trust under the (ii) Indian Diamond Institute (IDI) Indian Trust Act, 1882 jointly by NABARD and Depart- Indian Diamond Institute (IDI) was established, in ment of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry 1978 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and initially for a period of 10 years to implement the Price also under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, with a Stabilization Fund scheme launched by the Depart- focus to provide a vocational education in the field of ment of Commerce to alleviate the hardship faced by Diamond, Gems and Jewellery. The IDI is sponsored the growers of coffee, tea, rubber and tobacco due to by Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of continued low prices of these commodities. The Trust India and is a project of the Gem & Jewellery Export was re-registered for a further period of ten years Promotion Council. The IDI conducts vocational beyond 11.9.2013 i.e. upto 11.09.2023. The activities of PSFT were closed on 31.03.2015. educational level training programmes in the areas of Diamond Manufacturing, Diamond Grading, Jewel- (v) India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) lery Designing and Jewellery Manufacturing and The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) is a Trust Gemology thereby covering training of entire spec- established by the Department of Commerce, trum of Gems & Jewellery under one roof. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of institute upgrades/imparts the skill to Customs India. IBEF's primary objective is to promote and Officials on Gold Appraising, Rough Diamond Sorting create international awareness of Brand India in and Diamond Grading aspects. Institute also overseas markets and to facilitate the dissemination upgrades the skill of the existing employees of MSME of knowledge about Indian products and services. G&J units under skill enhancement scheme of Centre Towards this objective, IBEF works closely with for Entrepreneur Development (CED), Government stakeholders across Government and industry. of Gujarat. IDI is also recognized as an Anchor (I) Vanijya Bhawan Institute Gems & Jewellery by Industries Commi- ssionerate, Government of Gujarat. The “Vanijya Bhawan” is a newly constructed office complex of Ministry of Commerce & Industry at 16-A, The Institute’s Gemmological Laboratory is engaged Akbar road, New Delhi. The foundation stone of the in testing and identification of Diamonds, Gem Stones building was laid by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of and Jewellery, and issuing a Diamond Grading, Gem India on 22nd June 2018. The building was inaugu- Stone Identification and Diamond Jewellery Quality rated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on 23rd report. The Institute’s Diamond Grading Laboratory is June 2022. authorized by the DGFT, MoC&I, as per Chapter 4 of The building comprises of six floors and two base- the FTP 2015-2020 for certification /grading of ments. It is designed in consonance with the architec- Diamonds. The IDI also operates Diamond Detection ture of the surrounding buildings especially the and Resource Centre (DDRC) at its Katargam campus Rashtrapati Bhawan, the North-South Blocks, the to provide diamond screening services to small/ Parliament House and the India Gate. medium diamond manufacturer/diamond traders/ Jewellers at affordable rates. IDI also conducts Vanijya Bhawan has been designed as a smart building various workshops/seminars on “Synthetic Diamond while incorporating the principles of green architec- Identification” and “Assaying of Gold” by ture with a special focus on energy saving and improv- IS: 1418:2009 to spread awareness in diamond and ing indoor quality. It is also based on principles of Gold Bullion trade on the subject. universal accessibility with additional focus on visually impaired persons. 22 DEPARTMENT
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Inauguration of Vanijya Bhawan by Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi 23 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
2 Global Economic and Trade Situation ANNUAL
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24 DEPARTMENT
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1. GLOBAL ECONOMY IN 2022-23 on the successful calibration of monetary policy, the course of the war in Ukraine and the possibility v The global economy is experiencing a slower than of further pandemic-related supply-side disrup- expected growth on account of a series of tions. Global growth is projected to slowdown destabilizing shocks. Following the robust but from 6.0 per cent in 2021 to 3.2 per cent in 2022 and uneven recovery after the downfall due to the 2.7 per cent in 2023. For most of the economies, pandemic; geopolitical tensions, supply chain the outlook is significantly weaker than projected disruptions, policy tightening to contain high and earlier by IMF. The forecast for 2023 is the weakest persistent inflation, financial stress along with the since global slowdown of 2001, with the exception lingering effects of the pandemic have slowed of those during the global financial (2008) and down the global economic growth. Many COVID-19 (2020-2021) crises. Risks to the outlook advanced economies are undergoing a period of are tilted to the downside and remain unusually pronounced weakness and the resulting spillovers large including intensifying geopolitical tensions, are exacerbating other challenges faced by increasing inflationary trends, rising financial emerging market and developing economies instability, continuing supply strains etc. (EMDEs). Inflation caused by a combination of disruptions in global supply chains, the impact of v The aggregate output of the Advanced Economies Russia-Ukraine conflict on key sectors among (AEs) is expected to grow by 2.4 per cent in 2022 others, is peaking and more persistent than and 1.1 per cent in 2023, as compared to 5.2 per anticipated. cent in 2021. In contrast, the aggregate output of Emerging Market and Developing Economies v As per International Monetary Fund (IMF) World (EMDEs) is expected to grow by 3.7 per cent both Economic Outlook (WEO), October 2022, the in 2022 and 2023, as compared to 6.6 per cent in global economy is experiencing a number of 2021. The growth projections (% change) as per the turbulent challenges and its future rests critically World Economic Outlook of IMF are as follows: Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2022 25 DEPARTMENT
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Trend in Global growth Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2022 Note: *Projections 2. GLOBAL TRADE IN 2022-23 projection of 3.4 per cent. There are numerous and inter-related risks to the forecast on account of v Global trade after witnessing a strong recovery rising uncertainties and deteriorating economic post-pandemic is slowing sharply, as the global conditions. economy faces multiple challenges. Global trade, especially goods trade slowed in 2022 as supply v Trade patterns have varied across regions/ chains continued to get disrupted by the lingering countries. On the export side, the Middle East is effects of the pandemic along with the geo- expected to record the strongest growth fol- political tensions. As per World Trade Organiza- lowed by Africa, North America, Asia, Europe and tion (WTO), world merchandise trade volume is South America in 2022. In contrast, CIS exports are expected to grow 3.5 per cent in 2022 and 1.0 per expected to decline in 2022. On the import side cent in 2023, as compared to 9.7 per cent in 2021. too, Middle East is expected to record highest The WTO's current forecast of 3.5 per cent growth growth, followed by North America, Africa, South in the volume of world merchandise trade in 2022 America, Europe and Asia. is slightly stronger than the 3.0 percent forecast in v Trade growth across major regions of the world in April. In contrast, the forecast of 1.0 per cent for 2022 and 2023 as projected by WTO is given below: 2023 is a significant decrease from the earlier # @ 26 DEPARTMENT
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# @ Source: WTO press release dated 5th October 2022 Note: *Projections, #Refers to South and Central America and the Caribbean, @Refers to Commonwealth of Independent States v The growth in World trade volume (goods & in 2021 to 4.3 per cent in 2022 and further to 2.5 per services) is projected to decline from 10.1 per cent cent in 2023, as per IMF WEO , October 2022. Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2022 Note: *Projections, AEs- Advanced Economies, EMDEs- Emerging Market and Developing Economies 3. INDIA’S TRADE VIS-À-VIS OTHER ECONOMIES these economies, except Japan, till September 2022. However, in October 2022, most of these economies The table below compares exports (merchandise + registered negative growth, as per WTO data. In services) growth of selected economies, namely March, April and June 2022, India had the highest Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Korea, export growth among these economies. UK and USA. Exports exhibited positive growth in all 27 DEPARTMENT
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Total Exports: Month-wise year-on-year growth (%) January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 July 2022 August 2022 September 2022 October 2022 Source: WTO Database Note: Growth rate of a particular month is calculated vis-à-vis same month of the previous year v Table below compares imports (merchandise + India’s overall import growth which was 26.8 per services) growth of selected economies, namely cent in January 2022 increased to a high of 57.1 per Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, cent in May 2022 and declined to 7.5 per cent in Korea, UK and USA. Imports exhibited positive October 2022, as per WTO data. growth in all these economies since January 2022. Total Imports: Month-wise year-on-year growth (%) January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 July 2022 August 2022 September 2022 October 2022 Source: WTO Database Note: Growth rate of a particular month is calculated vis-à-vis same month of the previous year 28 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
3 Trends in India’s Foreign Trade ANNUAL
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1. OVERVIEW exhibiting a positive growth of 48.46 per cent over the same period in the previous year. For the v India's overall (Merchandise and Services) exports period April-December 2022* imports were in 2021-22 were US$ 676.53 billion as against US$ estimated at US$ 686.70 billion as against US$ 497.90 billion in 2020-21, registering a positive 546.95 billion during April-December 2021, growth of 35.88 per cent. For the period April- registering a positive growth of 25.55 per cent. December 2022* exports were estimated at US$ 568.57 billion as against US$ 489.69 billion during v Overall trade deficit in 2021-22 was US$ 83.53 April-December 2021, registering a positive growth billion, which was higher than the deficit of US$ of 16.11 per cent. 14.06 billion in 2020-21. Overall Trade deficit for the period April-December 2022* is estimated at US$ v Overall exports to GDP ratio have been seeing a 118.12 billion as against the deficit of US$ 57.26 declining trend over the past few years. However, billion during April-December 2021. it exhibited an increase in 2021-22 and stood at 21.30 per cent. v The broad trends in overall Exports, Imports and Trade Balance since 2011-12 are indicated in the v Overall imports in 2021-22 were US$ 760.06 billion, graph below: India's Overall Trade (Merchandise & Services) since 2011-12 Source: DGCI&S, RBI database and RBI Press Releases * Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for November 2022. The data for December 2022 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI's subsequent release. (ii) Data for April-December2021 and April-September 2022 has been revised on pro-rata basis using quarterly balance of payments data. 2. INDIA’S MERCHANDISE TRADE India’s merchandise exports surpassed the set target by recording exports of US$ 422 billion in FY v India’s merchandise exports showed resilience. 2021-22. A national effort with whole of Exports for the complete financial year i.e. 2021-22 Government approach and interaction with all were US$ 422 billion as against US$ 291.81 billion stakeholders – line Ministries / Departments, State during 2020-21, registering a positive growth of Governments, Indian Mission abroad, Export 44.62 per cent. Promotion Councils, Exporters and Industry Associations were done to achieve this target. A v India’s monthly merchandise exports remained in similar approach has again been followed to the range of US$ 30 billion to US$ 45 billion during monitor and boost exports in 2022-23. During April- FY 2021-22 with the highest ever exports recorded December 2022 (QE) exports were US$ 332.76 in the month of March 2022 at US$ 44.57 billion. billion as against US$ 305.04 billion during the v Department of Commerce had announced a Target period April-December 2021, registering a positive US$ 400 billion merchandise exports in 2021-22. growth of 9.09 per cent. 30 DEPARTMENT
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v Merchandise export to GDP ratio, after a few years v The trade deficit in 2021-22 was estimated at US$ of decline, exhibited an increasing trend in 2021-22. 191.05 billion as against the deficit of 102.63 billion Ratio of 13.92 per cent was recorded in FY 2021-22. in 2020-21. In April-December 2022(QE), trade deficit increased to US$ 218.94 billion from US$ v Imports during 2021-22 registered an increase of 136.45 billion in April-December 2021. 55.43 per cent from US$ 394.44 billion in 2020-21 to US$ 613.05 billion in 2021-22. v The broad trends of Merchandise Exports, Imports v Import during April-December 2022(QE) stood at and Trade Balance since 2011-12 are given in the US$ 551.70 billion, an increase of 24.96 percent table below: compared to US$ 441.50 billion during April- December 2021. Merchandise Trade (Values in US$ billion) Source: DGCI&S, QE stands for Quick Estimate 3. INDIA’S SERVICES TRADE 184.65 billion in April-December 2021, which is a positive growth of 27.71 per cent. v The services sector has been the dominant sector in India’s GDP, with significant contribution to v Services imports were US$ 147.01 billion in 2021-22 exports and FDI. The pandemic has had a as compared to US$ 117.52 Billion in 2020-21, a significant impact, however, the services sector positive growth of 25.09 per cent. The cumulative has shown resilience to the economic disruptions. value of imports during April-December 2022* was Services exports in 2021-22 stood at US$ 254.53 US$ 134.99 billion, registering a positive growth of billion as compared to US$ 206.09 billion recorded 28.01 per cent vis-à-vis April-December 2021. in 2020-21, which is a positive growth of 23.50 per cent. v A surplus of US$ 107.52 billion and US$ 100.82 billion was generated in services trade in 2021-22 and v Services exports contribution to India’s GDP has April-December 2022* respectively. been exhibiting an increasing trend, from 7.70 per cent in 2018-19 to 8.01 per cent in 2021-22. v The broad trends in Services Exports, Imports and Trade Balance in the last ten years are given in the v India’s services exports stood at US$ 235.81 billion table below: in April-December 2022* as compared to US$ 31 DEPARTMENT
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Services Trade (Values in US$ billion) Source: RBI database and RBI Press Releases * Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for November 2022. The data for December 2022 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI's subsequent release. (ii) Data for April-December 2021 and April-September 2022 has been revised on pro-rata basis using quarterly balance of payments data. 4. MAJOR COMMODITIES OF EXPORT AND IMPORT IN 2021-22 Exports of Top 10 Commodities in 2021-22 (Values in US$ billion) Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata, P stands for provisional 32 DEPARTMENT
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Imports of Top 10 Commodities in 2021-22 (Values in US$ billion) Pearl, Precious, Semiprecious Stones Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata, P stands for provisional 5. MAJOR EXPORT DESTINATIONS AND IMPORT SOURCES IN 2021-22 Top 10 Export Destinations of India in 2021-22 (Values in US$ billion) Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata, P stands for provisional 33 DEPARTMENT
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Top 10 Import Sources of India in 2021-22 (Values in US$ billion) Source: DGCIS, Kolkata, P stands for provisional 34 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
4 S E T I DEH S S S M A I C Foreign Trade Policy and Major Schemes U H D N R N I R Y A T B A O D T E P ANNUAL
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35 DEPARTMENT
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1. INTRODUCTION The amended Foreign Trade Policy is intended to make substantial contribution in the National GDP In order to provide policy stability during the pan- and unlock the great potential of Indian local busi- demic period, the five year Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) nesses in global markets. It is the manifestation of 2015-20 was extended for the year 2020-21, 2021-22 India as a Brand i.e., “Brand India”. and then 2022-23. The 2015-20 policy contains FTP Statement, Handbook of Procedures, Appendix and The aim of the FTP 2015-20 with these additional Aayat-Niryat forms. While FTP lays down the pol- initiatives is to build a predictable and equitable icy/schemes for import & export, Handbook of environment, promote best and sustainable trade Procedures notifies the procedure to be followed (by practices, provide deeper, wider and more value- an exporter or importer or by the licensing/Regional added penetration in global market, improve effi- authority or by any authority) for purpose of imple- ciency and ease of doing business by reducing menting the provisions of Foreign Trade Policy. The transaction costs, and becoming an integral part of procedures are contained in the following docu- Global Value Chain. ments: To achieve this, particular emphasis is being given to v Handbook of Procedures technological upgradation, expanding logistics infrastructure, continued digital transformation, re- v Appendices & Aayat-Niryat Forms and skilling and up-skilling of workforce, providing high v Standard Input Output Norms (SION) significance to digital commerce, improve women representation, support Small and Medium Enter- The FTP for 2015-20 (as extended) seeks to provide a prises, unorganized sector and backward regions of stable and sustainable policy environment for the country, including, North East and Hilly Regions international trade in merchandise and services, by adopting a coordinated approach at district, state linked rules and procedures. It is in tune with other and national level for global market and for optimum initiatives such as “Make in India”, “Digital India” and output. “Skill India” to create an “Export Promotion Mis- sion”, promote the diversification of India’s exports Even though technological upgradation is the key in basket and help various sectors of the Indian econ- most high value growth-oriented sectors, in certain omy to gain global competitiveness. It also aims at traditional employment-oriented sectors emphasis is expanding Indian markets for deeper penetration on minimalist or incremental technological interven- into existing global markets and better integration tion in production techniques without disturbing the with major regions; thereby increasing the demand traditional ecosystem with high sensitivity and for India’s products and services. The policy has been respect towards the historical, cultural and ethnic amended from time to time and new initiatives such values of the artisans and tribal people especially in RoDTEP, RoSCTL etc have been subsequently incor- North-East Region, backward areas and other hill porated to give the dynamism required in the chang- states. The policy also intends to integrate many ing world economic order. initiatives undertaken by the State Governments and various other Departments of the Government of 2. FOREIGN TRADE POLICY OBJECTIVE India towards export promotion. Various initiatives undertaken by DGFT and the 3. MAJOR SCHEMES Department of Commerce to boost exports from India are guided by the ideals, principles and policies (A) Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported enumerated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Products (RoDTEP) for revival and acceleration of India's economic Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on growth, creating meaningful employment opportuni- Exported Products (RoDTEP) has been notified on ties and making India Atma Nirbhar (self-reliant), by exports from 1st January 2021 by Notification No. making “India as a Hub of Global Manufacturing and 19/2015-20 dated 17th August 2021. The Scheme Trade”. creates a mechanism for re-imbursement of taxes/ 36 DEPARTMENT
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duties/ levies, which are currently not being refunded allocated for implementing the Scheme in FY 22-23. under any other mechanism, at the central, state and (B) Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) local level, but which are incurred in the process of and Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) manufacture and distribution of exported products. Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) for Major component of such taxes is electricity duty and export of specified goods to specified markets and VAT on fuels used in transportation / distribution. Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) for increas- The RoDTEP Scheme is being implemented by the ing exports of notified services were introduced Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20. MEIS was discon- Department of Revenue in an end-to-end IT environ- tinued from 01.01.2021. SEIS scheme was in operation ment and no separate application is required to be till 2019-20. filed to claim RoDTEP benefits. RoDTEP scheme The following table shows the details of issuance of covers around 10,436 export items (HS lines at 8 scrips under MEIS and SEIS along with value of scrips digits), which are listed in the RoDTEP schedule, the during 2021-22 and FY 2022-23 (From April 2022 up to Appendix 4R. RoDTEP Scheme operates under a August 2022): budgetary framework and Rs. 13,699 crore has been (C) Other similar Schemes under earlier Foreign Holder Incentive Scrip (SHIS) and (vii) Target Plus Trade Policies Scheme ( TPS) . Scrips are also issued under various schemes viz. (i) The details of issuance of scrips under various export Focus Product Scheme (FPS), (ii) Focus Market promotion schemes along with value of scrips during Scheme (FMS), (iii) Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog 2020-21, 2021-22 and April-September 2022-23 are Yojna (VKGUY), (iv) Incremental Export Incentive given in the following table: Scheme, (v) Served From India Scheme, (vi) Status 37 DEPARTMENT
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Figure 1 depicts the number of scrips issued under various export promotion schemes during 2020-21, 2021-22 and April-September 2022-23 Figure 2 depicts the value of scrips issued under various export promotion schemes during 2020-21, 2021-22 and April-September 2022-23. (D) Duty Remission Schemes the Taxes and Levies”. The purpose is to allow duty free import / procurement of inputs or to allow Duty neutralization / remission schemes are based on replenishment either for the inputs used or the duty the principle and the commitment of the Government component on inputs used. Brief of these schemes that “Goods and Services are to be exported and not are given below: 38 DEPARTMENT
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(i) Advance Authorization (AA) Scheme scheme is to facilitate the transfer of the authoriza- tion or the inputs imported as per SION after exports Advance Authorization (AA) is a WTO compliant duty are completed. Provisions of the DFIA Scheme are exemption scheme detailed under Chapter 4 of the similar to Advance Authorization scheme. Minimum Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20. AA scheme allows value addition of 20 per cent is required under the duty free import of inputs, which are physically scheme. For items where higher value addition has incorporated or used in making of the export prod- been prescribed under Advance Authorization in the uct. Under AA scheme, all import duties on inputs, Appendix, the same value addition shall be applicable such as Basic Customs duty, IGST, Cess, Anti-dumping for DFIA also. Pre-export DFIA has been discontinued duty etc., are exempted. Also, local procurement of in FTP 2015-2020. inputs in place of direct imports is allowed under AA wherein IGST for input supplies are refunded. The (iii) Schemes for Gems & Jewellery Sector required quantity of inputs is calculated based on Gems &Jewellery exports constitute a major portion Standard Input Output Norms (SION). AA is used of our total merchandise exports. It is an employ- where an applicant generally imports first and then ment-oriented sector. Exports from this sector uses the imported inputs in his exports. However, suffered significantly on account of the global authorization holders can import the inputs on a economic slowdown. Duty free import/procurement replenishment basis also. of precious metal (Gold / Silver / Platinum) from the All manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters nominated agencies is allowed either in advance or as tied to supporting manufacturers are eligible to avail replenishment. Duty Free Import Authorisation AA. The inputs need to be imported within the validity Scheme shall not be available for Gems and Jewellery of AA, which is usually 12 months from the date of Sector. The Schemes for Gems and Jewellery Sector issue of AA. The exports are to be completed usually are as follows: within 18 months from the date of issue of AA. 15 per v Advance Procurement/replenishment of Precious cent value addition (lower for G&J Sector) is to be Metals from Nominated Agencies maintained under this scheme. Proof of exports v Replenishment Authorisation for Gems needs to be submitted to regional authorities of DGFT along with proof of realized payment in foreign v Replenishment Authorisation for Consumables currency after the completion of exports for the v Advance Authorisation for Precious Metals redemption of AA and RA issues Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC). In view of demand raised by the industry, findings like posts, push backs, locks which help in collating the The Scheme is more trade friendly in the sense that it jewellery pieces together, containing gold of 3 carats grants upfront exemption from the payment of the and above up to a maximum limit of 22 carats have Customs duties & IGST at the time of import of inputs also been allowed under duty exemption scheme. to the exporter. Thus, it ensures no blocking of working capital as it provides for an upfront exemp- With a view to preventing its misuse, Advance tion. authorisation scheme for import of precious metals for exports of gold medallions and coins and fully (ii) Duty Free Import Authorization (DFIA) mechanized jewellery has been discontinued. Under DFIA Scheme operational from 1st May 2006, Details of number of authorizations issued, CIF value Duty Free Import Authorization shall be issued on of imports and FOB value of exports under various post export basis for products for which Standard schemes during 2020-21, 2021-22 and April- Input Output Norms (SION) have been notified, once September, 2022 are given in the following table: the export is completed. One of the objectives of the 39 DEPARTMENT
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Figure 3 depicts the number of authorizations issued under various export promotion schemes during 2020-21, 2021-22 and April-September 2022-23. Figure 4 depicts the CIF value of import under various export promotion schemes during 2020-21 and April-September 2022-23. 40 DEPARTMENT
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Figure 5 depicts the FOB value of export under various export promotion schemes during 2020-21 and April-September 2022-23. Figure 6 depicts the percentage share of various export promotion schemes in issuance of total number of scrips during April-September, 2022. It shows that the highest share of 42.71 per cent scrips was issued under MEIS during April-September 2022 followed by AA scheme with 30.55 per cent. (E) Interest Equalization Scheme on Pre & Post The rate of Interest Equalisation @3 per cent per Shipment Rupee Export Credit annum was available on Pre and Post Shipment Rupee Export Credit for 416 identified tariff lines at 4 The Interest Equalisation Scheme has been formu- digits, and to all MSME manufacturer exporters for all lated to give the benefit in the interest rates being export lines. As a part of the MSME package, with charged by the banks to the exporters on their Pre effect from 2nd November 2018, it was decided to and Post Shipment Rupee Export Credits. The scheme increase Interest Equalisation rate from 3 per cent to was launched w.e.f. 1.4.2015 for a period of 5 years 5 per cent in respect of exports by the MSME sector and extended beyond 01.10.2021 till 31.03.2024. The manufacturers under the scheme. Further due to broad objective of the scheme is to provide exporters demand by Merchant exporters, the Government of an economical source of rupee credit for pre- India w.e.f. 02.01.2019 approved inclusion of Mer- shipment and post-shipment activities. chant Exporters under this scheme by allowing them 41 DEPARTMENT
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Interest Equalisation at the rate of 3% on pre and post v Catalysts for initial charge plus one subsequent shipment credit for export of products covered under charge. 416 tariff lines already identified under the scheme. EPCG scheme covers manufacturer exporters with or without supporting manufacturer(s), merchant RBI implements this scheme with the help of the exporters tied to supporting manufacturer(s) and banks. DGFT/DoC's role has been limited to make and service providers. Imported capital goods shall be approve the scheme and then to provide consoli- subject to Actual User condition till export obligation dated reimbursement of benefits to RBI. Every is completed and EODC is granted. exporter eligible under the scheme can opt to avail upfront benefit of interest subvention from the bank. Import under EPCG Scheme is subject to an export obligation equivalent to 6 times of duties, taxes and Thereafter, amount given as subvention in the cess saved on capital goods, to be fulfilled in 6 years interest rate to the exporters is reimbursed to the RBI reckoned from date of issue of Authorization. EO by Department of Commerce for its onward release shall be fulfilled by the authorization holder through to the concerned Scheduled Commercial Banks and export of goods which are manufactured by him or his Urban Cooperative Banks. supporting manufacturer / services rendered by him, (F) Export Promotion of Capital Goods (EPCG) for which the EPCG authorization has been granted. Scheme EO under the scheme shall be, over and above, the average level of exports achieved by the applicant in The objective of the EPCG Scheme is to facilitate the preceding three licensing years for the same and import of capital goods for producing quality goods similar products within the overall EO period includ- and services and enhance India’s manufacturing ing extended period, if any; such average would be competitiveness. EPCG Scheme allows import of the arithmetic mean of export Performance in the capital goods (except those specified in negative list preceding three licensing years for same and similar in Appendix 5 F) for pre-production, production and products. Export shall be physical export. However, post production at zero customs duty. Capital goods specified deemed exports are also eligible for imported under EPCG Authorisation for physical fulfillment of export obligation. For exporters of exports are also exempted from IGST and Compensa- Green Technology Products, Specific EO shall be 75 tion Cess. The Authorisation holder may also procure per cent of EO as stipulated. For units located in Capital Goods from indigenous sources in accordance Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, with provisions of paragraph 5.07 of FTP. Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and UTs of Authorisation shall be valid for import for 24 months Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, specific EO shall be 25 from the date of issue of Authorisation. per cent of the EO. With a view to accelerating exports, in cases where authorization holder has Capital goods for the purpose of the EPCG scheme fulfilled 75 per cent or more of specific export shall include: obligation and 100 per cent of Average Export v Capital Goods as defined in Chapter 9 including in Obligation till date, if any, in half or less than half the CKD/SKD condition thereof; original export obligation period specified, remaining export obligation shall be condoned. v Computer systems and software which are a part of the Capital Goods being imported; Issuance of Authorization under Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme are given in the table as v Spares, moulds, dies, jigs, fixtures, tools & follows: refractories; and 42 DEPARTMENT
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Figure 7: depicts the number of authorizations issued under various export promotion schemes along with duty saved amount and FOB value of export during 2020-21, 2021-22 and April-September 2022. (G) Export Oriented Units (EOUs), Electronics exports are eligible for benefits under Chapter 7 of Hardware Technology Parks (EHTPs), Software FTP. DTA supplier is eligible for relevant entitlements Technology Parks (STPs) and Bio-Technology Parks under Chapter 7 of FTP, besides discharge of an (BTPs) export obligation, if any, on the supplier. The objectives of these schemes are to promote EOU/EHTP/STP/BTP units are entitled to following: exports, enhance foreign exchange earnings, attract v Reimbursement of Central Sales Tax (CST) on investment for export production and employment goods manufactured in India. Simple interest @ 6% generation. The units undertaking to export their per annum will be payable on delay in refund of entire production of goods and services (except CST, if the case is not settled within 30 days of permissible sales in DTA), maybe set up under the receipt of the complete application. schemes. Trading units are not covered under these schemes. v Exemption from payment of Central Excise Duty on goods, falling in the fourth schedule of Central Under this scheme, the EOUs etc. are permitted to Excise Act, procured from DTA on such goods import and/or procure from DTA or bonded ware- manufactured in India. house in DTA or from an international exhibition held in India without payment of customs duty as provided The Scheme to reimburse the CST has been extended under the first schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 with total outlay of 1975 and additional duty, if any, of Customs leviable Rs. 302.35 crore. Out of the amount of Rs. 58.32 crore under Section 3(1), 3(3) and 3(5) and without payment allocated for the Financial Year 2022-23, an amount of of Integrated Tax and GST compensation cess leviable Rs. 40.52 crore has been utilized till September 2022. under section 3(7) and 3(9) of the said Act as per (H) Deemed Exports notification issued by the Department of Revenue. “Deemed Exports” for the purpose of the Foreign Further, the procurement of goods covered under Trade Policy refer to those transactions in which GST from DTA would be on payment of applicable GST goods supplied do not leave country, and payment and compensation cess. The EOUs can also procure for such supplies is received either in Indian rupees or excisable goods, falling in fourth schedule of Central in free foreign exchange. Supply of goods as specified Excise Act, 1944 from DTA without payment of in of FTP shall be regarded as “Deemed Exports” applicable duty of excise. The refund of GST for supply provided goods are manufactured in India. from DTA to EOU would be available to supplier as (i) Objectives provided under GST rules and notifications issued thereunder. Supplies from DTA to EOU/ v To provide a level-playing field to domestic EHTP/STP/BTP units for use in their manufacture for manufacturers in certain specified cases, as may be 43 DEPARTMENT
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decided by the Government from time to time and commercedashboard.aspx in the Monitoring Dash- promote domestic industry. board on Department of Commerce website. v To provide duty free imports and duty exemption/ Since the constitution of a Data Analysis Unit (DAU) in refund for products manufactured in India. Statistics Division of DGFT after mid-term review of FTP (2015-20) in Dec 2017, a Monthly Bulletin of v To reduce the dependency on imports. Foreign Trade Statistics that provides a ready refer- (ii) Benefits ence and analysis on export and import data of India on major commodities and major countries at Quick Deemed exports shall be eligible for any / all of Estimates, Provisional Estimates and Final 8 digit level following benefits in respect of manufacture and estimates is being brought out. The Bulletin also supply of goods, qualifying as deemed exports: provides the State-wise as well as District-wise export v Duty Exemption: To provide duty free inputs for data, which is available in DGFT website under manufacture and supply under Advance Statistics Report on the Home page and the link is Authorisation / Advance Authorisation for annual https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=bulletin-foreign- requirement / DFIA Schemes. trade-statisics. The Monthly Bulletin is also available v TED Refund/Exemption: Refund of Terminal Excise in the Monitoring Dashboard on Department of Commerce website. The link is https:// duty paid on deemed export supplies or exemp- dashboard.commerce.gov.in/commercedashboard.a tion from paying such duties. spx. v Duty Drawback Refund: Refund of Basic Custom Monitoring Dashboard also provides the Geospatial Duties paid on the inputs utilized in manufacture data of Merchandise and Services Trade. It also and supply of the goods to the specified categories reflects the trade analysis of all commodities, trade of deemed exports. from all countries/territories comparison of balance v The reimbursements are done based on the claims of trade and States & District wise exports. The trade submitted to the Regional Offices of DGFT after data at item level such as Principal Commodity (PC) the supplies are made and payments against such groups (168), 2-digit, 4- digit, 6-digit, 8-digit level ITC- supplies are received. HS codes and analysis of top principal commodities, The Scheme to refund the TED/DBK has been category – wise (Capital goods, Consumer goods, extended for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 with total Intermediate goods and Raw materials) imports and outlay of Rs. 695 crore. Out of the amount of Rs. 150 exports, monthly and yearly comparison of trade data crore allocated for the Financial Year 2022-23, an in the form of charts and tables are also available. It is amount of Rs. 37.53 crore has been utilized till Octo- a rich source of trade data for Territory and Commod- ber 2022. ity Division wise monitoring. 4. MONITORING OF EXPORT PROMOTION SCHEMES 5.TARGET SETTING AND MONITORING FOR MER- AND DATA ANALYTICS CHANDISE EXPORT 2022-2023 For effective monitoring and evaluation of the Keeping in view the critical role of exports in catalyz- Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), a comprehensive Manage- ing economic activities which were impacted by the ment Information System (MIS) Report on Export COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Commerce Promotion Schemes 2022 was brought out by Statis- set an ambitious target of US$ 400 billion of merchan- tics Division of DGFT. The MIS report is also being dise exports for the year 2021-22. The target was set in compiled on monthly basis which is available in DGFT the context of export potential, past trends, recent website under Statistics Report on the Home page initiatives taken by the Government and the need to and the link is https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP push the economy. Further, the export target of US$ /?opt=bulletin-foreign-trade-statisics. A detailed 400 billion was disaggregated in terms of regions and visualization of issuance of scrips and authorisations countries as well as product/commodity groups. The under various export promotion schemes is available Department of Commerce prepared a detailed at the link https://dashboard.commerce.gov.in/ strategy for achieving the targets and an elaborate monitoring system was put in place. 44 DEPARTMENT
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Due to tight monitoring, supported by export promo- Support is also extended under the Niryat Bandhu tion measures, Merchandise exports from India Scheme in partnership with other stakeholders for crossed US$ 400 billion in the last financial year, India activities like exporters’ conclave, seminars and buyer has achieved exports of US$ 422 billion in 2021-22. This seller meets to meet the needs of developing Districts is the first time ever in the history of Indian merchan- as Export Hubs across the country. dise export that we have managed to break free of 8. MATTERS RELATED TO EXPORTS the barrier of US$ 330 billion which was the highest in the past. (A) Districts as Export Hubs In the first 6 months of FY 2022-23 (April-September Department of Commerce through Directorate 2022), India has achieved exports of US$ 227.5 billion, General of Foreign Trade is working with the States which is 48.4 per cent of the provisional export target and the districts to channelise the potential and of US$ 470 billion. With tight monitoring by country / diverse identity in each district of our country to make region/mission/products/commodity groups/Export them export hubs. The Districts as Export Hubs is Promotion Councils at different levels, supported by aimed at targeting export promotion, manufacturing export promotion measures, India is expected to and employment generation at the grass roots level, achieve the target this year also. making the States and Districts meaningful stake- holders and active participants in making India an 6. NIRYAT PORTAL export powerhouse thereby contributing to the Atma In order to supplement the offline monitoring of Nirbhar mission and achieving the vision of Make in export performance, a real time online monitoring India for the world and being Vocal for Local, by system for the designated export target (for 200 significantly increasing the manufacturing and Countries/territories by 31 commodity groups), via a exports from urban areas while focusing on generat- digitized data-driven framework for facilitating timely ing interest and economic activity in the rural hinter- policy making/ interventions in international trade, land and small towns in the country to push new the DoC has developed a portal- NIRYAT (National businesses to export. A growing focus on exports by Import-Export Record for Yearly Analysis of Trade), focusing on districts as potential export hubs is also which was launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister on likely to integrate India more closely with global value 23rd June 2022. The portal also displays State/UT wise chain and propel India to be a significant exporter by export performance with respect to 31 commodity leveraging the diversity and competitiveness in groups. agriculture, marine, textile, pharmaceutical, chemi- The NIRYAT portal is available at the domain name: cals and a whole lot of engineering products. https://niryat.gov.in. It is accessible to Government Towards this goal, Products/services (including GI Stakeholders (including Embassies/HCs/Missions) products, agricultural clusters, toy clusters etc.) with and Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)/Commodity export potential in all the districts of the country have Boards/Authorities, etc through individual login and been identified and institutional mechanism in the password, for regular monitoring of the export form of State Export Promotion Committees (SEPC) performance of their respective jurisdictions and to at State/UT level and District Export Promotion take necessary action, wherever required. Recently, Committees (DEPCs) at the district level has been public portal was created and is now accessible to all. created in all districts of the country to provide 7. NIRYAT BANDHU SCHEME support for export promotion and address the bottlenecks for export growth in the Districts. The Niryat Bandhu Scheme is a central Sector Scheme which commenced in 2013. Training programs under primary function of the DEPC is to prepare and Niryat Bandhu Scheme, being implemented in in- implement District specific Export Action Plans person and online mode caters to the initial skilling (DEAPs) in collaboration with all the relevant stake- needs of individuals / firms who venture into Interna- holders from the Center, State and the District. tional Trade as part of the Niryat Bandhu Scheme, District specific export action plans identifying more than one lakh individuals (1,15,000 plus) across specific actions required to support local exporters / the length and breadth of the Country have been manufacturers in producing exportable products in trained since 2013-14. 45 DEPARTMENT
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adequate quantity and with the requisite quality, and Policy. It also acts as a platform to Government of reaching potential buyers outside India have been India for appraising State Governments and UTs finalised by DEPCs and jurisdictional DGFT RAs in 242 about international developments affecting India’s districts and currently under consultation stage in 338 trade. It is an important mechanism for deliberations districts. The export performance of each district in on trade related issues with industry bodies, associa- terms of export data is now being captured to tions, export promotion councils, and state and UT measure and rank export performance of each Governments. There were 29 new non-official district. members who were also invited for the first time in this Board of Trade meeting. (B) Rupee Trade Department of Commerce has regularly held stake- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has holder consultations with various Industry Associa- amended the Foreign Trade Policy vide Notification tions, Export Promotion Councils. As part of consul- No. 33/2015-20 dated 16th September 2022, to allow tation, a Board of Trade meeting was held on for International Trade Settlement in Indian Rupees 13.9.2022. The meeting was attended by Various State (INR) i.e., invoicing, payment, and settlement of Ministers and other senior officials of key line exports / imports in Indian Rupees in sync with RBI’s ministries and States, all major trade and industry A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.10 dated 11th July 2022. bodies, Export Promotion Councils and industry Further changes have been introduced in the Foreign associations. Trade Policy vide DGFT Notification 43/2015-20 dated 09.11.2022 and Public Notice 35/2015-20 dated The Board of Trade meeting focused on export target 09.11.2022 for grant of exports benefits and fulfilment setting, the new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), and the of Export Obligation for export realization in Indian strategies and measures to be taken in order to take Rupees as per the RBI guidelines. Given the rise in forward domestic manufacturing and exports. interest in internationalization of Indian Rupee, the During the Board of Trade meeting, presentations given Policy amendments have been undertaken to were made on a variety of subjects such as India’s facilitate and to bring ease in international trade Import/ Export Performance, restructuring of the transactions in Indian Rupees. Department of Commerce, FTAs and way forward, States export performance, District as Export Hubs, (C) Foreign Trade Policy new proposed Foreign Trade Policy, trade remedial, The government has received requests from Export trade facilitation measures undertaken by customs, Promotion Councils, leading exporters and industry Government e-Marketplace etc. bodies that in view of the prevailing, volatile global Ministers from states made interventions in the economic and geo-political situation, it would be meeting, giving their state-specific suggestions, and advisable to extend the current policy for some time, also expressed their support to the central Govern- and undertake more consultations before coming out ment initiatives in promoting the external trade. with the new policy. In view of this, it has been decided to extend the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 (E) Special Chemicals, Organism, Materials, Equip- upto 31st March 2023. ment and Technologies (SCOMET) (D) Stake Holder Consultations and Board of Trade In consonance with the guidelines and control lists of meeting the international conventions and obligations as well as multilateral export control regimes related to The Board of Trade (BOT) has been reconstituted by export of dual use goods and technologies, India has merging Council for Trade Development and Promo- regulated the exports of dual use items, nuclear tion with Board of Trade vide notification No. 11/2015- related items, including software and technology. 20 dt 17th July 2019. The Board of Trade, inter alia, SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, advises the Government on policy measures con- Equipment and Technologies) is India’s National nected with the Foreign Trade Policy in order to Export Control List of dual use items munitions and achieve the objectives of boosting India’s trade. It nuclear related items, including software and tech- provides a platform to state governments and UTs for nology maintained under Foreign Trade Policy and is articulating state-oriented perspectives on Trade 46 DEPARTMENT
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aligned to the control lists of the all the multilateral 9. MATTERS RELATED TO IMPORTS export control regimes and conventions including the Import Policy Division in DGFT is entrusted with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), general provisions regarding import as laid down Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group. The under Chapter-2 of Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and in SCOMET List has been notified by DGFT under addition, formulate/amend/regulate the items- Appendix 3 to Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) Classification of specific import policies as laid down under the Indian Export and Import Items. The provisions to control Trade Classification (Harmonised System) ITC(HS) in the dual use items have been incorporated in Chapter consultation with the concerned administrative IVA of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Ministries/ Departments. It also formulates and (FTDR) Act, 1992, as amended in 2010. updates provisions for facilitating import and export The SCOMET List is divided into nine categories of of items. items from Category 0 to Category 8. The export of The Division deals with trade related certifications/ SCOMET items is regulated and can only be allowed mandatory compliances such as Importer Exporter against a SCOMET license issued by DGFT or other Code (IEC); Registration Cum Manufacturer Certifi- agency designated for the purpose. In the recent cate (RCMC); Free Sale Certificates(FSC), REX, past, steps have been taken by DGFT to ease the enlistment of Agencies for issuance of Certificate of process of licensing by making the application Origin (Non-Preferential), recognition of Pre- process completely online, facilitating exporters by Shipment Inspection Agencies (PSIA) for import of liberalising the SCOMET policy in case of certain metallic waste & scrap. goods and technologies through bulk licensing and general authorisation provisions such as General Import Division has undertaken various non-tariff Authorisation for export of chemicals (GAEC), trade measures during the year 2022-23 to facilitate General Authorisation for export after repair in India trade which were included under different chapters (GAER), General Authorisation for Intra Company of Schedule-I (Import Policy). Transfer (GAICT), Repeat order Authorization etc. Import Policy Division also grants import The SCOMET list was also updated as per the recent authorisation for “Restricted” items; besides allocat- changes incorporated under various export control ing quotas under the Preferential Tariff Rate Quota regimes in November 2022. Certain policy areas such (TRQ) and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Tariff Rate as liberalising policy for export of SCOMET regulated Quota. UAVs/Drones, expanding list of chemicals under GAEC, revising stock and sale policy etc are being A list of such major initiatives and non-tariff measures looked into for changes in the near future. imposed on the recommendation(s) of the line Ministry(s)/Department(s), and after consultations (F) Export Authorization for restricted items with relevant stakeholders, as per principles of The Export Cell of DGFT deals with Export Policy of restrictions laid down under Chapter-2 of Foreign items under Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) Classification for Trade Policy, are as follows: Export and Import, categorized as ‘Free’ / ‘Restricted’ v Restriction: Import policy of various items has been or ‘Prohibited’ and items canalized through State made ‘Restricted’ such that the import of these Trading Enterprises (STEs). The Export Policy of items items is allowed only after obtaining an Import are reviewed in consultation with the concerned Authorization from DGFT. Some of the items subject commodity Division of the Department of restricted in recent past include Defense/Security Commerce & Ministry / Department concerned and items, New Pneumatic tyres, Live animals and notified from time to time. Accordingly, Export Cell birds, Gold and silver; Television sets, Mercury, provides clarifications / interpretations on Export Ginger, Power tillers & its components, Agarbatti, Policy of items whenever sought by individuals / firms Cereals, Pets, Bio-fuels, peas, moong, melon / companies or Ministry / Department / Organization seeds, waste & scrap items, Pet Coke, second concerned. Export of items categorized as ‘Re- hand/used goods other than capital goods, Hydro- stricted’ in Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) Classification for fluorocarbons (HFCs) etc. Export, is subject to Authorization / license. 47 DEPARTMENT
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v Prohibition: Import of certain items have been v All information on Foreign Trade Policy Updates, prohibited since 2019 on the grounds of Principles Import/Export Policy, Export/ Import Statistics, of restrictions laid down under the Foreign Trade status of applications, 24x7 virtual assistance is Policy, for protection of human, animal or plant life available through the DGFT Trade Facilitation and health. These items include Wild life (animals & Mobile App. birds) & their products, Ozone depleting sub- v The Electronic Platform for Preferential Certificate stances, Shark fins, Plastic wastes, Mobiles with no of Origin was made live for Non-Preferential CoOs IMEI/ESN, Stock Lot of coated paper, Air condition- w.e.f 15.04.2021. 120+EPCs, Commodity Boards and ers with refrigerants and Drones. Chambers of Commerce & Industry are on boarded Minimum Import Price (MIP): In order to restrict/ electronically onto the platform. reduce the dumping of cheap/ under-invoiced The new DGFT IT system provides streamlined online imports and safeguard domestic producers, MIP has data exchange with other Government agencies been imposed on various items including Cashew, including CBIC, CBDT, MCA, PFMS. This makes the Arecanut, Pepper, Marble & Granite, Desiccated system seamless and provide a whole-of-the- coconut, Peas and Mosquito killer racket. government approach to the exporters/importers 10.INITIATIVES TAKEN FOR 'EASE OF DOING BUSI- concerned. NESS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE' v This system facilitates two-way online communica- DGFT has undertaken a series of technology-driven tion & processing, e-verification of the authenticity of DGFT issued documents and authorizations to solutions for Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) that provide a paperless, contact-less interface would give significant boost to the foreign Trade between the importers/exporters and DGFT. related activities of Indian enterprises and the overall Electronic real-time data exchange with Customs “AtmaNirbhar Bharat” Abhiyan. They are: has led to the doing away with paper copy for the v A new DGFT e-platform was implemented in a Export Promotion Schemes being operated by phased manner. The new platform uses the latest DGFT. technology with Centralized & cloud-based Data v System provides paperless, electronic processes storage, Open Framework based Development, for managing the lifecycle of AA/EPCG/DFIA/ Identity & Access Management, Dedicated Import/Export Licensing et al. Requirements for Helpdesk facilities, Business Analytics & an AI physical submission of any documents or any office driven virtual assistant. The new platform has visits under various earlier trade procedures have proven to (a) Significantly reduce the time taken been done away with. for issuance of DGFT documents (b) Ensure real time data interchange with other Minis- v 24x7 Auto-Generation of e-IEC (Importer Exporter tries/Departments in trade ecosystem (c) Provides Code). No need to wait on any approval for an IEC. transparency to exporters/importers through real The IEC details are automatically validated against time monitoring of the status of applications CBDT, MCA and PFMS systems. (d)Ensure paperless, contact less processing of v Online Module is available for resolving Interna- applications. tional Quality Complaints & Trade Disputes in a v The availability of digitized trade policy, ITC (HS) transparent manner. The system brings together based Import/Export Policy and other documents DGFT Regional Authorities, Indian Missions on the new platform would help trade stake- Abroad, Department of Commerce Foreign Trade holders in cutting down the information asymme- Territorial Divisions onto a single platform. The try related issues. Also, through the use of export- Online Module allows the complainant to submit ers/ importers profile data, timely information complaints online and also facilitates tracking and related to notification, application status etc. is viewing their status online. intimated through the SMS and email communica- v In view of the current international situation, tions. Department of Commerce and DGFT have under- 48 DEPARTMENT
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taken to monitor the status and related difficulties equity in the project (in case of projects located in NE faced by stakeholders on Russia/Ukraine trade States and Himalayan States including J&K, this grant related issues. Department of Commerce/DGFT can be upto 80 per cent of the total equity). In addi- has operationalised a Russia-Ukraine Trade tion, the States with relative poor export infrastruc- Helpdesk to support and seek suitable resolutions ture, lacking institutional capacity for preparing good to issues related to India’s International Trade. DPRs but have positive export potential, this grant can be upto 80 per cent of the total equity. The grant- v COVID-19 Helpdesk for ‘International Trade Issues’ in-aid is subject to a ceiling of Rs. 20 crore, normally, was set up for extending immediate support to the for each project. The Scheme has been extended for trade community and mitigate any disruptions. In 15th Finance Commission Period i.e. FY 2021-22 to FY 2022-23, out of 1800+ requests received more than 2025-26 with total outlay of Rs. 360 crore. 1700+ were resolved. During FY 2022-23 (till 22nd November 2022), one v e-Meeting Management Systems released for meeting of the Empowered Committee on TIES has online submission and consideration of requests been held on 01.09.2022. for Policy Relaxation Committee, EPCG Committee et al. A total of 65 projects have been sanctioned under TIES till date (22nd November 2022) and are located in v A single sign-on exporter-import dashboard along Assam, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Manipur, with an enhanced Bill Repository to provide a Delhi, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra complete 360-degree view to the exporters/ Pradesh, Karnataka, Tripura, Maharashtra, Uttar importers to manage their requests under the Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, Punjab, Haryana, Sikkim, Foreign Trade Policy and Procedures. Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Bihar. v AI Based Virtual Assistant (ChatBot) implemented (B) Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme to provide any answers to trade related queries 24x7 online. The Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme plays a catalytic role to promote exports of Indian goods and DGFT also endeavours to provide a robust rules-based services by providing financial support to eligible Risk Management System (RMS) using Business agencies such as Export Promotion Councils, Apex Analytics Tools for expediting decision making. Trade Bodies, etc., to undertake necessary initiatives The given systems have the potential to be organi- and projects towards exploring new markets and cally grown into a ‘Total Exporter Network’ so that all consolidating the existing markets for Indian exports. international trade related services may be provided The activities supported under the MAI Scheme through a single system and window. include training in exports, market research, capacity building, branding, meeting statutory regulations in 11. OTHER SCHEMES importing markets, etc., apart from participation in (A) Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) fairs and exhibitions. The normal sharing pattern is 65%: 35%, i.e. 65% of the expenditure is covered by the The Government of India is implementing a scheme Government grant and 35 per cent by the industry Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) w.e.f. contribution. In the case of priority sectors, the share FY 2017-18 with the objective to assist Central and is in the ratio of 90%:10% between the Government State Government Agencies for creation of appropri- and the industry contribution. The priority sectors ate infrastructure for growth of exports from the are agri and food products, handicraft, handlooms, GI States. The Scheme provides financial assistance in Products, carpets, leather, sports goods & toys, silk, the form of grant-in-aid to Central/State Government wool, jute and minor forest produce, exporters from owned agencies for setting up or for up-gradation of North Eastern Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and export infrastructure as per the guidelines of the hill areas, exporters belonging to SC/ ST and women Scheme. The Central Government assistance for exporters. infrastructure creation is in the form of grant-in-aid, normally not more than the equity being put in by the MAI Scheme, 2021: The Government has approved implementing agency or 50 per cent of the total continuation of the Market Access Initiative (MAI) 49 DEPARTMENT
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Scheme in a revised form, with an outlay of Rs.1000 assistance, i.e., members who have availed assis- crore over the period of five years beyond 31st March tance three times (including past cases) for a 2021, i.e. upto 31st March 2026. particular fair/exhibition, thereafter have to participate in that fair on their own. In the case of Salient features of the MAI Scheme, 2021 exporters belonging to SC/ ST/ Women and the v Focus has been brought on capacity building of exporters having f.o.b. value of exports of or less exporters on standards and regulations, export than Rs. 50 crore in a year, 5 participations in a packaging, export-oriented skill development and particular event is allowed. also development of districts as export hub. v Smaller exporters get the expenses on airfare for v Focus has also been brought on promotion of participating in approved export promotion traditional Indian products and services like activities abroad reimbursed. The eligibility of AYUSH, Yoga, GI products, crafts and artisanal export turnover for such airfare reimbursement products including toys, tribal products, etc; has been raised from Rs. 30 crore per annum to Rs. promotion of e-Business tools, communication 50 crore per annum. technology, etc. v On sharing basis and subject to ceiling, expenditure v Priority sector status has been given to employ- incurred by exporters on statutory compliances ment generating agri-based sectors of wool, silk abroad (such as registration charges paid in case of and GI, in addition to the existing handicrafts, pharmaceuticals, bio-technology, chemicals/ agro- handlooms, carpets, leather, toys, sports goods, chemicals, agricultural/ animal/marine products, minor forest produce including jute, agricultural food products; testing charges of engineering including food items. products, which require mandatory testing abroad v Exporters from North Eastern Region (NER), for exports, etc.,) is provided to the exporters through the EPC concerned. Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and hill regions and people belonging to the Scheduled v Restriction on hosting of foreign buyers from the Caste/Scheduled Tribe and women exporters developed countries/ markets in the Reverse would be eligible for priority sector funding and Buyer-Seller Meets organized in India has been they would also be given preference in the activi- removed. ties under the Scheme. Assistance of Rs. 336.09 crore have been approved v To deal with pandemic situations like COVID-19, under the Market Access Initiative Scheme for 551 digital / hybrid export promotion activities have proposals from the Export Promotion Councils and been included in addition to the activities/events in Trade Bodies etc. for undertaking export promotion physical settings. activities in physical/ virtual/ hybrid mode during FY v In order to ensure that the benefits of the Scheme 2022-23. reach a larger number of exporters, a maximum of Budgetary allocation made for the Market Access three participations in a particular trade Initiative Scheme during the last three years and fair/exhibition would only be eligible for MAI utilisation made under the Scheme are as under: 50 DEPARTMENT
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(C) Champion Services Sector Scheme (CSSS) Finance Services, Audio Visual Services, Legal Services, Communication Services, Construction v Services sector represents the most dynamic and Related Engineering Services, Environmental aspect of international trade and foundation of the Services, Financial Services and Education Services. global economy. Services sector contributes significantly to India’s GDP, FDI inflow, exports and v Till date, out of total dedicated fund of Rs.5000 job creation. In 2021-22, India’s services export crore to be utilised under CSSS, Sectoral Schemes crossed US$ 250 billion milestone and reached to amounting of Rs.3839.25 crore have been US$ 254 billion registering a growth rate of about approved by EFC/SC for 2019-20 to 2023-24. 23 per cent over 2020-21 period. v Due to COVID-19 disruptions, the amount alloca- v Government of India has approved the ‘Action Plan tion under different sectoral schemes upto 2021-22 for Champion Sectors in Services’ to give focused could not be utilized fully. For implementation of attention to 12 identified Champion Services CSSS, the approval for continuation of the scheme Sectors, namely, Information Technology & within the approval financial outlay have been Information Technology enabled Services, Tourism conveyed to Nodal Ministries/Departments whose & Hospitality Services, Medical Value Travel, schemes were approved under CSSS. Transport & Logistics Services, Accounting and 51 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
5 Export Promotion Mechanism ANNUAL
REPORT
2022-23


52 DEPARTMENT
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1. EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCILS (EPCs) practices for sector's development. Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are organizations v The India Jewellery Exposition (IJEX), a 365-day of exporters, registered as non-profit organizations exhibition at Dubai to display goods and generate under the Companies Act/Societies Registration Act. business throughout the year. Roles and functions of these Councils are guided by v Participation of Indian manufacturers in five the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 (extended upto International Shows organised at Doha Jewellery & 31.03.2023) which also recognizes them as registering Watches Exhibition 2022 (9th-13th May 2022), JCK authorities for exporters. The details of various EPCs 2022 (10th-13th June 2022), Vicenza Fall 2022 (9th- are as follows: 13th September 2022), Jewellery and Gem World (A)Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Singapore 2022 (27th-30th September 2022) and (GJEPC) 13th India Week New York 2022. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (i) Special Notified Zone (SNZ) for consignment (GJEPC), the apex trade body of the Indian Gem & import of rough diamonds Jewellery industry has completed 56 years of its The SNZ created at Mumbai is in its seventh year of existence this year. It has approximately 8502 mem- operations and has been conducting operations very bers as on December 2022. The Gem & Jewellery successfully. All the major mining companies of the sector is among India's leading foreign exchange world are regularly conducting their viewings. It has earning sectors. Exports of Gem & Jewellery from received a very good response from the Indian India during the fiscal year 2022-23 (upto November diamond industry and has been especially beneficial 2022) registered a performance of US$ 26,552.63 to the MSMEs with average number of visitors per million, showing a growth of 2.03 per cent as com- viewing at 178 and average number of companies per pared to US$ 26,023.59 million for the same period viewing at 73. A total of 1011 unique companies from previous year. Despite of sluggish demand from across India have visited the SNZ and attended major export markets like the USA, Hong Kong, Israel, viewings. UK & Netherlands and rising interest costs, Gems & Since its inception, more than 13.4 million carats of Jewellery exports have managed to register growth rough diamonds valuing US$ 2.7 billion were dis- during the first half of fiscal year 2022-23 which is likely played in IDTC-SNZ. Major foreign mining companies to continue further in view of supportive Government viz. ALROSA-Russia, De Beers-UK, Rio Tinto-Australia, policies and ease of doing business. Dominion Diamond Corp - Canada and Okavango During the year 2022-23, the Gem & Jewellery Export Diamond Company (ODC)- Botswana, accounting for Promotion Council (GJEPC) organised the following more than 85 per cent of global rough diamonds shows: production worldwide, display their diamonds for v IIJS Premiere 2022 from 4th to 8th August 2022 in viewings. Mumbai, one of the largest shows in the world. One more SNZ has been set up at Surat International v International Gems & Jewellery Show (IGJS) from Dia Trade Center (SIDC) in Surat which is the largest 10th to 12th May 2022 in Jaipur. diamond manufacturing centre in India. The creation of the SNZ has ensured regular availability of direct v India Global Connect meet with Malaysia on 2nd rough diamond supply in the country, especially for June 2022 to understand the current business smaller manufacturers. scenario with regard to the Gems & Jewellery sector and have discussions among manufactur- (B) Council for Leather Exports (CLE) ers, exporters and importers to explore trade The Leather Industry holds a prominent place in the opportunities. Indian economy providing employment to about 4.42 v Banking Summit on 14th October 2022 to discuss & million people, mostly from the weaker sections of deliberate and promote better banking & business the society. Women employment is predominant in 53 DEPARTMENT
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leather products sector with about 40 per cent share. The export of Leather and Leather products for the The leather industry is bestowed with an affluence of period April 2021-March 2022 touched US$ 4,872.70 raw materials as India is endowed with 20 per cent of million as against the performance of US$ 3,681.58 world cattle & buffalo and 11 per cent of world goat & million in April 2020-March 2021, recording a growth sheep population. The strength of leather industry in of 32.35 per cent. the country lies in skilled manpower, innovative (b) Export Performance during 2022-23 technology, increasing industry compliance to international environmental standards, and dedi- The export of Leather, Leather products and Foot- wear for the period April-October 2022 touched cated support of the allied industries. India is the second largest producer of footwear, second largest US$ 3,231.78 million as against the performance of US$ 2,673.43 million in April-October 2021, recording exporter of leather garments, third largest exporter growth of 20.89 per cent. The export summary for of saddlery & harness and fourth largest exporter of April-October 2022 vis-à-vis April-October 2021 is as leather goods in the world. under: (i) Export Performance (a) Export Performance during 2021-22 (ii) Policy Support Measures tion S.O. 4953 (E), dated 2nd December 2021 of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, as In order to maintain the export growth momentum, part of ease of doing business measures. the Government announced the following support measures. v Interest equalization on rupee export credit was notified for the period 1st October 2021 till 31st v Extension of Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 till 31st March 2024, with 3 per cent equalization for MSME March 2023. manufacturer exporters exporting under any HS v Notification of Duty-Free Scheme under Import of lines and 2 per cent for manufacturer exporters Goods under Concessional Rates of Duty (IGCR) and merchant exporters exporting under 410 HS Scheme in Union Budget 2022-23. Under this lines, including all categories of footwear as well as scheme, exporters of leather garments and leather goods under 4201 & 4205. footwear & other leather products can import (iii) Export Promotion Activities notified inputs/components/raw materials without Customs Duty. On account of the Pandemic, participation of mem- bers could be organized only in 4 physical events v Animal quarantine clearance for import of all types during 2021-22, which included Reverse BSM held in of processed and finished leathers under HS codes New Delhi. Nevertheless, 18 Virtual Business Meets 4104 to 4115 notified were removed Vide Notifica- 54 DEPARTMENT
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with various countries were organized during 2021-22 v Participated in India Chem-2022 event at Pragati in close coordination with the concerned Indian Maidan, New Delhi 2nd-3rd November 2022. Embassies abroad. v Organized outreach Program on “GST Refunds and During 2022-23, participation of exporters have been e-Invoicing” with GST Commissionaire Tamil Nadu organized in 6 international specialized fairs and 1 along-with Chemexcil Membership awareness Reverse BSM (in India) under the Market Access program on 16th June 2022 at Hotel Raj Park, Initiative Scheme (MAIS). Participation in 21 more Chennai. export promotion events has been planned during v Organized seminar on "Growth of Exports through the period October 2022 to March 2023. FTAs” at Hotel Orchid, Mumbai on 29th September (C) Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export 2022. Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL) v Organized seminar On “Growth of Exports through CHEMEXCIL was constituted in 1963 under the FTA’s & Global Markets & Rupee Outlook for Q4- Companies Act, 1956 with the aim of promoting the 22” 23rd November 2022 Wednesday at Vatva export of chemical products. The Council’s head Industries Association office is located in Mumbai and it has four Regional Seminars/ Outreach Programs/ Webinars Offices at New Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata and v Chemexcil outreach program on Unlocking Ahmadabad. The total membership of the Council as Business Opportunities: India's Trade Agreement on 1st December 2022 is 1872. The Council is entrusted with UAE & Australia, Hotel Lalit, High Grounds, with the export promotion activities of the following Opposite Golf Club, Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru on products: 12th May 2022 v Dyes & Dye Intermediates v Chemexcil organized Membership awareness v Inorganic & Organic chemicals, including Agro program with DIC Raigad and MMA, Mahad on 15th chemicals June 2022 at Mahad CETP, MIDC Birwadi v Cosmetics, Soaps, Toiletries and Essential oils v Organised Export Conclave and Membership v Castor Oil Awareness Program at DIC Palghar 26th Septem- ber 2022 at TIMA HALL, MIDC, Boisar, Tal. & Dist. During FY 2022-23, Chemexcil had organized / partici- Palghar pated in following export promotion events / activi- ties: v Chemexcil's participation at the Indian Exporters Summit & Business Excellence Awards with a v Participated in Chemspec Europe-2022 dated 31st theme: Atmanirbhar Bharat: Accelerating SME May-1st June 2022 at Frankfurt, Germany Export for a New India. v Participated in Coating Expo Vietnam 2022 dated v Council has also conducted Webinars on various 3rd-5th August 2022 at Saigon Exhibition and topics like –Boost Your Export Competitiveness Convention Centre, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam through MSME Schemes, Role of ECGC in Exports v Participated in 40th Dyechem Bangladesh 2022, and ECGC-products and its features, Global dated 31st-3rd September 2022 at Dhaka, Bangla- Financial Markets outlook & Managing Export desh. Business, Bonded Manufacturing & Warehousing v Participated in India International Beauty Fair at Scheme, Grow your Cosmetics Business globally with easy e-commerce exports, Domestic Produc- Hall 5, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai from tion Opportunities in the context of AtmaNirbhar 16th-18th May 2022. Bharat, Understanding China’s Cosmetic Ingredi- v Participated in China Inter dye Exhibition - 2022 via ent Safety Information Submission Platform and Online Match-making Platform dated 7th-9th your compliance obligations, How to find right September 2022 at Hangzhou, China. buyer & Market for Cosmetic Products, Digital 55 DEPARTMENT
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Marketing for Cosmetic Export / Post COVID Digital v Plastic pipes & fittings marketing, Chemical Regulatory Framework in v Plastic raw materials Colombia, Forex Risk Management, Export v Writing instruments & stationery Opportunity in Cosmetics across the world, Pan- India “Customs Authority for Advance Rulings”, v Merchant exports How to comply with chemical regulations in China? During FY 2022-23 PLEXCONCIL had organized / And China's Cosmetic Ingredient Compliance, participated in the following export promotion Introduction of New Pesticide Registration in China events / activities and China's Fertilizer Regulations and Risk Man- agement, UK Chemicals Regulations: Challenges v The Council successfully hosted the Export Excel- and Moving Forward, Chemical Regulatory Frame- lence Awards for the period 2017-2021 on the 16th work in Colombia: Latest updates, KKDIK Turkey April 2022 at the Taj President, Cuffe Parade, REACH registration: SIEFs Consortia and Dossier Mumbai to felicitate the stupendous achieve- ments of exporters during the said period. The Preparation, Interplay of Customs, FTP & GST on event was graced by Shri. Piyush Goyal, Hon'ble Cross Border transactions, Doing Business with Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer China, Growth of Exports through FTAs, RBI Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Guidelines for exports- exports bills and payments, Government of India, as Chief Guest. MSDS Regulation Updates and Obligation in South Korea, etc. v PLEXCONCIL and Plastindia Foundation organized one of the largest Government-sponsored country (D) Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL) pavilions at K Fair 2022- the world’s No.1 exhibition The Plastics Export Promotion Council was estab- for plastics held at Dusseldorf, Germany from 19th lished in 1955 and registered under the Companies Act to 26th October 2022. The trade fair witnessed 1956, with the aim of promoting the export of Plastics over 147+ MSMEs who showcased ‘Made in India’ & Linoleum products from India. The Council’s head products and technology to the collective plastics office is located in Mumbai and it has four regional world. The Council, in its mega global reach-out offices at Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmadabad and New drive to boost exports of value-added plastic Delhi. The total membership of the Council as on 1st products, interacted with 30+ countries, interna- December 2022 is 2,676. The Council functions under tional plastics associations, chambers of com- the guidance of its Committee of Administration merce, trade bodies and industry associations to (CoA) and under the overall supervision of the join hands and collaborate to boost bilateral trade. Department of Commerce. The Council is presently v Organised VBSM with 16 companies with the South entrusted with the export promotion activities of the Korean Buyer M/s. Daiso Co, Ltd, South Korea on following product panel: 26th April 2022 providing each company a time slot v Consumer & house ware products to meet the buyer in a separate virtual room providing access for the Indian Seller to share the v Cordage, fishnets & mono filaments screen to promote their company profile and v FIBC, Woven sacks, Woven fabrics, Tarpaulin products. v Floor coverings, leather cloth & laminates v Embassy of India, Bogota, Colombia jointly with the Council organized B2B Meeting (Virtual) with an v FRP & Composites importer of Columbia on 2nd June 2022. Colom- v Human hair & related products bian Importer had the opportunity to discuss with the Indian suppliers during the one to one meet- v Medical items of plastics ing. v Miscellaneous products and items. v Council participated in IPLAS Show 2022 held v Packaging items - flexible, rigid during 10th-13th June 2022 at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai organized by M/s Tamil Nadu Plastics v Plastic films and sheets 56 DEPARTMENT
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Manufacturers Association (TAPMA). This Show Trade for Plastic Industries on 29th July 2022; a was a sourcing platform for plastics and its allied Webinar on Importance of Insurance and Risk industries and to showcase the advancements, Management for Plastic Industry on 23rd Novem- growth and opportunities for the plastics particu- ber 2022 on virtual Platform, a Webinar on “EU larly from Southern India. Plastics Recycled Materials updates (1616/2022/EC) for the food contact applications on 16th Decem- v High Commission of India, Accra, Ghana jointly with ber 2022. PLEXCONCIL organized India-Ghana Virtual Meet/BSM for the Plastic sector, 2nd August 2022. v Council in coordination with the Embassy of India, In the inaugural session H.E. Mr. Sugandh Rajaram, Yangon, Myanmar organized the webinar titled High Commissioner of India to Ghana delivered the “Enhancing India-Myanmar Business Ties in Plastic keynote address. Mr Arvind Goenka, Chairman, Related Items and Polymer” on 14th July 2022 to PLEXCONCIL also made a presentation on India’s facilitate buyer-seller interaction to promote strength and potential of Plastic sectors for trade exports from India. and business with Ghana. v Council jointly with NSIC – SC/ST Hub Chennai v Embassy of India, Guatemala jointly with organised a Capacity Building Program on “Oppor- PLEXCONCIL organized India-Guatemala Virtual tunities for Exports” on 18th August 2022 at MSME Meet/BSM for the Plastic sector, on 7th September, Development Institute (DI), Chennai. The primary 2022. objective of the program was to bring the SC/ST Entrepreneurs to the export fold and guide them v Council organized a Virtual Business Meeting to to access the international markets. The program discuss on the India’s Export performance on also highlighted the various schemes and export Plastics to Nigeria 22nd September 2022. Objective subsidies offered by the Ministry of MSME through of the meeting was to discuss primarily on the NSIC and MSME DI. India’s export performance of Plastics to Nigeria. v Council jointly with Ministry of MSME-DFO, v Council participated in 11th Plastics Japan 2022 Mumbai along with Trade Promotion Wing of DGFT Show, Tokyo, Japan for the first time with 6 organized a Capacity building and awareness exhibitors held during 7th-9th December 2022 at Program on Export Promotion & ZED Certification Tokyo, Japan. Plastic Japan 2022 the World’s Schemes for Plastic Industry in association with Leading Show for Advanced Plastics & Equipment. District Industries Centre (DIC) - Mumbai, Depart- It is a specialised show for Plastic, CFRP, Cellulose ment of Industries - on 21st September 2022 Nano Fiber and Bio Plastic. (Wednesday) at Mumbai. v Council participated at the “Industry Hackathon” v Council jointly with the Trade Promotion Wing of organised by Laghu Udyog Bharti, MSME and DGFT organized an Export outreach / Capacity Sharda University at Sharda university Campus on building program for Plastic Industry in association 28th December, 2022. The event marked a special with District Industries Centre (DIC)-Department invitee from MSME, Laghu Udyog Bharti and of Industries-Daman and Daman Industries professors from Sharda University, Ministry of Association (DIA) on 23rd September 2022 (Friday) Heavy Industries, India Investment Forums. at Daman. Seminars/ Outreach Programs/ Webinars v Council organized an Export outreach / Capacity v Council organised a Webinar on Export Credit Risk building program for Plastic Industry in association Management with ECGC Ltd on 24th June 2022; a with Chhattisgarh Plastic Nirmata Sangh, Raipur Webinar on New Policy/Guidelines on Plastic on 27th September, 2022. This program provided a Waste Management, Extended Producer Respon- unique platform to share knowledge, exchange sibilities (EPR) and Alternative to Single Use Plastic new ideas and helped Plastic Industry on guidance on 28th June 2022; a Webinar on Introduction to for export activity. Trade Remedy Measures and Technical Barriers to 57 DEPARTMENT
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v Council jointly with TAAPMA (Telangana & Andhra v Organised the members participation in the Abu Pradesh Plastic Manufacturers Association) Dhabi International Book fair held from 23rd-29th organized a Capacity Building Program on “Oppor- May 2022 on self-finance basis. tunities for Exports - MSME Sector International v Organized participation of members in the Riyadh Trade in Indian Rupee” in association with Addi- International Book Fair to be held from 28th tional DGFT, MSME DI, District Industries Centre September 2022 to 8th October 2022. (DIC)- Ranga Reddy DT, ECGC and ICICI Bank on v Organised participation of Members in the Frank- 28th September 2022 at Conference Hall, FTCCI, furt Book Fair under MAI Scheme of Department of Red Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana. Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry from v Council jointly with District Industries Centre (DIC), 19th to 23rd October 2022. Department Industries & Commerce; Government v Council’s Book Division organized Sharjah Interna- of Karnataka organised a Capacity Building tional Book Fair covering Books, Publications and Program on “Technology Up-gradation & Opportu- Printing Services under MAI Scheme of the Minis- nities for Exports - Plastics Sector” in association try of Commerce and Industry, Government of with Karnataka State Polymers Association India for the year 2022-23. (KSPA), DGFT, CIPET, and MSME DI on 15th Decem- ber 2022 (Thursday) at Hotel Siddharta, Nazarbad, v Organised Virtual India Packaging Fair from 25th Mysuru. April to 27th April 2022 in which 20 member export- ers participated in the Fair. (E) Chemicals & Allied products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) v Organised Virtual B2B meetings between Indian Exporters & South African Importers dealing in CAPEXIL, a premier Export Promotion Council, was Kitchenware, Tableware and Pottery ware on 9th set up in 1958 under the Companies Act, 1956. The June 2022 in association with Consulate General of Council’s Registered Office and Head office is located India, Johannesburg, South Africa. in Kolkata and it has four regional offices located at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi. The Council v Organized virtual B2B Meet between selected functions under the guidance of its Committee of member exporters & Japanese Importer of Administration (CoA) and under overall supervision Processed Minerals on the 2nd September 2022 in of the Department of Commerce, Government of association with the O/o Embassy of India, Japan. India. The Council is entrusted with the export v Organized “Virtual Buyer Seller Meet between promotion activities of Chemical based Allied Prod- Indian Exporters of Ceramic Products and Brazilian ucts which includes Bulk Minerals and Ores, Natural Importers” in association with Morbi Ceramic Stone Products, Processed Minerals, Paper & Paper Manufacturer Association exclusively for the State Board Products, Auto Tyre and Tubes, Rubber Prod- of Gujarat under the Aegis of the Consulate General ucts, Ceramics and Allied Products, Glass and Glass- of India, Sao Paulo” on 5th, 6th, 8th & 9th Septem- ware, Plywood and Allied Products, Cement, Clinkers ber 2022. and Asbestos products, Graphite and explosives, Books, Publications & Printing products, Paints, v Council in association with the Embassy of India Printing Ink and Allied Products, Miscellaneous organised a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet on 28th Chemical Products, Ossein and Gelatin and Animal by- October 2022 for sourcing of Multipurpose Paper products. The total membership of the Council as on from India between a buyer from USA and two 1st December 2022 is 4187. suppliers from India. During FY 2022-23, CAPEXIL organised following v Council organized “Virtual Buyer Seller Meet export promotional events / activities: between Indian Exporters of Ceramic Products and Qatari Importers” in association with IBPC, Qatar v Organised member’s participation in Covering’s under the Aegis of the Embassy of India in Qatar on 2022 Exhibition at the Las Vegas Convention Centre 01.11.2022. in Las Vegas, NV from 5th to 8th April 2022. 58 DEPARTMENT
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Seminars/ Outreach Programs/ Webinars v CAPEXIL organised a webinar on “Export Incentive Schemes for Exporters & Trade Proposition for v Conducted a Webinar on “Current Trend in Supply Exporters for Export Bill Regularization” on 2nd Chain Management After Impact of Pandemic” on December 2022. Thursday, 28th April 2022. (F) Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion v CAPEXIL conducted Seminar-Cum-Interactive Council (SHEFEXIL) Session with GST, BIS and ICICI on 27.05.2022 at Beverly Hotel. Around 50 members attended this The Shellac Export Promotion Council was founded in event. June 1957, under the Companies Act, 1956. Its name was changed to Shellac and Forest Products Export v Organised a Webinar on “Role of ECGC in Export” Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL) on 08.02.2007. The held on 19th May 2022, Webinar Programme on Council’s registered office is located at Kolkata and it “Digital Marketing for Exports and their advan- has no additional branch or regional office. The tages in the current scenario” on 17th June 2022, a Council functions under the guidance of its Commit- webinar Programme with Exim Bank on “Their tee of Administration (CoA) and under the overall Products & Services” and with MSME Trade and supervision of the Department of Commerce. The Investment Promotion Bureau (M-TIPB) on “Tamil total membership of the Council as on 1st December Nadu Government Incentives & Schemes for 2022 is 769. MSME” held on 29th June 2022, a Webinar Programme with SIDBI, Chennai on “Role of SIDBI Shefexil is the designated Nodal EPC for Non Timber in Propelling Growth of MSME” held on 15th July Forest Produce and also for products from North-East 2022, a Webinar Programme with O/o Controller region. The Council is presently entrusted with the General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks export promotion activities of the following prod- (CGPDTM), Chennai, and O/o Director of Foreign ucts: Post, Chennai on 29th July 2022, a Webinar v Shellac and Lac based Products; Programme with Export Inspection Council, v Vegetable Saps & Extracts of herbs; Chennai on “Role of Export Inspection Council” & EXIM Consultants, Chennai on 16th September, v Guar Gum; 2022, a Webinar on the topic “Export Documenta- v Plant & Plant Portion (Herbs); tion and Procedures” on 26th September 2022, a Webinar Programme with Indian Institute of v Fixed vegetable, Oil cake and others; Packaging, Chennai, on “Role of IIP, Packaging for v Other vegetable materials; Export & UN Certification” on 19th October 2022, a v Multi products belonging to the North Eastern webinar on the topic “FTA and its Potential Bene- region fits” on 28th October 2022. v Organized "Sensitization Workshop of Export- During FY 2022-23, SHEFEXIL organized following Export Promotional Events / Activities: ers/Importers" with DGCIS on 6th September 2022 at 11.00 am on WebEx. Council, in association with Indian Institute of Foreign v CAPEXIL conducted Webinar Programme with Trade (IIFT), Kolkata Campus has arranged for Management Development Programme on Foreign MSME Development & Facilitation Office, Chennai Trade Management, 10 hours e-lecture series. and National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), New Delhi on 18th November 2022. 59 DEPARTMENT
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(G) Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) The Export Promotion Activities carried out during the year 2022-23 are: The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) is working for the promotion of India's exports of (i) BSM in UK & Ireland (13th-17th June 2022) sports goods and toys. The SGEPC represents all the BSM Sports Goods and Toys was a 2 Countries and 3- leading manufacturers and exporters of sports goods city B2B meet held in the UK & Ireland to showcase and toys in India. the leading Indian suppliers for Sports Goods, Toys, The SGEPC's range of activities include both that spur Games and Sportswear. 41 Indian companies dis- the industry's performance on one hand and those played their products at the event held in 3 Cities. which helps to promote its presence internationally, UK is the single largest Market for Indian Sports on the other. With all the physical activities on hold Goods & Toys, contributing 22 per cent in the Indian due to pandemic, the SGEPC had a very challenging exports of the sector. UK imports Sports Goods & task to promote the Exports of the sector. This was Toys worth US$ 8,200 million and the Indian share in overcome by providing its members virtual platforms UK's import is under 1 per cent. Whereas Imports of to engage with the international buyers and to Ireland for the sector are US$ 720 million and India continue carrying out export business. exports Sports Goods & Toys worth US$ 10 million With the respite in the pandemic situation and travel with a share of just over 1 per cent. Hence both the restrictions being relaxed in 2022-23, European Markets have huge potential. countries (including UK) made it possible to hold (ii) Autumn Fair, Birmingham, UK (4th-7th Septem- physical events again. The SGEPC was able to orga- ber 2022) nize trade promotion activities like conducting a BSM The SGEPC organized for the participation of 11 Indian in UK and Ireland, Indian participation in International Sports Goods & Toy manufacturing companies in the Trade fairs, visits of business delegations to India and event. The participation was organized to strengthen other promotional campaigns in international the market and increase India's Market Share in the markets etc. UK market. These Companies displayed Sports The Council is working with its members in providing Goods, Toys, Games, Sportswear and Accessories all the necessary support to convert the current manufactured in India at the event. There were 1,726 situation into an opportunity. The SGEPC with its participants in the event, exhibiting their products. focused plan and Export Promotion strategy was able The show was attended by more than 25,000 buyers to achieve the exports of US$ 546 million. from wholesale, Retail and Brands. The 11 Indian In the year 2021-22 the Indian Sports Goods and Toys Companies showcased their products to these have been exported to 140 countries. The top ten visitors and the Indian companies received a very destinations for export of sports Goods and Toys positive response. remained almost the same. The U.K. held the first (iii) RBSM on Toys (Kids India) India (15th-17th place in top ten destination ranking followed by USA, September 2022) Australia, Germany, France, Netherlands, Ireland, India is one of the most promising and upcoming hubs New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. 60 DEPARTMENT
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for manufacturing of toys and Sports Goods. The on 28th-30th October 2022, Dubai Muscle Show was quality and design of the products are comparable to the best opportunity for the fitness and sporting the international standards. However, there is a need brands looking to raise awareness, generate leads to portray the vast production base, growth and and gain new customers. excellence involved in this sector to the world market. Around 30,000 industry visitors came to Dubai As a measure to boost exports, SGEPC has been Muscle Show with over 300 Exhibiting brands from 32 inviting buyers from outside India for the last few Exhibiting Countries. The countries with the largest years. The response has been encouraging. This is the number of visitors (in this order) were UAE, Saudi most cost-effective way to boost export as the buyers Arabia, Egypt, India and UK. India Once again marked get to see the products India has to offer under one its presence through Sports Goods Export Promotion roof and it also saves the exporters the hassle of Council. 10 Leading manufacturers with varied carrying their entire range to the buyers. product profile displayed their products in 5 different The Kids India, since its launch in 2013, has established halls. The event was organized under 'Market Access itself as the largest international B2B fair for toys, Initiative' scheme of the Government of India. Total of children's products and sports goods. The Kids India 10 Exhibitors participated through The Sports Goods 2022 – Mumbai was held from 15th-17th September Export Promotion Council. 2022 at JIO World Convention Centre, Mumbai. This (v) ISPO, 2022 (28th-30th November 2022) year the reverse buyer seller meet was organized for ISPO MUNICH 2022 was held from 28th to 30th international buyers to visit 'Kids India 2022 as the November 2022 in physical form after a gap of more event has more than 150 Indian Toy manufacturing than 2 years. 1,700 international exhibitors and companies exhibiting their products at the event 40,000 trade visitors from 117 countries came to the including 30 SGEPC member exporting companies. restart of ISPO Munich at the Munich exhibition The buyers were happy with the overall display by grounds over the three days. Under the motto “New Indian exhibitors and most of the buyers invited Perspectives on Sports”, the world's leading sports under MAI Scheme were impressed by the Indian trade fair offered a host of product innovations, a Product quality and the Indian Exhibitors were very conference program featuring prominent speakers, pleased by the quality of the buyers invited and the and many well-known sports personalities as guests. business enquiries generated. Sustainability is becoming a higher priority as each (iv) Dubai Muscle Show, 2022 (28th-30th October one is responsible for the planet; the sporting goods 2022) industry can do its part by using sustainable materials Dubai Muscle Show is the Middle East's largest fitness and production processes. Consumers are also event, where fitness fanatics can meet the stars of the increasingly demanding that products be made in an industry, find inspiration, access the world's best and environmentally conscious manner and be recyclable. latest fitness products, get expert advice and training The industry has an opportunity to become trailblaz- tips, have a full weekend of entertainment and fun, ers and to set standards before government regula- watch exciting competitions and demos. tors take matters into their own hands. As part of the ongoing growth and demand from the Alongside the product innovations of the more than fitness, wellness and sport professional community 1,700 exhibitors, ISPO Munich offered extensive to have a dedicated platform in the region for net- insights at its November premiere into the entire working and new business development, they have ecosystem of the sports industry. Just under 90 per launched Dubai Active Industry. The format and event cent of the exhibitors came from abroad, and a total programme caters for the requirements of the of more than 50 countries were represented. The five industry by bringing sports industry buyers and countries with the most exhibitors were Germany, sellers together, fostering partnerships that can spur Italy, France, China and Taiwan. Around 20 per cent of growth, and enabling the industry to network in a them were at ISPO Munich for the first time. The dynamic environment. Over an action packed 3 days, 40,000 trade visitors came from a total of 117 coun- 61 DEPARTMENT
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tries, and 73 percent of them were international includes civil work/ construction and all supplies guests. The top five participating countries were specific to these turnkey projects Germany, Italy, France, Great Britain and Austria. v Process and Engineering Consultancy Services and India once again marked its presence through Sports v Project Construction Items (excluding Steel and Goods Export Promotion Council. 49 Leading manu- Cement): facturers with varied product profile displayed their products in 2 different halls. The event was organized t Construction Engineering Products (Fittings & under 'Market Access Initiative' scheme of the Fixtures/ Materials) Government of India. Mr. Mohit Yadav, Consul t Construction Equipments & Accessories General, Consulate General of India, Munich visited the Exhibition along with Dr. S.Y. Chavan, Consul t Other Project Goods (Commercial, Info & Education) and other team PEPC is an Autonomous Society under control of members. Consul General inaugurated the India Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce Pavilion by cutting the ribbon of the SGEPC Booth. and Industry. The CG was welcomed at the gates of the Exhibition center by The E.D. of the Council and escorted to the (i) Sectors of Development India Pavilion. The C.G. along with the E.D. visited PEPC, has been actively engaged in the development most of the Indian participants to discuss their and promotion of project exports in almost all sectors business and get their feedback about the event. of economic and industrial development such as As more and more markets are now opening up post construction of dams, hydroelectric and thermal pandemic, the SGEPC has other export promotion power plants, industrial plants, utility buildings, large activities lined up for the FY 2022-23 such as the Hong scale oil and natural gas pipelines, petrochemical Kong Toys & Games Fair in January 2023, refineries and complexes, motorways, tunnels and Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair in February bridges, seaports and airports, large-scale housing 2023, RBSM for Sports Goods and Australian Toy Fair projects, high-rise and prestige buildings, hotels and in March 2023. tourist resorts, etc. (H) Project Exports Promotion Council of India (ii) Markets (PEPC) The main markets for the Indian process and con- Project Exports Promotion Council of India (PEPC), an struction engineering contractors and consultants export promotion council set up by the Government, have been and are: is an apex coordinating agency to facilitate project exports comprising of overseas projects contracted v Asia (SAARC, Middle East, and far East) in any of the following modules: v Africa v Civil construction projects v Russia &CIS v Turnkey projects v Europe Including engineering, procurement and construc- vLatin America tion (from concept to commissioning) and essentially , P : Provisional 62 DEPARTMENT
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Activities our member Project exporters IRCON, Rites, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Afcons Infrastructure Ltd v PEPC Facilitated participation of its members at and Transrail shared their experiences with India Exim Bank's Summit on 'Enhancing Global respect of LoC projects in Bangladesh. Opportunities for Indian Project Exporters' 5th May 2022, The Leela Palace, New Delhi v PEPC organized Capacity Building Programme for Project Exporters on 26th August 2022 at t At the Summit there was Experience Sharing Hyderabad Session by Indian Project Exporters wherein our member Project exporters Kalpataru t Mr. Shashi Chaturvedi, Management Consul- Power, Transmission Ltd., KEC International tant (IB) spoke on Existing Government policy Ltd., Afcons Infrastructure Ltd., Bharat Heavy and applicable Regulations Project Exports & Electricals Ltd., and NBCC (India) Ltd. shared Exchange Control Regulations Project Exports their experience on areas where Indian project & Customs exporters possess competitive advantage, t There was a session on Management of Foreign what stalls their progress in some of the emerg- Exchange Export Proceeds by Mr. Ritesh Victor, ing areas and markets; and what product- Co-Founder & Country Head- Myforexeye market mix may be evolved to give further Fintech Pvt Ltd. impetus to project exports. t Representatives from ECGC and Exim Bank v PEPC facilitated participation of members at briefed upon GOI Schemes & Products of ECGC Outreach Programme, Unlocking Business Oppor- and Exim Bank respectively for Project Exports tunities: India's Trade Agreements with UAE & & associated processes Australia organized by SEPC at Bengaluru on 12th v PEPC organized Capacity Building Programme for May 2022 Project Exporters on 9th December 2022 at v PEPC organized Capacity Building Programme for Kolkata Project Exporters on 27th May 2022 at New Delhi. t Mr. Shashi Chaturvedi, Management Consul- t Mr. Shashi Chaturvedi, Management Consul- tant (IB) spoke on Existing Government policy tant (IB) spoke on Existing Government policy and applicable Regulations Project Exports & and applicable Regulations Project Exports & Exchange Control Regulations Project Exports Exchange Control Regulations Project Exports & Customs and Rupee payment mechanism & Customs. t Representatives from ECGC and Exim Bank t There was a session on Management of Foreign briefed upon GoI Schemes & Products of ECGC Exchange Export Proceeds by Mr. Ritesh Victor, and Exim Bank respectively for Project Exports Co-Founder & Country Head- Myforexeye & associated processes Fintech Pvt Ltd. t Mr. Praveen Kumar, Secretary PEPC gave an t Representatives from ECGC and Exim Bank overview of Indian Project Exports briefed upon GoI Schemes & Products of ECGC (I) EEPC India and Exim Bank respectively for Project Exports & associated processes. EEPC India is the Council set up under the aegis of v PEPC attended Exim Bank's 'Business Outreach Department of Commerce for promoting exports in the Engineering sector. It is a company set up under Seminar for Infrastructure Projects under GoI- Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956 (company not supported Exim Bank's Lines of Credit extended to for profit), keeping in view the special requirement of the Government of Bangladesh' on 22nd June the Indian Engineering Sector for export promotion. 2022, New Delhi. EEPC India is the nodal agency for issue of Registra- t At the Seminar there was Experience Sharing tion-cum-Membership Certificate for engineering Session by Indian Project Exporters wherein exports throughout the country under the provisions 63 DEPARTMENT
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of the Foreign Trade Policy. The organization has its growth of 1.8 per cent. Share of engineering exports headquarters at Kolkata with regional offices in to total merchandise exports was 24 per cent during Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi and Sub- April-November 2022 as compared to 27.10 per cent Regional Offices in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, during the same period, last year. In cumulative Hyderabad (Secunderabad) and Jalandhar for terms, during April-November 2022, 22 out of 34 providing services to exporters of engineering panels exhibited a positive year-on-year growth. products. With a view to establish closer connections Region wise, during the period April-November 2022, with the engineering manufacturers & exporters and North America and EU were India's top-most destina- to have a better reach, EEPC India has also opened its tions for engineering exports with a share of 22.9 per Chapters in 15 Tier II/Tier III cities spread across the cent and 19 per cent respectively, while ASEAN and country. West Asia and North Africa (WANA) ranked third & As an advisory body, it actively contributes to the fourth with a share of 12 per cent each in India's total policies of Government of India and acts as an inter- engineering exports. face between the engineering industry and the (ii) Brand India Engineering Government. Set up in 1955, EEPC India now has a To accelerate exports by enhancing brand image of membership base of around 11,000 out of which “Made in India” engineering quality and capabilities around 60 per cent are SMEs. EEPC India facilitates of Indian engineering products and services, EEPC sourcing from India and boosts the SMEs to raise their India, is undertaking Brand "India Engineering" standard at par with the international best practices. campaign since 2014. The initiative is implemented It also encourages the SMEs to integrate their with the support of India Brand Equity Foundation, a business with the global value chain. Keeping 'Engi- Trust under Department of Commerce. Under the neering the Future' as the motto, EEPC India serves as initiative, creation of e-Catalogues has been taken up the reference point for the Indian engineering to serve as a one stop solution to search quality Indian industry and the international business community in suppliers of internationally certified products and its efforts towards establishing India as a major services. EEPC India have already launched e- engineering export hub. Catalogues in eight sectors namely Pumps & Valves, (i) Engineering Exports Scenario Electrical Machinery, Medical Devices and Textiles Engineering exports account for more than a quarter Machinery, machine tools, agricultural machinery, of India's total merchandise exports and around 3 per construction and earthmoving machinery and hand cent of GDP. In fiscal year 2021-22, export of engineer- tools. ing goods from India reached a record high to US$ With a view to popularize 'Made in India' brand image 112.1 billion, exceeding the target of US$ 107.3 billion in the overseas markets, EEPC's publicity programme set for the sector, registering a growth of 46.12 per includes screening of Council's film titled 'Made in cent vis-à-vis 2020-21. The engineering sector contrib- India' at various Seminars/Conferences, Buyer-Seller uted 26.56 per cent in the total merchandise exports Meets and International Exhibitions, highlighting the of the country in 2021-22. industrial image of India. Copies of this film are With a view to enhance Engineering goods exports, distributed amongst Chambers of Commerce and virtual meetings/interactions are held with the Trade Associations, both in India and abroad, Indian member exporters to discuss the opportunities and missions in identified thrust market and foreign challenges to promote the exports in the Engineering missions in India. sector and also with regard to organising / promoting (iii) Initiative for Technology Upgradation for business events, understanding of business environ- Boosting Engineering Exports ment, etc. One of the key initiatives of Department of Com- During April-November 2022, India's engineering merce, in partnership with EEPC India, is to enable exports stood at US$ 70.7 billion viz-a-viz US$ 72.02 upgradation of technology for boosting engineering billion in April-November 2021, registering a negative 64 DEPARTMENT
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exports. This is being attempted through bridging the Various technology meets and training programmes gap between leading R&D Labs and industry for the have been organized on Product Developments and development of cutting-edge export-oriented Technology Upgradation for the Indian Engineering technologies. For this purpose, technology Sector, Training programmes with ISI on Six Sigma, meets/industry- academia interactions are organized AI, ML, etc. Several Tech Centre activities were in specific industrial clusters to identify the products undertaken for branding of physical events for e.g. and processes for R&D support. The initiative aims to IMTEX Bangalore, and MET+HTS Mumbai. sensitize the industry about various Government EEPC India Technology Centre have also proposed to schemes available for technology upgradation and sign a MoU with National Institute of Advanced implementing the technology development initia- Manufacturing Technology (NIAMT) in the upcoming tives in consultation with the industry requirements, flagship event International Engineering Sourcing in a cluster-based approach. Department of Com- Show (IESS 2023) aimed towards upgradation of merce is working with Office of Principal Scientific MSMEs by converting value added upgraded product Advisor and EEPC India in this endeavour. in various segments including Micro, MSME and Big Under the technology initiative, EEPC India has products. The Micro segment includes non-ferrous already entered into collaborations with Interna- products e.g. brass casting, MSME segment including tional Institute of Waste Management (IIWM), medical and surgical devices and Big products National Institute of Design (NID) and various including upgraded steel products. institutes of Council of Scientific & Industrial (iv) Export Promotion Activities Research (CSIR) where the top scientists would help Department of Commerce undertakes various export the engineering manufacturers in upgrading their promotion activities through EEPC India to demon- technology and to help them to be at par with their strate the capabilities of Indian engineering industry global counterparts. and to provide the overseas buyers with true value as Recently, EEPC India Technology Centre has tied up propagated by Brand “India Engineering”. with several NABL accredited Labs and ISO Certifica- EEPC India in its endeavour to facilitate the members tion Agencies with Regional as well as Pan India to continue the business momentum in the post presence to facilitate prompt service at concessional pandemic time, resumed physical exhibitions/ rate related to testing of raw materials and finished BSM/RBSM and organized/participated in various products, Calibration of Instruments and Machines, promotional activities to help the exporting commu- Process Inspection and Pre-shipment inspections, nity in connecting with global buyers. The physical Certification of Quality, Safety and Environment exhibitions organised/participated by EEPC India Standards. included Hannover Messe 2022 with focus on Europe On 28th November 2022, a tripartite agreement was covering product sectors like Industrial Supply, signed between CSIR-AMPRI, EEPC India and Energy Solutions, Automation, Motion & Drives, Asia TechnoS Instruments at Kolkata to promote the Pharma 2022 with focus on South Asia covering 'Make-in-India' Raman Spectrometer leading product sectors like Pharmaceutical machinery, towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Agritechnica Asia 2022 with focus on ASEAN covering To empower MSMEs with latest know-how in the field product sectors like Agriculture machinery & Equip- of Advanced Manufacturing techniques and enable ment, MCE Mostra 2022 with focus on Europe cover- value addition of products and to provide a platform ing product sectors like HVAC, Water management, to connect with Engineering clusters in India and Plumbing Technology, JIMEX 2022 with focus on interact with leading R&D Expert Panel and R&D labs, WANA covering product sectors like Electrical, Academic Institutes across India and utilize their Mechanical Machinery, Automation, Subcon 2022 expertise, EEPC India Technology Centre organized with focus on Europe covering product sectors like various training Programmes and seminars involving Subcontracting and manufacturing supply chain, more than 150 participants across the country. Metaltech 2022 with focus on ASEAN covering 65 DEPARTMENT
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product sectors like Metalwork industry - equip- RBSM in ITME 2022 focusing on Textile Machinery. ment, technology, & instruments, Buyer Seller Meet Apart from above, EEPC India also organized some of in Dubai, 2022 with focus on WANA covering product the virtual exhibitions including MSME Conclave sectors like Building machinery & components, 2022, India MSME Defence Week & RBSM 2022. Electrical machinery and equipment and parts, tube, (v) EEPC India Digital Interface pipe, and welding, pumps and valves, Machinery, mechanical parts, Automechanika, FRANKFURT 2022 EEPC India maintains a state of the art digital interface with focus on Europe covering product sectors like including web presence and mobile app and has Automotive Components, Garage & Workshop already digitized most of the activities with a view to Equipments, International Technical Fair 2022 with improve the delivery of services. Some of the note- focus on Europe covering product sectors like worthy digital initiatives of EEPC India are online Automobiles, Electrical, Construction, Power Engi- issuance of Registration cum Membership Certificate neering & Environment, INDEE Tanzania 2022 with (RCMC), Certificate of Origin (both preferential and focus on Africa covering product sectors like Engi- non-preferential), Member Export Returns, e-Store neering, Multi-Products, Bangla Med Expo 2022 with and Digital Catalogue, integrating with DGFT & e- focus on South Asia covering product sectors like Sanchit, etc. Medical Device, Pharma Machinery, International (vi) Webinars Hardware Show 2022 with focus on Europe covering product sectors like Hand tools, Fasterners, DIY During the year, EEPC India in its endeavour to Equipment, International Industrial Fair of Bogotá facilitate the members to continue the business 2022 with focus on LAC covering product sectors like momentum organized over 67 webinars and e-BSMs Subcontracting, Industrial Machinery, India -Vietnam focused on Capacity Building Programmes, Technol- B2B 2022 with focus on ASEAN covering product ogy upgradation sessions, training programmes on sectors like auto components, agri-machinery, Foreign Trade Management, Export awareness electrical & Electronic equipment and appliances, seminar on RoDTEP, Session on MSME Training and food processing machinery, textile machinery, Benefit of Schemes, Session on Trade and Logistics, International Fastener Expo 2022 with focus on North Country wise bilateral B2B meeting, Seminar on GST America covering product sectors like Industrial amendments in Laws, Scrutiny, INDEE Tanzania Fasteners, Tooling & Machinery, Nigeria Pharma Roadshow, Session for startups and green technolo- Manufacturers' Expo 2022 with focus on Africa gies and practice, etc. covering product sectors like Medical Device, Pharma (vii) Creation of an EPC for Medical Devices Machinery, BAUMA 2022 with focus on Europe Department of Commerce has approved creation of covering product sectors like Construction Machin- an Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices ery, VINAMAC 2022 with focus on ASEAN covering under the administrative control of Department of product sectors like Industrial Machinery, Equip- Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, being the ment, Technology and Products, Gulf food Manufac- nodal Department for the medical devices sector. turing 2022 with focus on WANA covering product sectors like food processing, packaging and supply v The proposed EPC shall be established with chain, Elmia Subcontractor 2022 with focus on Europe Headquarters in Yamuna Expressway Industrial covering product sectors like Subcontracting, Development Authority (YEIDA), Greater Noida, Metalex Thailand 2022 with focus on South Asia Uttar Pradesh and regional offices in Andhra covering product sectors like Metalwork industry - Pradesh (in AMTZ, Visakhapatnam) and Telangana equipment, technology, instruments, (in Hyderabad) Automechanika, Dubai 2022 with focus on WANA v The Regional Office at Andhra Pradesh MedTech covering product sectors like Auto component and Zone (AMTZ), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) accessories. EEPC India also organised two RBSMs shall be set up in a period of one year, i.e., by the viz. RBSM in MET+HTS 2022 focusing on Material end of 2023 and the Regional Office at Hyderabad Engineering Technology and Heat Treatment and 66 DEPARTMENT
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(Telangana) shall be set up in a period of three v Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling years, i.e., by 2025 Services/Management Services (J) Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) v Printing & Publishing Services SEPC is an Export Promotion Council set up by v Legal Services Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of v Hotel and Tourism related services India for facilitating services export from India. SEPC v Others acts as an interface between the services industry & Government and actively contributes in the formula- (iii) Major promotional activities/events undertaken tion of policies of Government of India. by SEPC during 2022-2023 (April-October 2022) are as follows: It organizes a large number of promotional activities both in India and abroad, such as Buyer-Seller Meets v SEPC participated in high-level business delegation (BSM), trade fairs/exhibitions, and India pavil- led by Hon'ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, ion/information booths in selected exhibitions to Shri Piyush Goyal to Australia for Unlocking demonstrate the capabilities of Indian Services Business Opportunities during 5th-8th April 2022. Industry. SEPC members can avail the benefits of v SEPC participated in a Round Table discussion on various schemes of Ministry of Commerce and Medical Value Travel on 21st April 2022 in Industry, Government of India. Ahmedabad organized by Ministry of Ayush during (i) Role and Functions of SEPC Global Ayush Investment & Innovation Summit. SEPC serves as a platform of interaction between the v SEPC participated in "Accountex": "Exploring services sector industry and policy makers in the Market Opportunities in the Finance Sector" on Government. Specifically, it performs the following 11th & 12th May 2022, London to explore the functions: opportunities for Accounting and Auditing Service in Europe and nearby regions. Accountex is the v Implements an export promotion strategy to largest accounting and finance event in the UK and promote services exports Europe. SEPC delegation was led by CA Sunil Talati, v Facilitates overseas services enquirers Chairman SEPC and Mr. Karan Rathore, Vice- v Channelizes communication and publicity Chairman SEPC. v SEPC under the supervision of Ministry of Com- (ii) SEPC has a mandate to promote following service merce & Industry, organized an outreach event sectors “Unlocking Business Opportunities: India's Trade v Healthcare Services including Services by Nurses, Agreements with UAE & Australia” on 12th May Physiotherapist and Paramedical Personnel 2022 at Hotel Shangri-La, Bengaluru in association v Educational Services with DGFT and the state of Karnataka. v Entertainment Services including Audio-visual v SEPC organized a Conference on “International Services Arbitration - An Indian Perspective” on 14th May 2022, at the Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhawan in New v Consultancy Services Delhi, India. v Architectural Services and related Services v SEPC led by Mr. Hirachand Dhand, Head, SEPC v Distribution Services Entertainment Services along with select Industry representatives participated in the India Pavilion at v Accounting/Auditing and Book Keeping Services the Cannes Film Festival from 19th to 28th May v Environmental Services 2022. v Maritime Transport Services v SEPC along with selected industry representatives v Advertising Services participated in Hannover Messe on 30th May 2022 67 DEPARTMENT
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in Germany. It is a premier trade fair for the sectors v SEPC organized a Hospitality and Tourism Conclave like Automation, Motion & Drives, Digital Ecosys- on 9th September 2022 at Taj Palace, Sardar Patel tems, Energy Solutions, Logistics, Engineered Marg in New Delhi. Parts & Solutions, Global Business & Markets and v SEPC organised an interactive session on Future Hub. India@2047: Services Sector Exports Strategy v SEPC visited Orlando, Florida, USA to attend the “Skilling and Internationalization of Higher Scaling New Heights Conference cum Exhibition Education" on 29th September 2022 at Taj Palace from 20th June to 24th June 2022 to explore a wide Hotel, New Delhi. The event was graced by the range of cutting-edge technology innovations presence of the Hon'ble Union Minister of Com- designed for the small and medium sized business merce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal and Minister of space in Accounting and Bookkeeping Service State for Education Dr. Subhas Sarkar. Sector. v SEPC organised an India Pavilion at MIPCOM 2022 v SEPC partnered with Federation of Hospitality and from 15th-20th October 2022 at Cannes, France Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) in association with with the support of Ministry of Commerce & the Department of Tourism, Government of Industry and Ministry of Information & Broadcast- Rajasthan to organize the 2nd edition of the ing. The highlight of the event was the launch of Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM 2022) at logo “Positioning India as a Content Hub of the Birla Auditorium, Jaipur from 22nd to 24th July World”. More than 85 delegates were a part of 2022. India Pavilion. v SEPC organised a Capacity Building Programme on (K) Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Leveraging FTAs on 28th July 2022 for their mem- Council (IOPEPC) bers to provide global opportunities in exports Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion services and to upskill their personnel. Council (IOPEPC) caters to the development and v SEPC organized the curtain raiser for SANJEEVANI - promotion of exports of oilseeds, oils and oilcakes. India Heals 2022 on 25th August 2022 at Diwan-I- Erstwhile known as Indian Oilseeds and Produce Am, Hotel Taj Mahal in New Delhi. Exporters Association (IOPEA), it was formed on 23rd June 1956, and has been catering to the needs of v SEPC participated in India E-Commerce Show 25th exporters since more than six decades. The name was to 26th August 2022 at Hotel Radisson Blu, New subsequently changed to Indian Oilseeds and Pro- Delhi. duce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) on 5th v SEPC under the supervision of Department of February 2009. Besides focusing on exports, the Commerce, Government of India, organised a one- Council also works towards strengthening the day brainstorming session on Services Sector on domestic supply chain by encouraging farmers, 31st August 2022 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi shellers, processors, surveyors and exporters with an under the Chairmanship of Commerce Secretary to aim to enhance the quality of Oilseeds in India. have discussion on challenges, opportunities, and The formation of Indian Oilseeds and Produce way forward for boosting services export from Exporters Association (IOPEA) was, in fact, the first India. organized effort to promote and protect the interests v SEPC organzied a one-day conclave on Exploring of India's export trade in commodities like Oilseeds, Business Opportunities for Construction & Design Vegetable Oils and Oilcakes in a collective and Engineering Consultancy, Engineering, Architec- concerted manner through a representative body. ture & Environmental Services on 2nd September Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion 2022 at Le-Meridian New Delhi. The event was Council (IOPEPC) has been accredited with ISO 9001: attended by 125 participants comprising of Indus- 2015. try experts & leaders of respective fields. 68 DEPARTMENT
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(i) Implementation of procedure for Export of organized so as to strengthen supply-chain and Sesame Seed to EU create awareness regarding the quality issues amongst farmers, stakeholders in the trade and IOPEPC is committed to boost the India's image as industry such as exporters, processors, traders, consistent supplier of quality Oilseeds and Oils to brokers and service providers in Oilseeds and Oils global markets. IOPEPC is responsible for establish- sector. ing a procedure for Sesame seed export. Accordingly, IOPEPC accords recognition to warehouses and Following are outlines of some of the key functions processing units which are engaged in the exports of of the Council: Sesame seed to EU. The Council also issues Certificate (i) Fairs & Exhibitions of Exports and Health Certificate for exports of Sesame seed to EU. v Participation in International Trade Fairs most of which are approved under Market Assistance (ii) Creation of Awareness amongst Farmers and Initiative (MAI) Scheme of Ministry of Commerce, Processors India. The Council also organizes workshops for promotion v Participation in domestic fairs to educate the of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) amongst Indian visitors regarding export potential in various farmers and training sessions for processing units for markets. adoption of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). v Establishing contacts with the prospective buyers The Council has developed an educative film on by organizing exclusive Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs) various aspects of GMP with an objective of export- both in India as well as in overseas markets. ing Groundnuts meeting the quality norms of import- v Organising visits of delegation of its members ing countries. The Council has also created a film on abroad to explore overseas market opportunities. GAP so that yield and quality of Groundnuts is improved and a film on GAP for cultivation of Quality (ii) Liaising with Government and other Agencies Sesame Seed for exports. The Council also published v As an Export Promotion Council (EPC), IOPEPC informative booklet on Groundnut titled “Groundnut serves as the common forum for the Indian Oil- at A Cross Road in India” and informative booklet on seeds (including Groundnuts) exporters, foreign Sesame Seed titled “Sesame the Super Seed of 21st buyers, R&D agencies for Oilseeds & edible Oils in Century”. India, International agencies and many other (iii) Addressing Aflatoxin and Pesticides related official bodies & authorities globally. issue at the Farm Level v The Council regularly communicates with Indian The importing countries are always concerned about Embassies, trade bodies and associations in the Aflatoxin (in case of Groundnut), pesticide various countries in order to resolve the issues residues and other chemical and microbiological faced by exporters in international markets. The contamination in the agricultural products being Council also takes up issues with Indian authorities supplied by other countries. In order to create such as Customs, Banks, Directorate General of awareness amongst the farmers to control Aflatoxin Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Agriculture & and use safe and permissible pesticides, the Council Farmers' Welfare, Plant and Quarantine authori- organizes various activities (such as workshops, ties, ECGC Ltd, Food Safety and Standards Author- distribution of pamphlets, showing films produced by ity of India (FSSAI), amongst others to ensure Council on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on smooth exports from India. cultivation of Groundnut and Sesame Seeds) so that awareness is created amongst the farmers and the (iii) Defending interests in Global Markets problem is minimized at the farm level itself. v The business interest in the destination markets (vi) Strengthening Supply Chain are defended by contesting trade distortion Regional Meetings in various parts of India are measures such as anti-dumping duty, safeguard 69 DEPARTMENT
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duty and works towards removing non-tariff through emails as well as monthly News Bulletin. barriers impacting Indian exports. v The Council also releases an annual Souvenir which v During the consultations at multilateral level such provides concise trade information and contact as WTO, UNCTAD, the Council provides inputs to details of its members. the Government to promote interests of India's Activities undertaken / planned by the Council Oilseeds and its derivative products. during 2022-23 under Export Promotion Measures v The Council regularly communicates with Indian Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export Promotion Council Embassies, trade bodies and associations in (IOPEPC) took multiple steps to ensure that Oilseed various countries in order to resolve the issues export continue to be on the path of growth. faced by exporters. Following are key Trade promotion and related (vi) Conducting Trade Meets, Surveys & Studies activities undertaken by the Council: v Conducting Crop Survey (Rabi/Kharif) to assess the (i) Capacity Building Program for Farmers in Rajkot supply-demand situation well in advance so that Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion effective export strategy can be chalked out. Council (IOPEPC) organized a Farmer Mela jointly v Conducting market surveys and providing market with ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research on intelligence through various cluster studies, 19th May 2022 in Rajkot. More than 170 farmers research reports & journals. attended the mela. There was a panel discussion v Assisting and encouraging scientific, technical and where progressive farmers from various parts of economic research for Oilseed & Oils sector. Gujarat shared their views on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). (v) Providing Effective Dispute Settlement Mecha- nism The Council, like every year, conducted the Summer Crop Survey 2022 for Groundnut and Sesame seed in v The Council also acts as Institutional Arbitrator to Gujarat during 10th - 15th May 2022. The findings of provide speedy justice at much lower costs, this crop survey were presented during the Capacity thereby providing an excellent dispute Building Program held on the same day of Farmer redressal/settlement mechanism for Domestic and Mela i.e. 19th May 2022 at Rajkot. More than 160 International trade related issues. stakeholders attended the meeting. There were (vi) Training and Productivity panel discussions on Sesame seed and Groundnut. v To increase productivity by upgrading technical Approximate crop size of both the Oilseeds in major growing areas were discussed. At the end, our crop skills of professionals engaged in the sector, the survey findings were presented. Council organises various training programs at different locations throughout India. On the similar lines, Indian Oilseeds and Produce v Upgradation of infrastructure and quality to Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) also organized a Farmer Mela 2022 jointly with ICAR-Indian Institute of promote the export of agri products. Oilseeds Research on 25th June 2022 at Mandi in v Offering professional advice and services to Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh (UP). More than 250 members in areas of technology upgradation, farmers attended the mela. Shri S B Singh, Additional quality improvement, standards and specifica- Director (Agri), Lucknow, UP attended the mela as a tions, certification such as HACCP. Guest of Honor. There was a panel discussion wherein (vii) Information Dissemination progressive farmers from various parts of UP shared their views on Good Agricultural Practices. Various v Circulation of Government Notification/Public issues faced by the farmers were also discussed. Notices/Orders, Statistics, global events, Govern- ment schemes, trade enquiries and other impor- To keep our members abreast of the latest informa- tant articles related to Oilseeds and Oils sector tion and to discuss how trade can contribute to 70 DEPARTMENT
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increase yield & production of Sesame seed in UP, seed exports decreased by about 4 per cent at Capacity Building Program was organized at 3,036.37 crore as compared to 3,159.47 crore during Khajuraho on the same day of Farmer Mela i.e. on the financial year 2020-21. 25th June 2022. More than 50 people from various Many African countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh region such as Gwalior, Kanpur, Mahoba, Nowgaun, enjoy 9 per cent import duty advantage over India for Chhatarpur attended the program. export to China which is the single largest importer. (ii) IOPEPC's Global Oilseed Conference (IGOC), 2022 (iv) Export of Oilseeds: April – October 2022 During the year, the Council organized its fourth During April-October 2022 India exported 4,63,426 Global Oilseed Conference (IGOC) during 4th-6th tons of Oilseeds valued at Rs.5,098.16 crore. The November 2022 at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Dubai. The major export of Oilseeds during April-October 2022 Council received excellent response to the event and are, Groundnut of 2,43,121 tons valued at Rs. 2,408.27 about 200 participants from India and abroad crore, Sesame seed of 1,56,449 tons valued at Rs. attended the meeting. Experts in Oilseed trade and 2,151.57 crore, Soybean of 21,326 tons valued at industry from various countries gave an overall view Rs.164.16 crore and Mustard seed of 28,242 tons of markets, production, demand and supply and price valued at Rs. 209.89 crore. forecast of Groundnut and Sesame seed. IOPEPC (v) Import of Oilseeds: April-October 2022 officials also presented very informative view on Global and Indian Groundnut, Sesame and other During April-October 2022, India Imported 3,30,959 Oilseeds. Exporters where given awards for excel- tons of Oilseeds valued at Rs. 2,313.28 crore com- lence in exports of Oilseeds and Oils during FY 2021- pared to 4,86,573 tons of Oilseeds valued at Rs. 22. Consul General & Appellate Authority (RTI), 3,097.61 crore. The major Import of Oilseeds are Consulate General of India, United Arab Emirates Soybean of 3,18,677 tons (including others) valued at (UAE) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Rs. 2,185.15 crore, Sesame seed of 8,288 tons valued at Rs. 98.70 crore and Sunflower seed of 2,528 tons (iii) Trends in India's Foreign Trade related to Oil- valued at Rs. 14.75 crore. seeds and Oils (vi) Exports of Vegetable Oils The size of Oilseed export sector (Oilseeds under the purview of the Council) is estimated at about Rs. v India exported 4,12,799.95 tons of various edible 8,546.78 crore during 2021-22 in comparison to Rs. oils valued at Rs. 6,384.31 crore during April- 9,432.93 crore in the previous year. October 2022 compared to 7,90,258.08 tons of edible oils valued at Rs. 9,960.02 crore during From export perspective, Groundnut and Sesame previous FY 2021-2022. seeds are the two most important Oilseeds for India. While Groundnut accounted for major share of total v Groundnut Oil is the major oil exported from India exports of Oilseeds to the tune of 54.95 per cent and reported at 35,842 tons valued at Rs. 566.69 during 2021-22, Sesame seed accounted for a share of crore mainly exported to China (34,696 tons). India 35.52 per cent in total Oilseed exports. also export Mustard Oil reported at 3,126 tons valued at Rs. 66.50 crore, mainly to UAE (502 tons), During financial year FY 2021-22, Groundnut exports USA (655 tons) and Canada (435 tons). Soybean Oil from India decreased by about 13 per cent to Rs. 4,697 export reported at 10,536 tons valued at 161.37 crore in comparison Rs. 5,380.24 crore in FY 2020-21. crore, mainly exported to Jordan (5,000 tons) and In quantitative terms the exports of Groundnut Bhutan (4,402 tons). during FY 2021-22 was 5,14,163.87 tons as compared to 6,38,320 tons during FY 2020-21. v Non Edible Oil: Castor Oil recorded an export volume of 6,62,927.50 tons valued at Rs. 8,050.50 During the financial year 2021-2022, Sesame seeds crore during the year 2021-22 as against exports from India declined marginally by about 12 6,86,604.57 tons valued at Rs. 6,286.03 crore per cent to a level of 2,42,145.56 tons from 2,73,260.32 during the previous year 2020-21. tons from the previous year. In value terms, Sesame 71 DEPARTMENT
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(L) TEXTILES level of technical textiles through promotion and market development activities and to create Initiatives/Achievements in area of Textiles Export skilled and educated manpower in the field of v India signed the Comprehensive Economic Part- technical textiles. nership Agreement (CEPA) with UAE and Eco- v To promote production of MMF Apparel, MMF nomic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) Fabrics and Products of Technical Textiles in the with Australia under which India is expected to country, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) benefit from preferential market access provided Scheme for Textiles continued. by UAE and Australia to its labour-intensive sectors including Textiles. v Government has approved setting up of Seven Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region v Department of Commerce, under its Market and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks in Greenfield/ Access Initiative (MAI) scheme has been providing Brownfield sites with an outlay of Rs. 4,445 crore financial support to various Export Promotion for a period of seven years upto 2027-28. these Councils (EPCs) and Trade Bodies engaged in parks will enable the textile industry to become promotion of textiles and garments exports, for globally competitive, attract large investment and organizing and participating in trade fairs, exhibi- boost employment generation. tions, buyer-seller meets etc. (M) Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council v Continuation of Rebate of State and Central taxes (PHARMEXCIL) and Levies (RoSCTL) has been approved on export of Apparel/Garments and Made-ups till 31st March Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India 2024 at existing rates. Continuation of RoSCTL for was established in 2004 under the Companies Act, Apparel/Garments and Made-ups is expected to 1956, keeping in mind the unique requirements of the make these products globally competitive by Indian Pharmaceutical industry for export promo- rebating all embedded taxes/levies which are tion. The Council has its headquarters in Hyderabad, currently not being rebated under any other with regional offices at Mumbai and New Delhi, and mechanism. It will provide a level playing field to Branch Offices in Ahmedabad, Chennai and the Indian textiles exporters. Bengaluru. There are 4,120 members in the Council. v Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on The products and services falling under the purview Exported Products (RoDTEP) has been continued of Pharmexcil are Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients for reimbursement of Central, State and local level (API), Finished Dosage Forms (FDF), Herbal/ taxes/duties/levies, which are incurred in the Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Biologics, process of manufacture and distribution of Diagnostics, Surgicals, Nutraceuticals, Collaborative exported textile products covered under chapter Research, Contract Manufacturing, Clinical Trials & 50-60. This will lead to cost competitiveness of Consultancy and Regulatory Services. A separate cell exported products in international markets and has been established within Pharmexcil to exclusively better employment opportunities in export promote the Indian systems of medicines. oriented manufacturing industries. The scheme is Apart from acting as an interface with the Govern- aimed at giving boost to the domestic industry and ment, the Council also offers professional advice to its Indian exports providing a level playing field for members in areas such as patent issues, compliance Indian producers in the International market so with regulatory requirements, technology up- that domestic taxes/duties are not exported. gradation, trade related help, etc. Pharmexcil also v The National Technical Textiles Mission continues acts as a nodal agency for issue of Registration cum to promote and develop technical textiles sector in Membership certificates. The Council participates in India. The fund allotted is for research and devel- important exhibitions and fairs in various countries opment both fundamental and applied research in and also organizes international conferences and technical textile sector, increasing penetration buyer-seller meets in India. 72 DEPARTMENT
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(i) Export Performance 2021-22 contributed to 5.92 per cent of merchandise exports. India's top 5 pharma export destinations in (a) Exports during 2021-22 2021-22 were USA, UK, South Africa, Russia, and During 2021-22, Indian pharma exports grew by 0.71 Nigeria. per cent to reach US$ 24.62 billion. This modest (b) Exports during 2022-23 growth should be seen in the background of unprece- dented export growth of 18 per cent in 2020-21, The pharma exports during April-November 2022 spurred by strong demand for the country's generic reached US$ 16.58 billion with a growth of 4.31 per drugs in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Drugs and cent as compared to exports in the corresponding pharmaceuticals is the 4th largest principal commod- period in previous year. The category-wise summary ity being exported by India and the exports during of exports during April-November 2022 is as below: Source: DGCI&S, (P): Provisional (c) A huge market opportunity is emerging for Indian between the regulatory authorities of focus countries manufacturers in the untapped but potential markets are also being followed up on a priority basis. of LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean), Africa and Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia by trade Asia. Further, on account of its skill, cost and delivery partners such as South Asia, Africa and Latin advantages, there are strong growth prospects for American regions are also a priority. Following India as an outsourcing destination for Contract sustained efforts, Indian Pharmacopeia has been Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS), accepted by Afghanistan, Ghana, Nepal and clinical research, biotechnology, bio-informatics, etc. Mauritius. (ii) Brand India Pharma Project (iii) Reducing Dependency on Import of APIs Brand India Pharma project has been launched since India is heavily dependent on imports of Active 2012 to promote Indian pharma products in the Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)/ Key Starting international markets and emphasis is being given on Materials (KSMs)/Drug Intermediates (DIs) for "Made in India" logos to highlight the potential of this meeting the requirements of the domestic sector as sector and to project India as a preferred destination, well as for manufacturing of formulations. To contrib- due to quality and affordability. Pharmexcil has ute to strengthen the country's drug security, under entered into MoUs with Research Associations and the Self Reliance Initiative, Pharmexcil with the Councils of various countries such as Korea, China, financial support of Department of Commerce Philippines, Ukraine etc. to promote bilateral trade in prepared a detailed Project Report on ways to reduce pharmaceuticals. Mutual Recognition Agreements India's import dependence on APIs/KSMs / 73 DEPARTMENT
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Intermediates, for the benefit of Department of v CPHI North America 2022 at Pennsylvania Conven- Pharmaceuticals. Subsequently, Government has tion Center in Philadelphia from 17th-19th May 2022 launched Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes v Africa Health ExCon in Egypt from 5th-7th June for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical 2022 Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/Drug Intermediates (DIs) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) as v Participation in Korea Pharm & Bio on 14th June well as for production of high value pharmaceutical 2022 at KINTEX, Seoul followed by organization of products such as bio-pharmaceuticals, complex India-Korea Pharmaceutical Forum generic drugs, patented drugs or drugs nearing v BSMs in Asia region (Indonesia, Philippines & patent expiry. The schemes have also been launched Vietnam) from 26th June to 6th July 2022 for development of three Bulk Drug Parks and four v BSMs in LAC region (Columbia, Bolivia, Peru & Medical Device Parks across the country providing Brazil) from 30th July to 13th August 2022 financial assistance for creation of common infra- structure facilities in these parks. v 8th Edition of IPHEX & Global Regulators Conclave organized by Pharmexcil at IEML, Noida from 21st- (iv) Support to the Industry 23rd September 2022 Department of Commerce supports Pharma industry v CPHI-Worldwide 2022 in Frankfurt, Germany from through its Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme by 1st-3rd November 2022 reimbursing part of expenses incurred on product registration in foreign countries upto Rs. 2 crore per v Business delegation to 38th Havana International exporter per annum, for encouraging industry to Fair - FIHAV at Havana, Cuba from 14th-18th Novem- register more products in new and potential markets. ber 2022 Pharmexcil disbursed an amount of Rs. 35.25 crore to v CPHI India 2022 in Noida, India from 29th Novem- its members under MAI scheme towards reimburse- ber to 1st December 2022 ment of product registration charges during 2021-22. Department of Commerce has also been closely 2. OTHER ORGANISATIONS interacting with foreign Governments, global regula- (A) Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) tory agencies and Indian Missions to resolve the regulatory and market access issues faced by Indian Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) was industry in accessing foreign markets. Department of set up in 1965 as an Apex Body of Export Promotion Commerce is also proactively working towards Organisations. It is registered under the Societies establishing footprints in under penetrated/potential Registration Act, 1860 with its Headquarters in Delhi. international markets viz. Japan, Korea, China, FIEO has Regional Offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai Indonesia, Latin America region, Africa, etc. As part of and Kolkata, and Chapters in Jaipur, Kanpur, its efforts to guide the Indian industry to adhere to Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Indore, Hyderabad, global regulatory standards and regulations, Kochi, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi Pharmexcil has published Market & Regulatory and Guwahati. The organization is ISO 9001:2015 Reports of the countries which are our top 30 export certified. destinations. FIEO has a direct membership of over 35,000. In the (v) Global Outreach and B2B Engagements Foreign Trade Policy, FIEO has been designated as a Registering Authority for status holder exporting Some of the major events organized/participated by firms as also for the exporters dealing in multi- Pharmexcil during 2022-23 are: products. FIEO issues Certificate of Origin (Non- v Stakeholders Outreach Programme on India-UAE Preferential) which is required by many countries as CEPA and India-Australia ECTA organized by proof of origin of the goods. It directly and indirectly Pharmexcil at Park Hyatt, Hyderabad on 23rd April serves the interests of all goods and services sector in 2022 the country. 74 DEPARTMENT
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FIEO provides a crucial interface between the export- v FIEO has developed and maintains the Indian Trade ers and the Central and State Governments, financial Portal (www.indiantradeportal.in). The portal institutions, ports, railways, surface transport and provides key information about the Most Favoured other agencies engaged in export trade facilitation. It Nation (MFN) or Preferential tariff of 93 countries, serves on the high-level committees constituted by Rules of origin to avail preferential tariff, SPS-TBT the Government of India to facilitate trade. It pro- measures mapped at tariff line of 87 countries, vides vital inputs to the Government on various import statistics of 93 countries and India's share in matters of trade. their imports, etc. FIEO gives “Niryat Shree” and “Niryat Bandhu” v FIEO was awarded the Gold Trophy under the Awards to exporters and export facilitators respec- Institutional Game Changers category of the TIOL tively in recognition of their contributions to the Taxation Awards 2022. exports from India. FIEO also organises State Exports v FIEO organises workshops, seminars, training Excellence Awards in order to encourage and moti- programmes, open house meets to draw the vate exporters from the States. attention on important trade issues and help Major Activities and Achievements speedy resolution. It facilitates redressal of exporters' problems by taking them up with the v FIEO conducted an analysis for identifying 75 authorities concerned and guides them on policy textile districts having the potential to be devel- matters, international trade etc. Till October 2022, oped like the Tirupur textile cluster. FIEO had organised 421 export promotion events v FIEO undertook a study to identify the export including B2B meets and business delegations potential of “Uttarakhand districts bordering abroad. Nepal''. v FIEO has entered into 110 Memorandum of Under- v FIEO initiated a series of interactive sessions in standing (MoU) with international organisations, association with CONCOR and Land Ports Authority chambers of commerce and trade associations to of India (LPAI) to create awareness among the promote international trade. It organizes many Exim community about the current scenario and country specific programmes to prepare the future prospects, and also to address challenges exporters for various global markets. It exchanges faced at respective Inland Container Depots (ICDs) business delegations, arranges exhibitions, and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs). organizes B2B meets with the members of trade v Towards promotion of exports of food and agri from various countries. products, FIEO took focused food and agri B2B v In order to ease cross-border logistics for exports, Delegations to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain. It FIEO signed a Memorandum of Understanding also organized various country specific testing (MoU) with Shypmax, a provider of logistics programs in order to facilitate certifications and solutions, including international and domestic testings of food products, required by the respec- express delivery, freight forwarding, and customs tive buyer countries. clearance. v FIEO maintains the “Ease of Logistics Portal” v FIEO also signed an MoU with Rubix Data Sciences (www.easeoflogistics.com) in order to mitigate Pvt. Ltd, a business intelligence company, to the hardship faced by exporters due to shortage of facilitate Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) issuance to containers. It has also developed “Indian Business Indian exporters and entities. Portal” (www.indianbusinessportal.in), as an v FIEO is collaborating with Amazon Global Selling international trade hub for Indian exporters and for an e-Commerce Export Immersion Series on foreign buyers. The Indian Business Portal enables monthly basis to educate the participants on how SME exporters, artisans and farmers to identify to register and start selling their products to new markets for their products and grow their international buyers across the globe with mini- sales globally. 75 DEPARTMENT
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mum hassle, leveraging the power of e-market of knowledge about Indian products and services. place. Towards this objective, IBEF works closely with stakeholders across Government and industry. v FIEO provides most of the services online to the exporting community through its website – IBEF carried out several branding activities to support www.fieo.org, and mobile app – Niryat Mitra. The key initiatives and sectors in 2022-23. The highlights of mobile app has over 1,20,000 downloads and it some key initiatives are as follows: covers all the information of the Indian Trade Portal (i) Brand India Engineering and periodic updates on the matter. IBEF, in association with EEPC, promoted Indian (B) India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) Engineering products on multiple platforms during The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) is a Trust 2022-23. Events like INDEE Tanzania 2022, Big 5, Dubai established by the Department of Commerce, and Arab Health were covered as part of the branding Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of and promotion plan. IBEF executed event and India. IBEF's primary objective is to promote and outdoor branding along with PR promotional activi- create international awareness of Brand India in ties for the promotion of Indian engineering products overseas markets and to facilitate the dissemination in these markets. (ii) Branding Indian Rice in International Markets trade fair for organic food and agriculture. The campaign highlighted different organic Indian rice to IBEF, in collaboration with APEDA, promoted and also showcase Geographical Indication (GI). Apart branded Indian rice in international markets. A digital from this, outdoor branding including airport brand- campaign was launched to promote Indian organic ing and outdoor OOH was also done under the rice in BIOFACH'22 Nuremberg, the world's largest promotional activities. 76 DEPARTMENT
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(iii) 10th India Trend Fair 2022 IBEF provided branding support to the Department of Commerce for a wide variety of activities. Some key IBEF worked closely with Apparel Export Promotion initiatives in 2022-23 are as follows: Council and Handloom Export Promotion Council to promote Indian handloom, handicrafts and other v Creation of film and social media creative for the hand-made Indian products at the India Trend Fair signing of the India-Australia Economic Coopera- Japan and other overseas markets. IBEF designed a tion and Trade Agreement dedicated landing page to support the campaign v Creation of Niryat Portal and promotional AV for promoting Indian Handloom. Niryat Portal & Vanijya Bhawan along with social (iv) Branding support to the Department of media creatives Commerce (v) Branding Support for the Indian Year of Millets of Millets. The flyer for the brand campaign was prepared by IBEF in consultation with the Ministry of IBEF is working closely with the Ministry of Agricul- Agriculture. ture to provide branding support for the Indian Year 77 DEPARTMENT
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3. STATES/ UTs, SPECIFIC EXPORT STRATEGIES Department of Commerce has been actively interact- ing and engaging with the State Governments/Union In order to achieve better coordination with States Territories to create an enabling environment to and UTs the Department of Commerce has nomi- boost goods and services exports from the country nated Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary level by way of assisting them in formulating a comprehen- officers as nodal officers for institutionalizing a sive export strategy based on an assessment of mechanism for regular and effective coordination State's strengths. To improve export performance in and communication with States/UTs. partnership with the States, the States have been The nominated nodal officers are the single contact urged to identify items with export potential. Finan- point for all matters related to the State/UT concern- cial Assistance is also being provided by Department ing the Department of Commerce. The nodal officers for formulation of Export Strategy of the State. So far, visit their allotted States/UTs from time to time. They 24 States have prepared their Export Strategies. The work closely with the States/UTs on various trade Export strategies of 07 States/UTs (Bihar, Haryana, related matters including formulation/ implementa- Manipur, Rajasthan, Punjab, UT of Ladakh and UT of tion of 'Export Strategy' and addressing any issues or Jammu Kashmir) are being processed. impediments to trade. 78 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
6 Commercial Relations, Trade Agreements and International Trade Organizations ANNUAL
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1. TRADE WITH EAST ASIA CECA was launched on 1st September 2018. The scope of the review is under finalization between both ASEAN REGION parties. India is looking to expand the service sched- (i) Introduction ule in the CECA for increased market access and benefits. India announced its 'Look East Policy' in 1991 with a view to seeking greater engagement with East Asian (c) India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooper- countries. In 2014, the policy was upgraded to 'Act ation Agreement East Policy' which focuses on the extended neighbor- A Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement hood in the Asia Pacific Region. In order to address (CECA) was signed with Malaysia on 18th February the economic cooperation content of the 'Act East 2011 which became operational from 1st July 2011. Policy', a continuous dialogue is maintained with Under the CECA, India and Malaysia have offered ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) commitments over and above the commitments countries viz. Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indone- offered by them under ASEAN-India Trade in Goods sia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singa- Agreement (AITIGA). pore, Thailand and Vietnam. Summit level engage- ments, Ministerial meetings and official level (d) India-Thailand Free Trade Agreement discussions are held in order to fulfil the objectives of India and Thailand signed a Framework Agreement Act East Policy. on 9th October 2003 for establishing an India- (ii) Trade Framework Thailand Free Trade Agreement. There is an Early Harvest Scheme under this Framework Agreement (a) Agreements with ASEAN comprising 83 items of mutual interest for which both India and the ASEAN signed the Trade in Goods sides agreed to make tariff concessions in a phased Agreement (AITIGA) under the broader framework of manner with 100 per cent reduction by 1st September Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement 2006. (CECA) between India and the ASEAN on 13th August (iii) Recent Trade related Activities 2009. The Agreement came into force on 1st January 2010 in respect of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand (a) 2nd meeting of India-Brunei Joint Trade Commit- and in case of other ASEAN countries on different tee dates in 2010 and 2011. India and ASEAN are presently The 2nd meeting of India-Brunei Joint Trade Commit- under discussion to initiate the review of AITIGA to tee was held virtually on 11.03.2022. JS (ASEAN) co- make it more user-friendly, simple, and trade chaired the meeting. Indian side raised the issues of facilitative for businesses, as well as responsive to the facilitation for export of bovine meat and dairy current global and regional challenges including products, recognition of Automotive Research supply chain disruptions. Association of India (ARAI) for automobile certifica- India and ASEAN Member countries have also signed tion, pharma exports, possible cooperation in service Agreement on Trade in Services and Agreement on sector etc. Both sides also discussed the opportuni- Investment. These Agreements came into effect from ties available in each country for enhancing bilateral 1st July 2015. trade and investment. (b) India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic (b) 1st India-Cambodia Joint Working Group on Trade Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and Investment (JWGTI) meeting A Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement The 1st meeting of recently constituted India- (CECA) was signed with Singapore on 29th June 2005 Cambodia Joint Working Group on Trade and Invest- which became operational from 1st August 2005. The ment (JWGTI) was held virtually on 1st July 2022. The 1st Review of India-Singapore CECA was concluded on two sides reviewed the bilateral trade and discussed 1st October 2007 and the 2nd Review was concluded ways and means to enhance bilateral trade and on 1st June 2018. The 3rd Review of India-Singapore investment. The Indian side identified agriculture 80 DEPARTMENT
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products such as sugar, dairy products, maize, oil cake India and ASEAN and reaffirmed their commitment to etc. and textiles, gem and jewellery, leather and take collective actions to mitigate the economic footwear as potential sectors for enhancing trade impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and work towards a and suggested more B2B collaboration in pharmaceu- sustainable post-COVID-19 recovery. The Ministers tical and auto sectors. also endorsed the Scope of review of AITIGA (ASEAN- India Trade in Goods Agreement). (c) Annual ASEAN-India Senior Economic Officials' and Economic Ministers' meetings (iv) ASEAN Trade The 35th and 36th SEOM-India Consultations (ASEAN- India's trade with ASEAN countries was US$ 110.66 India Senior Economic Officials' Meeting), organised billion during the year 2021-22 and US$ 79.84 billion by ASEAN Secretariat, were held on 10th June 2022 during 2022-23 (April-October (P). Major destinations (virtually) and 13th September 2022 (Siem Reap, for India's exports and imports in the region are Cambodia) respectively. These were followed by 19th Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet- AEM-India Consultations (ASEAN-India Economic nam. The major commodities of export include Ministers' Meeting) held on 16th September 2022 in Petroleum Products, Iron & Steel, Bovine Meat, Ship, Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Indian side was repre- Boat and floating structure, and Pharmaceutical sented by Ms. Anupriya Patel, Hon'ble Minister of products. The major commodities of import include State for Commerce and Industry. The Ministers Vegetable Oils, Coal, Organic chemicals, Computer reviewed trade and economic relations between hardware, and Plastic raw materials. 2. TRADE WITH NORTH EAST ASIA Taiwan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), Mongolia and Macao stood at US$ 201 India's trade with the North East Asia (hereafter NEA) billion during 2021-22, which is an increase of 34 per region comprising People's Republic of China, Hong cent over the previous year. Exports to the NEA Kong, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Japan, 81 DEPARTMENT
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region were of the order of US$ 49.30 billion during (iv) Recent Trade Related Activities 2021-22, registering a positive growth of 17.07 per cent (a) China over the last year. Imports from the region increased v During 2021-22, the exports to China were US$ 21.25 by 40.4 per cent to US$ 151.80 billion during 2021-22. billion whereas imports were US$ 94.17 billion. (i) Commodity Composition of NEA region Regular efforts are being made by the NEA Division in consultations with EPCs and Mission in Beijing, to Major items of export to NEA region included engi- increase exports to China neering goods, pearls, precious and semiprecious stones, petroleum products, iron & steel, aluminium v Several meetings have been held by Export products, marine products, organic chemicals. Inspection Council, MPEDA and Mission with the GACC to address the COVID -19 related measures Major items of import from the region include taken by GACC with respect to import of marine electronics components, computer hardware, products. peripherals, telecom instruments, organic chemicals, v The new regulations introduced by the General industrial machinery for dairy products. Administration of Customs China (GACC), viz. (ii) Export Target for 2021-22 Order Nos. 248 and 249 require manufacturers and An export target of US$ 46.8 billion was fixed for NEA producers of food items to register with GACC before exporting to China from 1st January 2022 region for 2021-22. Against this, the achievement was onwards. Around 9,800 Indian establishments US$ 48.9 billion which was 104 per cent of target have already registered with GACC under the new fixed. regulations. Mission is extending all possible help (iii) Trade Agreements to enterprises to register under single window (a) India-Korea CEPA registration system of GACC. A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement v In the year 2021, Indian companies have received regulatory approvals for 7-8 generic medicines, as (CEPA) between India and Republic of Korea was compared to less than 15 approvals in last 40 years. signed on 7th August 2009 which came into force on 1st January 2010. The two sides commenced negotia- (b) Korea tions for upgradation of CEPA in 2016 and nine rounds v India and Korea commenced negotiations for of upgradation negotiations have been held so far upgradation of CEPA in 2016 to explore the possibil- with last round held on 3rd-4th November 2022. The ity of streamlining tariffs in goods and Rules of 10th round of negotiations is scheduled to be held Origin, and enhance the services, trade & invest- shortly. ments. The Ministers of the two countries met in January 2022, to review the progress of IKCEPA (b) India-Japan CEPA upgrade negotiations and decided to conclude the A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement upgrade negotiations along with movement on (CEPA) between India and Japan was signed on 16th market access issues in six months. The 9th round February 2011 which came into force on 1st August of negotiations was held on 3rd-4th November 2011. Under the institutional mechanism of CEPA, the 2022 in Seoul, South Korea. 6th Joint Committee meeting was held on 15th v Exports to Korea RP increased by 72.5 per cent in January 2021 virtually. Under the provisions of India- 2021-22 as compared to the previous year. Japan CEPA, India has requested Japan to initiate the (c) Japan process of review of the Agreement to ascertain v On 19th March 2022, India-Japan CEPA was mutual gains for both the sides. amended to allow fish surimi product of India with the 82 DEPARTMENT
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non-originating additive to be considered as an discussed. Trade with Afghanistan came to a halt originating good of India so as to allow its export to under Taliban regime since August 2021 and India is Japan at preferential tariff. treading cautiously with humanitarian motivation. v On 19th March 2022, the Protocol for making (ii) Bangladesh amendment in the Article 7 (Exchange of Informa- The Bilateral Trade Agreement between India and tion) of Implementing Agreement (IA) was signed Bangladesh provides for expansion of trade and between India and Japan as per Article 13 of India- economic cooperation without any preferential Japan CEPA. tariffs. However, India has provided zero duty market v Work plan for import of Japanese apples and access to Least Developed Countries (LDC) members relaxation of procedures of Indian mango exports of SAFTA including Bangladesh, on all tariff lines, to Japan, has also been signed between the except for 25 lines related to liquor and tobacco. respective ministries of India and Japan. Both countries are engaged in strengthening the (d) Taiwan trade relations by exploring prospects of entering v India and Taiwan hold meetings under the institu- into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covering goods, services and tional mechanism of Working Group on Trade (WGT). So far, 7 WGT meetings have been held, 3 investment through a joint study, enhancing and in India, 2 in Taiwan and 2 in virtual mode. 7th WGT facilitating trade and investment relations through meeting was held virtually on 23rd September constitution of an India-Bangladesh CEO Forum, 2022. enhancing border trade infrastructure development between the two countries, etc. v The letters of Mutual Recognition of Organic Certification were signed by both sides during the India's exports to Bangladesh are being facilitated by 6th Meeting of Working Group on Trade (WGT) identifying and resolving issues which adversely held virtually on 22nd October 2021. Working affect such exports. Efforts are being made to level meetings are now being held between improve connectivity and border trade infrastruc- APEDA and Taiwan Agriculture & Food Agency to ture. Efforts are also being made for removal of all operationalize the agreement. port restrictions from all locations. The Sub-group on Infrastructure has been constituted to identify and v India and Taiwan signed an Agreement on Mutual resolve infrastructural and procedural constraints at Cooperation in the field of Standardization and specified priority Land Customs Stations between Conformity Assessment on 18th May 2022. India and Bangladesh, through regular meetings. 3. TRADE WITH SOUTH ASIA Implementation of the Agreement on use of FT (South Asia) division in Department of Commerce Chattogram and Mongla port for movement of goods looks after the trade related issues in respect of to and from India, since October 2019, is also Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, expected to enhance trade linkages of the states in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Iran. North Eastern India with other parts of the world, through Bangladesh. (i) Afghanistan India and Bangladesh have established Border Haats Under Strategic Partnership Agreement between to promote well-being of the people dwelling in Afghanistan & India, a Joint Working Group (JWG) on remote areas by establishing traditional system of Trade, Commerce and Investment functions between marketing the local produce through local markets. In the two countries, at the level of Commerce Secre- addition to the existing Border Haats at four loca- tary, to discuss the issues related to trade and eco- tions, three more Border Haats in Meghalaya were nomic co-operation. The third meeting of the JWG inaugurated jointly by the Prime Minister of India and was held in October 2018 at Kabul, where several Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 27th March 2021. bilateral trade and connectivity related issues were 83 DEPARTMENT
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Presently setting up of border haats at nine locations (iii) Bhutan in Tripura, Meghalaya and Assam are under different The trade between India and Bhutan is governed by stages of development. Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit, which The 14th meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint prescribes free trade between the two countries. No Working Group (JWG) on Trade was held on 2nd-3rd basic customs duty is levied on import of any product March 2022 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was from Bhutan or export to Bhutan. Further, the trade is led by Shri Vipul Bansal, Joint Secretary, Department carried out in Indian Rupees and Bhutanese currency of Commerce, Government of India and the (Ngultrum). The Agreement also provides transit Bangladeshi delegation was led by Mr. Noor Md. facilities to landlocked Bhutan to facilitate its trade Mahbubul Haq, Additional Secretary, M/o Commerce, with third countries and movement of goods from Bangladesh. In the meeting, inter-alia, issues related one part of Bhutan to another through Indian terri- to border trade infrastructure, export and port tory. restrictions and opening of LCS and other various (iv) Nepal issues, were discussed. The bilateral trade between India and Nepal is A Commerce Secretary Level Bilateral meeting was governed by the India-Nepal Treaty of Trade, which held between India and Bangladesh on trade and was last renewed on 27th October 2016 for a further transit issues, at New Delhi on 4th March 2022. The period of seven years. Under the Treaty, India has Indian delegation was led by Shri B.V.R provided duty free market access to almost all the Subrahmanyam, the then Secretary, Department of products imported from Nepal, except few products Commerce, Government of India, while the relating to tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics and alcohol. Bangldeshi delegation was led by Mr. Tapan Kanti Some tariff rate quotas (TRQs) are applicable on the Ghosh, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, import of four products, namely Vegetable fats, Government of Bangladesh. Acrylic yarn, Copper products and Zinc Oxide from H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the Government Nepal. Both countries have agreed to undertake a of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, paid a State comprehensive review of the Treaty of Trade. India Visit to India from 5th-8th September 2022 at the also allows transit of third country goods destined to invitation of Prime Minister of India. Both the Prime Nepal and export of Nepalese goods to third counties Ministers held a restricted meeting and tête-à-tête through its territory, which is governed by the India- followed by delegation level talks on 6th September Nepal Treaty of Transit. Under the Treaty, the transit 2022. During the visit, she also addressed a business of goods takes place through designated routes event, jointly organized by Indian and Bangladesh under a defined procedure. business communities on 7th September 2022. As a bilateral mechanism to review the issues relating A Meeting between Hon'ble Commerce and Industry to bilateral trade, transit and unauthorized trade Minister, India and Hon'ble Commerce Minister, related issues, an Inter-Governmental Committee Bangladesh was held on 22nd December 2022 at New (IGC) functions at Commerce Secretary level. Apart Delhi. The Ministers discussed various issues of from IGC, an Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee mutual interest including removal of non-tariff (IGSC) also functions at the level of Joint Secretary. barriers and port restrictions, re-opening of border Both sides are working on several projects to improve haats, harmonization and mutual recognition of trade infrastructure and connectivity, including Standards and procedures on both sides, settlement development of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) on of trade in Indian rupees, strengthening connectivity India-Nepal Border. The ICPs at Raxaul and Jogbani and trade infrastructure, among others, to realise the are already operational and other locations have full potential of India-Bangladesh economic ties. been identified for such development, on the basis of During the meeting early launch of the Comprehen- a variety of factors including trade volume. sive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was also discussed. 84 DEPARTMENT
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(v) Sri Lanka (viii) Maldives The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) has The bilateral trade between India and Maldives is been in operation since 1st March 2000. Under this facilitated by a Trade Agreement between the two Agreement, both countries agreed to phase out trade countries. The agreement does not prescribe any tariffs from each other within a fixed time frame preferential tariffs for the imports of products into except for those items in the Negative List of each the other country, and is only a facilitative mechanism other. India has provided duty-free market access to for enhancement of bilateral trade. almost all the lines, and on 429 products no conces- Under the provisions of the Agreement, India facili- sions are given. Tariff rate quotas have been pre- tates provision of essential commodities to Maldives. scribed by India on import of apparel, tea, pepper, The relevant Notifications for this purpose were desiccated coconut and Vanaspati, bakery shortening processed and issued in July 2021. and margarine from Sri Lanka. Under ISFTA, Sri Lanka 4. TRADE WITH AFRICA has provided duty-free access for almost all the products except 1,180 products, on which no tariff Trade with Sub-Saharan Africa concessions have been provided under ISFTA. India's total trade with Sub Saharan Africa region (vi) Iran during 2021-22 was US$ 74.86 billion as compared to US$ 46.81 billion in 2020-21. While India's exports to A Joint Working Group (JWG) between the Ministry of SSA region in 2021-22 was US$ 33.08 billion vis-a-vis Commerce and Industry in India and the Ministry of US$ 22.95 billion in 2020-21, India's imports were to Industry, Mine & Trade in the Islamic Republic of Iran the tune of US$ 41.77 billion in 2021-22 as compared to is functioning at the level of Commerce Secretary to US$ 23.89 billion in 2020-21. discuss the issues related to bilateral trade between the two countries. In the last meeting of the JWG, During the period April-November 2022 (Prov.), there both sides agreed to commence text-based negotia- has been a growth of 24.22 per cent in the bilateral tions for the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). The trade vis-à-vis the corresponding period last year. fifth round of negotiation was held in Iran during 12th- India's exports to the SSA Region recorded a growth 13th February 2020. of 34.79 per cent, from US$ 21.15 billion in April- November 2021 to US$ 28.51 billion in April-November Efforts are also being made to address the emerging 2022, while India's imports from SSA region regis- challenges affecting India-Iran bilateral trade as a tered a growth of 15.37 per cent during the same consequence of international developments. period (i.e., from US$ 25.27 billion in April-November (vii) Pakistan 2021 to US$ 29.16 billion in April-November 2022). There is no bilateral agreement between India and (i) India and Mauritius signed the Comprehensive Pakistan. The bilateral trade mainly takes place under Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement the Agreement of South Asian Free Trade Area (CECPA) (SAFTA). No bilateral meeting on trade related issues, India and Mauritius signed the Comprehensive has taken place in recent past. Government has levied Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement a duty of 200 per cent on all products originating in or (CECPA) on 22nd February 2021, which entered into exported from Pakistan. force on 1st April 2021. Restrictions in the nature of prohibition of certain The CECPA is the first trade Agreement signed by products and port restrictions were already in place India with a country in Africa. The Agreement is a on import of products by Pakistan from India. In limited agreement, which will cover Trade in Goods, August 2019, bilateral trade with India was com- Rules of Origin, Trade in Services, Technical Barriers to pletely suspended by Pakistan. Subsequently, partial Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) relaxation has been provided by Pakistan for import measures, Dispute Settlement, Movement of Natural of certain pharmaceutical products from India. 85 DEPARTMENT
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Persons, Telecom, Financial services, Customs (iii) First Session of India Senegal JTC Procedures and Cooperation in other Areas. The first session of India-Senegal Joint Trade Commit- The India-Mauritius CECPA provides for an institu- tee was held through virtual mode on 5th May 2022. tional mechanism to encourage and improve trade The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary between the two countries. The CECPA between (Africa), Department of Commerce. Both sides India and Mauritius covers 310 export items for India. reviewed the existing bilateral trade and investment As regards trade in services, Indian service providers and agreed to enhance the economic and commercial will have access to around 115 subsectors from the 11 partnership between the two countries. broad service sectors. (iv) Third Session of India Ghana JTC India and Mauritius notified to each other, through The third session of India-Ghana Joint Trade Commit- diplomatic channels, their acceptance for inclusion of tee (JTC) was held on 21st July 2022, in New Delhi the General Economic Cooperation (GEC) chapter and under the co-chairmanship of Joint Secretary(Africa) Automatic Trigger Safeguard Mechanism (ATSM) by Department of Commerce. During the meeting amendment of the India-Mauritius CECPA. The discussions were held inter-alia on review of bilateral amended agreement came into force w.e.f. 1st trade, cooperation in sectors such as SMEs, Science & October 2022. Technology, Trade Assistance Programme (TAP), The 1st session of India-Mauritius HPJTC (constituted Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on possible as per mandate of the India-Mauritius CECPA) was areas of cooperation for promotion of accounting held on 1st-3rd August 2022 in New Delhi under the co- and finance services between India & Ghana. chair of Joint Secretary (Africa), Department of (v) 17th CII –EXIM Bank Digital Conclave Commerce. The 17th edition of CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India - Discussions were held inter-alia, on the areas of Africa Growth Partnership “Creating Shared cooperation envisaged in the General Economic Futures”, was held during 19th & 20th July 2022 at Cooperation (GEC) Chapter and Automatic Trigger New Delhi, with the support of Ministry of Commerce Safeguard Mechanism in CECPA and Action Plan for & Industry. There were over 1,000 representatives implementation of GEC; Extension of validity period from Government and businesses from 41 countries of the Tariff Rate Quotas(TRQs); Mutual Recognition from Africa attending this conclave. The conclave Agreements(MRAs) on qualifications by professional covered ten sectoral sessions including agriculture, bodies, etc. food processing, development and energy infrastruc- (ii) India and Southern African Customs Union ture, defence, start-ups, healthcare, pharma, IT, skill (SACU) Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) development and financial partnership. The Conclave witnessed participation of Hon'ble CIM, The Southern African Custom Union (SACU) is the EAM and several other senior Government officers oldest Customs Union in the world established in 1910 and business delegates from India. Bilateral meet- consisting of a group of 5 countries namely Bot- ings were also held by Hon'ble MoS with counterparts swana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini (Swaziland) and of Gabon and Ethiopia, in which productive discus- South Africa. Five rounds of negotiations have been sions covering the entire gamut of bilateral trade, held so far between 2007 - 2010. A virtual Senior commerce, economic and investment ties were held. Official Meeting was held on 15th July 2020. Both sides agreed for early resumption of the negotiations (vi) Meeting with Indian missions in Africa Division on PTA between India and SACU. Both sides also The Department of Commerce, in consultation with agreed on the time lines for exchange of trade and stakeholders, have set a target for Indian exports for tariff data, and submission of revised modalities for the current financial year 2022-23. PTA negotiations. Discussions are ongoing between With a view to achieve the target set for each of the the two sides for re-launch of the PTA negotiations. countries in SSA region, virtual meetings were held 86 DEPARTMENT
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with commercial representatives of Missions in Africa FY 2021-22 (April-November). Exports to WANA to discuss the opportunities and challenges to region increased by 28.69 per cent from US$ 37.13 promote the bilateral trade between India and these billion in FY 2021-22 (April-November) to US$ 47.78 countries. The missions were also encouraged to billion in FY 2022-23 (April-November). Imports from continue with their efforts to engage with the Indian WANA region increased by 39.28 per cent from US$ exporters and Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in 90.72 billion in FY 2021-22 (April-November) to US$ organizing/promoting virtual business events, 126.36 billion in FY 2022-23 (April-November). understanding of business environment, require- ments and available opportunities. (i) India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) 5. TRADE WITH WEST ASIA AND NORTH AFRICA The India-UAE CEPA, which was signed on 18th (WANA) February 2022 by the Minister of Commerce and The total bilateral trade between India and WANA Industry Shri Piyush Goyal and Minister of Economy of region was US$ 215.83 billion in FY 2021-22. India's UAE, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, came into force exports to WANA region were at US$ 60.45 billion from 1st May 2022. Department of Commerce held a whereas imports from WANA region stood at US$ series of outreach events to increase awareness of 155.38 billion in FY 2021-22. Major commodities of the Agreement among industry stakeholders. export from India to WANA region include petroleum Resultantly, the number of Preferential Certificates of products, pearls, precious & semiprecious stones, Origin (COOs) issued under this Agreement has gold and other precious metal jewellery, iron and steadily increased from 415 (May 2022) to 5140 steel, telecom instruments etc. Crude petroleum, (October 2022). Also, the value of consignments petroleum products, pearl, precious & semiprecious declared under these COOs has also risen significantly stones, manufactured fertilizers, gold, etc. are the from US$ 133.2 million (May 2022) to US$ 1277.7 million leading commodities imported by India from WANA (October 2022). Non-oil exports to the UAE during the region. period June to October 2022 grew by 8 per cent on a During FY 2022-23 (April-November), total bilateral year-on-year basis outperforming India's global non- trade with WANA region stood at US$ 174.14 billion, oil export growth (-2 per cent) during the same registering a growth of 36.21 per cent as compared to period. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal and the Minister of Economy of UAE, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri signing the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in New Delhi on 18th February 2022. (ii) India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visited New Delhi on Agreement (FTA) Negotiations to be resumed 24th November 2022 and held a bilateral meeting with Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and H.E Dr. Nayef Falah M. Al-Hajraf, Secretary General, Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public 87 DEPARTMENT
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Distribution and Textiles, Government of India. They Meeting (JCM) was successfully held on 11th May have welcomed the significant progress in recent 2022 in New Delhi under the co-chairmanship of years on all matters of mutual interest across the Hon'ble CIM, Shri Piyush Goyal and H.E. Qais bin entire gamut of bilateral economic and commercial Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce and relations between India and the GCC countries. To Industry and Investment Promotion of Sultanate of further strengthen the economic and commercial Oman. During the meeting, both sides deliberated partnership, both sides announced the intent to upon issues cutting across trade and investment. pursue resumption of negotiations for conclusion of a Both sides also reviewed the progress of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the prospective Memorandum of Understanding GCC. (MoUs) and Agreements and agreed to conclude them expeditiously. (iii) Institutional Engagements with Partner Countries v The 10th Session of India-Oman Joint Commission The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal and the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef at the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), in New Delhi on 11th May 2022. v The First Ministerial meeting of the Economy & v Incoming visits of the HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Investment Committee under the India-Saudi Salman, Minister of Energy, Saudi Arabia (21st Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) was October 2022); and H.E. Dr. Nayef Falah M Al- held in Riyadh on 18th-19th September 2022 with Hajraf, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation participation of the Indian delegation led by HCIM. Council (24th November 2022) were successfully During the Ministerial meeting, more than 40 areas organized. of bilateral cooperation identified by the (iv) Trade Promotion Efforts in Association with constituent Joint Working Groups were discussed Indian Missions in WANA Countries and ways of implementing priority projects to strengthen trade and investment linkages were v Periodic DVCs were held with Indian Missions in the discussed. WANA region, and concerned Indian Export Promotion Councils, Industry bodies, and Apex v The 5th Session of India-Egypt Joint Trade Chambers of Commerce & Industry, to increase Committee and the 5th India-Egypt Joint Business overall bilateral trade and particularly to enhance Council Meeting were successfully held on 25th- 26th July 2022 in Cairo. exports from India. 88 DEPARTMENT
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v Indian Missions in WANA region undertook a respect to same period of previous year. India's trade number of trade promotion measures, including deficit with LAC has increased to US$ (-) 6,803.65 through organization of series of trade events, million during 2021-22 from US$ (-)2,375.18 million buyer seller meets, reverse buyer seller meets, during 2020-21. facilitation of participation of Indian businesses in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, international exhibitions, business matchmaking, Ecuador, Dominic Republic, Panama Republic and disputes redressal and so on. Guatemala are the top ten trading partners. Largest 6. TRADE WITH LATIN AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN importers of Indian merchandise in LAC Region are Brazil (43.45%), Argentina (9.55%), Colombia (9.22%), Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) region has emerged Chile (7.91%), Peru (6.01%), Guatemala (3.70%), as potential growth market for India with significant Panama Republic (2.33%), Venezuela (2.24%), complementarities and synergies in trade and Honduras (2.13%) and Dominic Republic (2.08%). business. LAC region comprises of 43 countries. India is among Latin America's top ten global export India's Imports from LAC countries is highly destinations. Total bilateral merchandise trade with concentrated in the hands of a few economies. The the region increased from US$ 1.49 billion in 2000-01 top Importing partners of India in LAC region are to US$ 36.67 billion in 2021-22. LAC region accounts for Brazil (26.28%), Argentina (19.33%), Colombia 3.54 per cent of India's Global trade. (13.64%), Peru (12.45%), Bolivia (9.53%), Chile (6.31%), Ecuador (4.66%), Dominic Rep (2.98%), Panama India's exports to LAC region stood at US$ 14.93 Republic (1.35%) and Uruguay (0.74%), constituting billion and imports at US$ 21.74 billion during 2021-22. 97.27% of India's total imports from LAC. India's exports to LAC have increased by 47.8 per cent while imports by 74.19 per cent during 2021-22 with The graph below highlights the top 10 Trading Partners in LAC region. Source : DGCI&S, Kolkata India's exports to LAC region are diversified and ery for dairy etc. India's imports from LAC region are dominated by finished products like Petroleum primarily commodities which are inputs and raw Products, agro chemicals; drug formulations; motor materials to our industries and comprise of gold, vehicles & cars; two & three wheelers; iron & steel; Petroleum crude, vegetable oils, bulk minerals & ores, man-made fabrics, yarn, fabrics & made-ups; Cotton wood and its products etc. Yarn; auto components/parts; and Industrial Machin- 89 DEPARTMENT
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(i) Engagement with LAC Region meeting of TMM was held till now, with last meeting organized on 24th January 2020. Trade Agreements v Indian-Argentina Joint Trade Committee (JTC): Presently, India is having 2 Preferential Trade Agree- Article XI of the Trade Agreement signed in 1981 ment (PTA) in LAC Region: between India and Argentina mentions creation of v India- Chile PTA: India had signed Preferential Trade Joint Trade Committee. Three meeting of JTC have Agreement (PTA) with Chile on 08.03.2006 which been held till now, the 3rd meeting was held on was first expanded from 16th May 2017. Under 20th October 2020. expanded PTA, India has increased Margin of v India-Ecuador Joint Economic & Trade Committee Preference from 178 to 1034 Tariff Lines offering to (JETCO): Within the framework of the Memoran- Chile. On the other hand, Chile has expanded dum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2013 on Margin of Preference from earlier 296 to 1798 Tariff Economic Cooperation between India and Ecua- Lines. dor, JETCO has been established in 2015 with the v India Mercosur PTA: India had signed Preferential objective to promote trade, economic and techni- Trade Agreement (PTA) with MERCOSUR (a cal cooperation on the basis of mutual advantage. trading bloc in South America region, originally 1st meeting of JETCO was held on 17th May 2017. comprising of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and v India Colombia Joint Committee of Business Uruguay) which came into effect from 1st June, Development Cooperation (JCBDC): India- 2009. Under the PTA, India and Mercosur has Colombia Joint Committee on Business Develop- offered Margin of Preference on 450 and 452 tariff lines to each other respectively. ment Cooperation (JBDC) was constituted in the spirit of an MoU on Business Development Cooper- (ii) Institutional Mechanisms ation signed on 30th April 2010. 3 meetings of In order to promote India's trade with LAC region JCBDC have been held till now, last meeting countries, consistent efforts are made to engage organized on 19th May 2017. partner countries through various mechanisms i.e. (iii) On-going Initiatives Joint Economic Trade Committees, Trade Monitoring Mechanism, Joint Committee of Business Develop- v India-Chile PTA and its 2nd expansion: India-Chile ment Cooperation and Preferential Trade Agree- PTA signed on 8th March 2006 and has been 1st ments. expanded from 16th May 2017. Both sides have agreed for 2nd expansion of India-Chile PTA. v India-Costa Rica Joint Economic Trade Committee Negotiations for the further expansion and (JETCO): Within the framework of the Memoran- deepening on PTA were initiated in 2019. The dum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2013 on second and third round of negotiations were held Economic Cooperation between India and Costa during 8th-9th April 2021 and 6th-7th October 2021 Rica, protocol for India-Costa Rica Joint Economic respectively, over video-conference. Trade Committee (JETCO) has been signed in June 2021 with the objective to promote trade, eco- v India Peru Trade Agreement: India is negotiating a nomic and technical cooperation on the basis of Trade Agreement with Peru covering trade in mutual advantage. goods, services and investment. As of now, five rounds of negotiations have been held and the last v India- Brazil Trade Monitoring Mechanism (TMM): round was held in New Delhi during 20th-22nd TMM was established consequent to the bilateral August 2019. A virtual meeting with Chief Negotia- meeting held between India and Brazil on the tor of Peru was organized on 20th July 2021 to sidelines of 3rd IBSA Business Summit held in October 2008. The objective is to identify bottle- review the present status of the India-Peru Trade necks and take appropriate measures to overcome Negotiation. operational/ tariff obstacles to bilateral trade. Five 90 DEPARTMENT
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(iv) Current Initiatives 12.22 billion (70 per cent) against the target of US $ 17.5 billion for LAC Region. v Virtual Meeting with Embassy of India- Virtual meeting with Embassy of India in LAC Region was v Limited Expansion of India- Mercosur PTA held in February- March 2022 to formulate strate- t India has shared Terms of Reference (ToR) along gies for enhancing bilateral trade, opening up of with Annex on Auto & Pharma and wish-list new avenues for Indian exporters, expansion of comprising 20 Tariff Lines of India's interest with the trade basket, to make use of the recent Mercosur for Limited Expansion of India- changes in the trade dynamics and explore possibil- Mercosur PTA, on 4th April 2022. ities of new trade agreements / expansion of t Both India-Mercosur has agreed to expand the existing trade agreements in LAC countries. Virtual PTA as substantial scope exists for both the meeting with Embassy of India was held with parties to explore complementarities and Indian Ambassadors on 14th and 18th October 2022 benefit from increased bilateral trade. to take stock of issues prevailing in LAC countries for achieving exports targets of US$ 17.5 billion 7. TRADE WITH COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPEND- during 2022-23. ENT STATES (CIS) v Virtual Meeting with EoI, Trade Bodies/EPCs & The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Commodity Boards - Meeting on “Review of comprises the Russian Federation, Republic of exports and strategy for India- LAC Trade and Armenia, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Belarus, Economic Cooperation in 2023” was held on Georgia, Moldova, Republic of Ukraine, Republic of 01.12.2022 under the co-chairmanship of Shri Akash Kazakhstan, Republic of Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Taneja, Additional DGFT, FT(LAC) Division, Depart- Tajikistan, Republic of Turkmenistan and Republic of ment of Commerce and Shri G. V. Srinivas, Addi- Uzbekistan. tional Secretary (LAC), Ministry of External Affairs. Data regarding Bilateral trade with these countries is v Export Achievement- For the period April- Novem- shown in the Table below: ber 2022, India has achieved export target of US$ Source : DGCI&S, Kolkata, (P): Provisional The CIS region had a share of 0.91 per cent in India's Spices, Iron and steel, Vehicles other than railway or total export and 5.88 per cent in its total import tramway rolling stock, Chemical products, Fish and during 2022-23 (April to September). crustaceans and Meat. Important items of import to India from CIS region are Mineral fuels and oils, The principal commodities of export to the CIS region Animal or vegetable fats and oils, Natural or cultured include Pharmaceutical products, Electrical Machin- pearls, precious or semi-precious stone, Fertilizers, ery and equipment, Machinery and mechanical Paper and paperboard, Plastics, Iron and steel, appliances, Organic chemicals, Coffee, Tea and Inorganic chemicals, Salt, Ores & Slag and ash. 91 DEPARTMENT
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(i) Russian Federation consist of five countries; Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. A meeting The Russian Federation, constituting a major portion between Chief Negotiators of both the sides was of the former USSR, continue to be India's most held on 13th October 2020 to discuss the important trading partner in the region accounting approaches and agenda for First Round of Nega- for about 92.49 per cent of India's total trade with CIS tions for Trade Agreement in Goods between India region in 2022-23 (April-September). Ministry of and EAEU. Further, meetings were conducted on External Affairs is the Nodal Ministry for Inter- 14th January 2022 and 21st February 2022 to discuss Governmental Commission (IGC) between India and various contours of Terms of references. Russian Federation. India and Russian Federation have a Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic v International North–South Transport Corridor Cooperation as well as a Sub-Working Group on (INSTC): INSTC is an important initiative taken by Elimination of Barriers in Trade, Economic and India, Russia and Iran to promote transportation Investment Spheres which is led by Department of cooperation and to enhance their connectivity with Commerce. the Central Asian countries. There will be reduction of 30 per cent in transportation cost and 40 per (ii) Central Asian Republics cent in distance while sending cargo through this Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, route. The 7th meeting of INSTC Coordination and Uzbekistan constitute the Central Asian Repub- Council was held on 4th-5th March 2019 in Tehran, lics. Department of Commerce (DoC) is Nodal Depart- wherein various issues relating to customs, ship- ment for Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) and ping, road transport, banking and insurance were Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with Kyrgyzstan, discussed. It was decided to use TIR and E-TIR Uzbekistan and Tajikistan respectively. Ministry of mechanism among all members, to conduct a new External Affairs is the Nodal Ministry for IGC matters test run along the corridor and to explore the with Turkmenistan and Ministry of Petroleum and possibilities of setting up a Multi Modal Joint Natural Gas looks after IGC with Kazakhstan. Corporate to provide hassle free movement of the (iii) Other CIS Countries cargo. Keeping in view the strategic importance, it has been decided to include Chabahar Port into Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and INSTC project and prepare a consensus among Ukraine form this group. After Russia, Azerbaijan is member states to get this issue included in the India's second largest trading partner in the CIS Agenda of the next INSTC meeting to be held in region accounting for about 2.21 per cent of India's Baku. total trade with CIS region during 2022-23 (April- September). v Initiation of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Georgia: Joint Feasibility Study (JFS) Report on Department of Commerce is the Nodal Department feasibility of FTA between India and Georgia has for the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) with been completed in August 2018. The findings of the Azerbaijan. Department for Promotion of Industry JFS report have been accepted by both the sides and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is the Nodal Department and on 11th January 2019 a Protocol was signed for the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) with jointly for commencing negotiations for FTA. Belarus. Ministry of External Affairs is the Nodal Ministry for the Inter-Governmental Commission v Joint Feasibility Study (JFS) for PTA with (IGC) matters with Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine. A Uzbekistan: A Joint Statement for launching Joint proposal has been moved to constitute a new IGC Feasibility Study (JFS) to explore the potential of a with Moldova. PTA between India and Republic of Uzbekistan was signed on 25th September 2019 in Tashkent. The (iv) Major Initiatives in CIS Region JFS gave its final report on 6th August 2021 and v Initiation of negotiations for Trade Agreement recommended that both the countries should with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU): EAEU have a Preferential Trade Agreement in goods. 92 DEPARTMENT
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After examining the recommendations of the JFS, engagements at the CEO level. More than 200 such procedural formalities for commencing the PTA are meetings at various levels have been organized by under consideration. the Mission over the last six months alone. 8. TRADE WITH NORTH AMERICA FREE TRADE v The mission regularly reports on various policy AGREEMENT (NAFTA) COUNTRIES developments on the trade and commercial front and has sent over 25 such reports to the GOI in the (A) USA last six months. Mission has consistently engaged v India's exports to US are on course to meet the with the Department of Labor on the removal of target of US$ 82 billion for the financial year 2022-23 Indian products from the TVPRA list and has with US$ 53.12 billion being achieved in the first facilitated the visit of the US delegation to India in eight months. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) this regard. Mission also regularly reports on Anti- from the US also continues to be at record levels Dumping/Countervailing duty cases that are with an estimated US$ 10 billion in the current administered by the USITC. financial year alone. (B) Canada v FT (NAFTA) division and concerned mission and v Indian exports to Canada are on track to exceed posts regularly interacts with the US Government the target of US$ 3.81 billion for 2022-23 with US$ on trade and commercial matters. These include 2.9 billion being achieved in the first eight months. discussions on the India-US Trade Policy Forum Total FDI Equity Inflows from Canada in India from (TPF) with USTR, the India-US CEOs Forum and April 2000-September 2022 amount to US$ 3.1 Commercial Dialogue with the Commerce Depart- billion. ment, Indo-Pacific Economic Forum and other v The Mission in coordination with DoC and other multilateral forums. The revamped India-US CEOs stakeholders has worked relentlessly to provide Forum was launched by CIM and US Commerce sophisticated market analysis for Canada and Secretary in November 2022. helped provide opportunities for Indian exporters. v Trade Policy Forum (TPF) is key pillar of bilateral The 'guide to doing business in Canada' procured engagements in resolving the outstanding trade by the Mission and provided to Indian exporters issues from time to time. It is held annually, co- has been a tremendous success. The Mission has chaired by the HCIM and USTR. Discussions are organized and participated in 64 trade and invest- organized around Working Groups (WGs) on ment activities such as business roundtables, Agriculture, non-Agricultural Goods, Services & commercial meetings, and other networking to Investment and Intellectual Property. enhance bilateral trade and investments for which essential support was provided by the DoC. v After the re-launch of TPF in November 2021 in New Delhi after four years gap TPF Working Groups on v In line with the UN declaring 2023 as the Interna- agriculture, non-agriculture goods, services, tional Year of Millets, the mission is organising investment and Intellectual property were re- several promotional activities to promote Indian activated. Most WGs met virtually and separate millets by displaying the various varieties across commercial events and social media. meetings were held on issues such as WTO dis- putes etc. 13th Ministerial TPF meeting is expected v Canada's portfolio investments to India have in early 2023 in the US and both sides are working exceeded US$ 55 billion in the last seven years. The on achieving substantial agenda for the same. Mission has been proactively engaging with prospective investors in Canada and promptly v For export promotion and investments, the redirects investors to Invest India team to engage missions and posts regularly organize Buyer-Seller further with the investors. meetings, awareness building sessions and facilitates visits of trade delegations from CII and The Fifth Ministerial Dialogue on Trade & Investment FICCI, coordinates US official and industry visits to (MDTI) between India and Canada was a major India (eg. SIA, ORAN companies) and facilitates 93 DEPARTMENT
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success as it was agreed to formally re-launch the Trade Agreement (EPTA) that could be concluded India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership early as a transitional step towards the CEPA. Agreement (CEPA) negotiations. Both sides agreed to consider an interim agreement or Early Progress The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal meets The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Government of Canada for 5th India Canada Ministerial Dialogue v To enhance partnerships in the aviation sector, the v Understanding the opportunities created by global High Commission of India, Ottawa, and Canada- supply chain diversification due to the impact of India Business Council (C-IBC) in Montreal jointly COVID-19, the mission has been proactively organised an Executive Session with key aviation reaching out to Canadian businesses and has companies and pension fund managers which was directed them to explore manufacturing attended by the Hon'ble Minister of Civil Aviation opportunities in India. Recognising the increasing of India (MOCA), Mr. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. This need for economical IT support for Canadian was part of Mission's 'Make in India' initiative companies and India's competitive strength in this welcoming Canadian companies to invest in one of area, the mission continues to support the the fastest growing aviation markets globally and expansion of Indian IT companies in Canada. Lastly, to set up their manufacturing units in India. the Mission has leveraged its deep understanding of Canada's social, cultural and psychological v The Mission and posts held a series of Make in India trends and local presence to assist our export themed sector specific conferences in last financial houses and Export promotion councils design year in sectors such as IT, renewable energy, sophisticated campaigns to derive maximum infrastructure & manufacturing, travel, tourism & advantage of the resources utilized. hospitality and healthcare & pharmaceuticals. The mission is also working to organize an investment (C) Mexico conference/investment roadshow in Montreal to Promoting the 3Ts: Trade, Tourism and Technology in promote the Uttar Pradesh Global Investor Meet times of pandemic 2023. 94 DEPARTMENT
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v Indian exports to Mexico are on track to exceed v On the tourism front, mega tourism events are the target of US$ 4.91 billion for 2022-23 with US$ being planned to promote Indian states and tourist 3.4 billion being achieved in the first eight months. destinations. Extensive efforts have also been Total FDI Equity Inflows from Mexico in India from undertaken to promote yoga and Ayurveda along April 2000 - September 2022 amount to US$ 0.31 with tourism for health and wellness. billion. v On the technology front, an MoU between CSIR v On the trade front, this Mission continues to both, and AMEXCID is to be signed shortly. The mission organize, and participate in various trade and has focused on promoting academic and scientific investment promotion events. Effective use of exchanges between the two countries. The Social Media and press has been used to promptly mission is exploring possibilities to establish chairs disseminate information about Indian Economy, in the field of Ayurveda at eminent universities. trade and investment opportunities and trade fairs 9. TRADE WITH OCEANIA REGION being organized. The FT(Oceania) Division deals with India's bilateral v Major BSMs were organized to support trade relations with Australia, New Zealand, Timor- participation of Indian businesses and companies. Liste and Pacific Islands countries (Fiji, Kiribati, Papua v The Mission has taken up the case of anti-dumping New Guinea, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, duties imposed on a number of products of Indian Tuvalu, Vanuatu etc) origin with the International Trade Practices Unit India's Major Trade Activities in the Oceania Region under the Ministry of Economy of Mexico. (A) Australia v The mission has been working with Mexico's The India-Australia economic relationship has grown Ministry of Agriculture to facilitate and ease the significantly in recent years. India's growing exports of agriculture, dairy and meat product economic profile and commercial relevance to the from India through removal of SPS and TBT. Australian economy is recognized, both at the Federal v The mission has actively pursued India's strength in and State level in Australia. Australia is an important the pharmaceuticals and vaccines by negotiating strategic partner of India and both the countries are strategic partnerships and technology transfer part of the four nation QUAD, Trilateral Supply Chain agreements and MoUs. Initiative (SCRI) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF) for Creativity. India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade 2nd April 2022 by the Commerce and Industry Minister Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) of India Shri Piyush Goyal and the then Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister of Australia Shri Dan Tehan (a) To boost trade and investment between India and MP, in the virtual presence of the Hon’ble Prime Australia, the India-Australia Economic Cooperation Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and the then and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) was signed on Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Scott Morrison. 95 DEPARTMENT
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(b) Ind-Aus ECTA came into effect on 29th December trade in goods and services, which would create new 2022, opening the way for significantly enhance the employment opportunities as well as promote bilateral trade in goods and services and a gateway investment in the two countries. It reflects the depth for cooperation on a number of areas. Both the of mutual trust and confidence between the two countries have trade complementarities. It is countries and will further strengthen the already expected that with the Entry into force of this existing close and strategic relations between India & agreement, will enhance opportunities for bilateral Australia. (c) Ind-Aus ECTA, which is India’s first trade agree- furniture, agricultural products, engineering goods, ment with a developed nation in more than a decade, medical products and automobiles. This will surely Australia will provide zero duty access to India for 100 provide an additional comparative advantage for our per cent of its tariff lines with 98.3 per cent of the already globally competitive products. As regards Tariff lines getting immediate duty-free access. It is trade in services, Australia has offered wide ranging expected that with this agreement, Indian businesses commitments in key areas of India’s interest such as will gain improved market access in many product Quota for chefs and yoga teachers; Post study work lines, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as visa of 2-4 yrs. for Indian students on reciprocal basis; gems and jewellery, textiles, leather & footwear, mutual recognition of Professional Services and Work 96 DEPARTMENT
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& Holiday visa arrangement for young professionals. As per the provisions of Ind-Aus ECTA, Chief Overall, It is expected that with this agreement, the Negotiators from both the Countries are discuss- total bilateral trade will cross US$ 45-50 billion in 5 ing each other to finalise the scoping document years from existing US$ 31 billion. India’s Merchandise for negotiations of Comprehensive Economic Exports is likely to increase by 10 billion by 2026-27, Cooperation Agreement (CECA). and likely to generate additional employment of 10 (B) New Zealand lakhs in next 5 years once implemented and will enhance mobility of students, professionals, and India and New Zealand (NZ) have cordial and friendly tourists between the two sides strengthening relations rooted in the linkages of Commonwealth, people-to-people ties between the two nations. parliamentary democracy and the English language. Moreover, the long pending issue under Double Bilateral relations were established in 1952 between Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) related to India and New Zealand. NZ has identified India as a IT/ITES has been resolved under this agreement priority country in its "Opening Doors to India" policy which will provide a financial savings of more than notified in October 2011 which was reiterated by NZ in US$ 200 million per year as per industry associations' 2015. estimate. India-NZ Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Cooperation in areas such as Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Renewable Energy and India and New Zealand had earlier entered into a Services. Both sides discussed issues of market access trade agreement in 1986 with an aim to discuss the & co-operation in these sectors and decided to contours of a broader India-New Zealand economic resolve them in timely & effective manner. dialogue to sort out the issues pertaining to trade between the two countries. The institutional machin- In a subsequent bilateral Ministerial meeting held ery for the purpose created was the Joint Trade between India and New Zealand on 20th September Committee (JTC). The 10th Meeting of the India-New 2022, it was decided to create a few groups for Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New working out cooperation in relevant fields of mutual Delhi on 24th June 2022 to review and take measures interest. The officials from both the sides are working in furtherance of bilateral trade Partnership and to take this initiative forward. 97 DEPARTMENT
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(C) Fiji training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programmes. Every year, many India is a committed development partner of Fiji. ITEC slots are made available to Fijian nationals. India Indian assistance extends to sectors such as capacity provides Humanitarian and Disaster Relief assistance building through human resource development and from time to time whenever the need arises. EXPO/Buyer Seller Meet with MAI Assistance Zealand and Fiji. These are likely to increase bilateral trade and enhance areas of cooperation with these To promote the businesses with these countries and countries. other Pacific Island countries, EXPO/Buyer Seller Meets were organized by FIEO, ICC, Council for 10.TRADE WITH EUROPE Leather Exports (CLE), Apparel Export Promotion FT-Europe Division deals with trade relations with the Council (AEPC), Trade Promotion Council of India following countries of Europe: (TPCI), Pharmexcil at various places in Australia, New During 2022-23 (April-November), total bilateral trade (A) European Union (EU) with Europe stood at US$ 122.56 billion, registering a The EU as a bloc of 27 countries is an important growth of 10.58 per cent over the corresponding trading partner of India. During 2022-23 (Apr-Nov), period of previous year. Exports to Europe increased total bilateral trade with the EU stood at US$ 85.58 by 17.94 per cent from US$ 52.50 billion in 2021-22 billion, registering a growth of 17.87 per cent over the (April-November) to US$ 61.92 billion in 2022-23 (April- corresponding period of previous year. Exports to EU November). Imports from Europe increased by 3.95 increased by 20.20 per cent from US$ 39.36 billion in 2021-22 (Apr-Nov) to US$ 47.34 billion in 2022-23 (Apr- per cent from US$ 58.34 billion in 2021-22 (April- Nov). Imports from EU increased by 15.01 per cent November) to US$ 60.64 billion 2022-23 (April- from US$ 33.24 billion in 2021-22 (Apr-Nov) to US$ November). 38.23 billion in 2022-23 (Apr-Nov). 98 DEPARTMENT
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EU maintains rigorous Sanitary and phytosanitary International Trade during her visit to India. The FTA (SPS) measures, technical standards and regulations negotiations are being held in 26 policy areas. Six to protect environment and human life. The strin- Rounds of negotiations have so far been held, with gent residue limits prescribed by EU for pesticides in the last Round being held from 12th-16th December foods and other agri products, etc. sometime create 2022. unnecessary obstacles to India's exports. Such (C) European Free Trade Association (EFTA) market access issues faced by Indian industry are EFTA Trade bloc consists of Switzerland, Norway, regularly taken up by the FT(Europe) Division bilater- Iceland and Liechtenstein. During 2022-23 (April- ally with EU or through appropriate multilateral November), the total bilateral trade with EFTA stood forums. at US$ 13.95 billion, registering a decline of 32.19 per India-EU Free Trade Agreements cent over the corresponding period of previous year, India has re-launched negotiations for Free Trade which was US$ 20.57 billion. Exports to EFTA Agreement with European Union in June 2022, increased by 10.62 per cent from US$ 1.14 billion in after a gap of 9 years. Earlier, India and EU had 2021-22 (April-November) to US$ 1.26 billion in 2022-23 negotiated a broad-based bilateral trade and (April-November). Imports from EFTA decreased by investment agreement (BTIA) from 2007 to 2013 34.70 per cent from US$ 19.43 billion in 2021-22 (April- and 16 rounds of negotiations were held till 2013. In November) to US$ 12.69 billion in 2022-23 (April- the re-launched negotiations, Investment is being November). negotiated as a stand-alone Investment Protection India–EFTA TEPA Negotiations Agreement by the Department of Economic v India and EFTA had initiated a dialogue on Trade Affairs. Similarly, the chapter of Geographical and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in Indicators is also now being negotiated by the October 2008. Negotiations are held in 14 DPIIT as a separate agreement. tracks/chapters, which both sides committed to v After the formal launch of negotiations for the conclude in a time-bound manner. So far, 17 rounds three agreements in June 2022, three rounds of the of negotiations have been held, with the last round negotiation have been held in June 2022, October being held during 18th-21st September 2017. 2022 and November/December 2022. The next Thereafter, regular discussions at the level of Chief round is scheduled in March 2023. Negotiators and the respective track leads on (B) UK outstanding tracks are being held to sort out the differences to arrive at a consensus. UK is one of the most important trading partners of India in Europe. The bilateral trade with UK during v The last interaction between Chief Negotiator was 2022-23 (April-November) stood at US$ 14.04 billion, held on 15th September 2022 to discuss the way registering a growth of 27.18 per cent over the forward for negotiations, followed by discussions corresponding period of previous year. Exports to UK at the Ministerial level on 4th October 2022. Efforts increased by 8.03 per cent from US$ 6.74 billion in are being made to arrive at a consensus keeping in 2021-22 (April-November) to US$ 7.29 billion in 2022-23 mind the ambitions and sensitivities of both sides. (April-November). Imports from UK increased by India is committed to a balanced and mutually 57.22 per cent from US$ 4.30 billion in 2021-22 (April- beneficial agreement with EFTA. November) to US$ 6.76 billion in 2022-23 (April- (D) Other European Countries November). During 2022-23 (April-November), total bilateral trade India-UK Free Trade Agreement with other six European Countries i.e. Albania, Bosnia- (a) The India-UK FTA negotiations were launched on Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro 13th January 2022 by the Hon'ble Commerce & and Turkey stood at US$ 8.99 billion, registering a Industry Minister and the UK's Secretary of State for growth of 35.74 per cent over the corresponding 99 DEPARTMENT
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period of previous year. Exports to these European countries viz. Austria, Belgium-Luxembourg, Bosnia Countries increased by 14.65 per cent from US$ 5.26 & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech billion in 2021-22 (April-November) to US$ 6.03 billion Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Netherland, in 2022-23 (April-November). Similarly, Imports Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, increased by 116.86 per cent from US$ 1.37 billion in Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and UK as well as 2021-22 (April-November) to US$ 2.96 billion in 2022- with EU have been set up. 23 (April-November). In the year 2022-23 (April-December, 2022), meetings (E) Institutional Mechanism of following Joint Commissions have held: Institutional Mechanisms with several European (F) Other Bilateral Engagements (at Ministerial Community in UK on 26th and 27th May in London, level) UK. Hon'ble Commerce and Industry Minister had: v Bilateral meeting with EU's Executive Vice Presi- dent Mr. Valid Dombrovskis on 17th June 2022 in v Bilateral virtual interaction with French Minister for Brussels. External Trade, H.E. Franck Riester on 19th April 2022. v Meeting with Mr. Oliver Becht, Minister for Foreign v Bilateral Meeting with Mr. Mika Lintila, Economic Trade, France on 23rd September 2022 at Bali on Affairs Minister of Finland on 19th April 2022 in New the sidelines of G-20 TIMM. Delhi. v Meeting with Ms. Maria Reyes MarotoIllera, v Bilateral Meeting with Ms. Anna Halberg, Swedish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Spain on Foreign Minister on 25th April 2022, in New Delhi. 23rd September 2022 at Bali on the sidelines of G-20 TIMM. v Bilateral meeting with Mr. Zbigniew Rau, Foreign Minister, Poland on 25th April 2022 in New Delhi. v Bilateral meeting with Mr. Guy Parmelin, Swiss Federal Councilor, on 18th May 2022(Davos), 4th v Virtual Meeting with Ms. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, October 2022 (New Delhi) and 6th December Secretary of State for International Trade, UK on 2022(virtual). 4th May 2022. v Bilateral Meeting with H.E. Luigi Di Maio, Italian v Virtual meeting with UK's SoS Ms. Kemi Badenoch Minister of Foreign Affairs, of Italy on 6th May 2022 on 26th September 2022, 10th October 2022, 4th in New Delhi. November 2022 v Meeting with Ms. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Secretary vMeeting with UK's SoS Ms. Kemi Badenoch on 13th of State for International Trade, UK and Business December 2022 in New Delhi. 100 DEPARTMENT
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The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal in a bilateral meeting with the UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Ms. Kemi Badenoch, in New Delhi on 13th December 2022. 11. INTERNATIONAL TRADE ORGANIZATIONS Members, on consensus basis, in a number of areas. (A) WTO and related issues MC-12 recognized the importance of contribution of multilateral trading system to promote the UN 2030 India is one of the founding members of World Trade Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals in its Organisation (WTO) and believes that there is no economic, social, and environmental dimensions, in alternative to the rules based, inclusive, open and so far as they relate to WTO mandates and in a transparent multilateral trading system with manner consistent with the respective needs and development objectives at its core that works on the concerns of Members, at different levels of economic principle of consensus-based decision making. The development. Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) was held in Geneva, Switzerland during 12th-17th June 2022, Member nations also recognized women's economic with Kazakhstan as co-host. India participated empowerment and the contribution of MSMEs to constructively in the negotiations in all areas which inclusive and sustainable economic growth and were part of agenda i.e. agriculture, fisheries, WTO acknowledged their different context, challenges and response to pandemic, TRIPS, E-Commerce and WTO capabilities in countries at different stages of reform. The Conference ended in the early hours of development. They also took note of the WTO, 17th June 2022 with outcomes agreed by all 164 UNCTAD and ITC's work on these issues. Indian Delegation engaged in Negotiations at MC12, at Indian Delegation headed by the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Geneva Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal with the WTO DG and the officials of the WTO Secretariat 101 DEPARTMENT
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The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal with Director General, WTO, Ms. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala The following paragraphs provide details about the The MC12 outcome on agriculture comprised of a important areas of negotiations at the WTO along Ministerial Declaration on the emergency response to with the outcomes of the Mc12: food insecurity and a Ministerial Decision on exempt- ing the World Food Programme (WFP) humanitarian (i) Agriculture food purchases from export prohibitions or restric- In the area of agriculture, asymmetries exist in tions. Both these outcomes attempt to respond to entitlements of the developed and developing the demands from the international community for Members at the WTO. While the developed countries immediate action by WTO members to address food carry on targeting the domestic support provided by shortages and soaring food prices and ensure that the developing countries, India has been seeking to most vulnerable can access emergency food aid. achieve level playing field by elimination of trade distorting domestic support provided by some The Conference delivered on the agenda of food developed countries, as a first step in the agriculture security in a very limited manner, it could not succeed negotiations. in delivering on the mandated issues of agriculture negotiations, that is, a permanent solution for public A key issue of importance to India is the public stock stockholding (PSH) for food security purposes and a holding (PSH) for food security purposes. At the special safeguard mechanism for developing coun- WTO, India, along with a number of developing tries. The former has remained an important tool in countries, has been demanding a permanent solution ensuring food security during the pandemic, while for the issue of PSH, a long pending mandated issue in the latter is a legit demand of the developing coun- agriculture negotiations. India does not want to link tries in order to address sudden price falls and import PSH issue with other agriculture issues and to negoti- volume surges, affecting the livelihood of farmers ate it on a separate track, as per the decision taken in adversely. the Tenth Ministerial Conference of the WTO in Nairobi (2015). This was followed by a number of (ii) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies proposals by India as part of the G33 group at the The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted WTO for a permanent solution, the latest submission at the MC12 on 17th June 2022, marked a major step made on 31st May 2022, along with the G-33, African forward for ocean sustainability by prohibiting Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group and African Group harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a key factor in and has been engaging with Members to build a wider the widespread depletion of the world's fish stocks. coalition on this issue. 102 DEPARTMENT
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In order to set right the imbalance in the high subsi- stresses the importance of facilitating the interna- dies given by advanced fishing nations and to achieve tional operations of service suppliers, trade in ser- equity, India proposed no prohibition on subsidies vices, including health services and ICT services while granted by developing countries for low income, noting the importance of mutual recognition norms resource poor fishermen or livelihood fishing related for services, such as, recognition of vaccination activities up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a certificates and interoperability and mutual recogni- sufficiently long transition period of 25 years for tion of digital health application. India has benefited future fishing or fishing-related activities, including from the mutual recognitions underlined in the distant water fishing, the need to incorporate declaration and it will further boost international 'Common But Differentiated Responsibility' (CBDR) travel and post pandemic economic recovery along and 'polluter pays' principle. India also sought S&DT with facilitating long term ease of travel to Indian in fisheries subsidies. professionals, around the world. The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies agreed at the The declaration recognizes the right of members to MC12 will prohibit subsidies from being provided for apply export restrictions to address acute supply-side Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing constraints while also requiring them to exercise due and overfished stocks. Developing countries, restraint when taking trade restrictive measures. The including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have declaration acknowledges the adoption by Members been allowed S&DT in the form of a transition period of such measures, including tariff reductions or of two years after the entry into force of the Agree- adjustments on COVID-19 health products, transpar- ment. The Agreement also prohibits subsidies on high ency and monitoring-related measures and simplified seas, which are outside the jurisdiction of coastal customs procedures, among others. countries and Regional Fisheries Management India's policy space available in WTO for addressing Organizations/ Arrangements (RFMO/As). COVID-19 pandemic or any future pandemic, has been For the Agreement to become operational, two- preserved while there is an acknowledgement of the thirds of Members have to deposit their “instruments role of the services sector particularly of interest to us of acceptance” with the WTO. Members also agreed in the post-COVID 19 economic revival. There is also an at MC12 to continue negotiations on outstanding acknowledgment of different levels of development issues, with a view to making recommendations by of Member countries which has determined their MC13 for additional provisions that would further response to the Pandemic. enhance the disciplines of the Agreement. (iv) Electronic Commerce (iii) WTO Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (a) Work Programme on E-Commerce The Ministerial Declaration on the WTO Response to v The General Council (GC) of the WTO established a the COVID-19 Pandemic and preparedness for future Work Programme on E-Commerce (WPEC), with an pandemics, agreed at MC12, provides a template for a exploratory and non-negotiating mandate, to faster and globally coordinated response in this comprehensively examine all trade-related issues regard. relating to global e-commerce, taking into account India's suggestion to place a pandemic response the economic, financial and development needs of system by mapping manufacturing capacities and developing countries. Ministerial Declarations, demands and matchmaking to cater to such over the years, have called for continuing or re- demands, in collaboration with WHO and other invigorating the work under the WPEC. India is of international organizations, has been noted in the the view that developing countries need to pre- Declaration. serve flexibility to implement policies to 'catch-up' in the digital arena. India has been supporting re- The declaration underlines the critical role of services, invigoration of work under the existing explor- which was severely impacted in the fight against atory and non-negotiating mandate of the WPEC. COVID-19 pandemic, for future pandemics and 103 DEPARTMENT
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v For MC12 held in June 2022, India along with South instruct the General Council to hold periodic Africa and Indonesia made a submission support- reviews based on the reports that may be submit- ing re-invigoration of work under the WPEC, ted by relevant WTO bodies, including on scope, including the development related issues under it. definition, and impact of the moratorium on India stressed that increasing participation of customs duties on electronic transmissions. developing countries in global e-commerce (v) WTO Reform & Appellate Body Crisis continues to be a challenge and that there has Proposals and suggestions for reforms for strength- been no comprehensive assessment of the devel- ening and modernizing the WTO have been under opmental aspects of global e-commerce under the discussion for the last several years in various bodies. WPEC. At MC12, Members agreed to reinvigorate India took the initiative to present a Developing the work under the WPEC based on its existing countries' reform paper “Strengthening the WTO to mandate and particularly in line with its develop- promote development and inclusivity” in August 2019 ment dimension. which was co-sponsored by Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, v India is actively participating in the discussions Malawi, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and related to the WPEC. India has already tabled a Oman. The latest versions were submitted in Decem- paper on “Consumer Protection in E-Commerce" ber 2020 and in February 2022 to keep the reform at the WTO (WT/GC/W/857) which was introduced discussion alive in the run-up to MC12. This got the during the meeting of the General Council held on support of more Members subsequently, in July 2022. 19th-20th December 2022. The key elements of the proposal include: (b) Moratorium on Imposition of Customs Duties on v Preserving the core values of the Multilateral Electronic Transmissions Trading System including decision- making by v WTO members had agreed not to impose customs consensus. duties on electronic transmissions since 1998, and v Resolving the impasse in the Dispute Settlement the moratorium has been extended periodically at System: India favours restoration of Appellate the Ministerial Meetings. Body and normal functioning of two-tier dispute v Under the standing Agenda item, WPEC, India and settlement system. South Africa made a joint submission titled 'Global v Safeguarding development concerns including Electronic Commerce for Inclusive Development' reaffirming the centrality of Special and Differential on 9th November 2021 which inter alia demon- Treatment (S&DT) as a non-negotiable, Treaty- strates that reconsideration of the moratorium is embedded right for developing Members and important for developing countries to preserve LDCs. policy space for their digital advancement. India v Transparency and Notifications should take into and South Africa also made submissions in July account the capacity constraints faced by develop- 2018, June 2019, March 2022 and June 2022 on the ing Members, and focus on addressing these key issues associated with the implementation of difficulties through inclusive and mutually-agreed the e-commerce moratorium. To take the issue approaches. forward, India proposed to further stress that even COVID-19 led extreme demand pull for e-commerce India is of the view that the Members first need to agree on the elements of the reform package, precise /internet, in severe lock down conditions wherein nature of the process to be adopted to carry out the internet became necessary tool for survival, did not discussions, before the Ministers can consider to take change much for developing countries in terms of forward the WTO reform work. internet usage and digital infra etc. v At MC12, Members agreed to reinvigorate the At MC12, members agreed for carrying out the discussions on WTO reform through a member-led Work Programme on Electronic Commerce (WPEC) process in the General Council (GC) and its subsidiary and intensify discussions on the moratorium and 104 DEPARTMENT
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bodies. The Outcome Document reaffirms the plaints (WT/MIN(22)/26) - and a Sanitary and foundational principles of the WTO and acknowl- Phytosanitary Declaration for the Twelfth WTO edges development issues. Ministerial Conference: Responding to Modern SPS Challenges (WT/MIN(22)/27). Further, Members also envisioned reforms to improve all functions of the WTO and conduct (vii) Implementation of Trade Facilitation Agree- discussions to have a fully and well-functioning ment dispute settlement system by 2024.In the post MC12 As a part of India's commitment under the TFA (under scenario, it is important that WTO members work Article 23.2 of the TFA), a National Committee on towards the outcome on reform at the WTO in an Trade Facilitation (NCTF) was set up under the inclusive manner. Chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary. This Commit- Resolving the impasse in the Dispute Settlement tee periodically reviews the implementation of the System: The WTO Appellate Body is a permanent TFA and facilitates domestic co-ordination towards it. body intended by the DSU (Dispute Settlement The NCTF as the apex committee is supplemented in Understanding) to resolve appeals on issues of law. its functions by a Steering Committee which is chaired The Appellate Body is ordinarily composed of seven jointly by the Commerce Secretary and Revenue members having a four-year term, with the possibility Secretary. These committees are, in turn, supported of one reappointment. by Working Groups with experts from relevant As of now, the Appellate Body is dysfunctional due to institutions entrusted with a specific trade facilitation non-appointment of Members. measure or project. (vi) Special and Differential Treatment and Gradua- Formulation of the National Trade Facilitation Action tion of Developing Countries Plan (NTFAP) 2017-2020 was an early measure by the NCTF. For the period 2020 to 2023, a new NTFAP has Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions been prepared with a vision to take additional for developing members, including LDCs at the WTO reforms to bolster trade facilitation efforts and recognize the differences in the level of development transform the cross-border clearance eco-system among members of the WTO and allows developing through efficient, transparent, risk based, members the space to formulate their domestic trade coordinated, digital, seamless and technology-driven policy in a way that enables them reduce poverty, procedures. generate employment and integrate meaningfully into the global trading system. India has been making proactive strides in TFA implementation under the overall guidance of the India believes in the continued relevance of special NCTF. Under the aegis of NCTF, India has now become and differential treatment provisions for developing fully compliant with the WTO Trade Facilitation countries including LDCs. The principle of S&DT is Agreement. Considerable progress has been made supported by the African Group, African Caribbean towards Ease of doing business and transparency. and Pacific (ACP) Group and LDC Group. It is apparent There has been improvement in Release Time for that this debate on development would add another issue of divergence in the already existing challenges Imports and Exports. Going forward, India is focusing facing the WTO. on Exim cost reduction, increase in the efficiency of regulatory approval processes of Partner Govern- The MC12 outcome documents reaffirm the ment Agencies (PGAs) and improvements in logistics provisions of special and differential treatment for and infrastructure and achieve cargo release time developing country Members including LDCs in the targets. WTO agreements. (viii) Environment In addition, Ministers adopted decisions - on the Work Programme on Small Economies (WT/MIN(22)/25) India is undertaking huge efforts to reduce green- house gas emissions and decarbonize the manufac- and on the TRIPS non-violation and situation com- 105 DEPARTMENT
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turing sector and economy. This echoes well with (B) Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) what is enshrined under the UNFCCC and Paris The Agreement establishing the Global System of Agreement and also in the preamble to the Trade Preferences (GSTP) was signed on April 13, 1988 Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO. India at Belgrade. The results of the first Round of the GSTP has recently communicated its enhanced Nationally negotiations for exchange of tariff concessions were Determined Contributions (NDCs) which is a step ratified by 41 countries and the agreement came into forward towards India's long-term goal of reaching force on 19th April 1989. India extended margin of net-zero which reaffirms the commitment to work preferences (MoP) on 30 Product lines (At HS4/6 towards a low carbon emission pathway, while level) while receiving concessions from other coun- simultaneously endeavouring to an equitable and tries. Some of the products where India extended sustainable development. tariff concessions (with MoP mentioned in bracket) At the MC12, WTO Members recognized global are Copra (15%), Cane Molasses (30%), Portland environmental challenges including climate change Cement (25%), Calf Leather (30%), Aluminum tubes and related natural disasters, loss of biodiversity and and pipes (15%) etc. pollution. They noted the importance of the contribu- The second round of Negotiations was launched in tion of the multilateral trading system to promote the Ministerial Meeting of GSTP held in Tehran on 21st had also reaffirmed the importance of providing November 1991 which concluded in 1998. Due to delay relevant support to developing country Members, in completion of administrative procedure for especially LDCs, to achieve sustainable development, including through technological innovations. This implementation of the second round of concessions, also finds coherence with the provision of funds it was decided to drop implementation of the second under the UNFCCC also known as the Green Climate round of concessions. At present, there are 42 Fund. participating countries including Mercosur under GSTP Agreement, the list of which may be accessed at (ix) Duty-Free Quota-Free Market Access the https://unctad.org/topic/trade-agreements/ WTO Members have reaffirmed the decision at the global-system-of-trade-preferences. Ninth Ministerial Conference in Bali on Duty-Free The third round of GSTP negotiations, launched in Quota-Free Market Access for Least-Developed 2004 in Sao Paulo in Brazil, concluded in 2010. In the Countries and instructed the Committee on Trade and third round, participating countries agreed to offer 20 Development to recommence the annual review per cent tariff reduction on at least 70 per cent (80 per process on preferential DFQF market access for LDCs. cent for the LDCs Participants) of the goods imported Noteworthy is India's Duty-Free Tariff Preference from within this group of nations. Scheme (DFTP) for LDC's Progress. India notified the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme for LDCs The schedules of concessions under the Third Round in August 2008. Under the DFTP Scheme, market of negotiations will be implemented thirty days after access to 85 per cent of India's total tariff lines was a minimum of four participants ratify their schedules duty free, a Margin of Preference (MoP) was provided and inform the GSTP Secretariat. The tariff conces- on 9 per cent lines and 6 per cent tariff lines were sions will be implemented amongst such four partici- under the Exclusion List. pants and other participants will avail of the conces- Out of 46 LDCs 35 have acceded to the scheme. The sions after they ratify their schedules. The Cabinet DFTP Scheme under HS 2017 nomenclature at the Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in its meeting national tariff line provides duty free/ preferential on 23rd August 2012 approved implementation of market access on about 98.2 per cent of India's tariff India's Schedule of Concessions under the Third lines (at HS 6-digit level of classification). Only 1.8% of Round of negotiations. It remains unimplemented as the tariff lines have been retained in the Exclusion a minimum of 4 members are required to ratify the List, with no duty concessions. agreement. 106 DEPARTMENT
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(C) Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi-Sectoral Techni- disagreements between the members on the cal and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) language of the legal text in the next meeting of the BIMSTEC working group on trade in services. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Techni- cal and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a regional v Besides above, the negotiation is also on course in organization, comprising seven-member states- areas of Investment and Trade Facilitation. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri (D) BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Lanka and Thailand, came into being on 6th June BRICS is an association of five major emerging 1997. The initiative is aimed at furthering economic economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South cooperation on sub regional basis involving contigu- Africa. Originally the first four were grouped as ous countries of South East and South Asia grouped "BRIC" before the induction of South Africa in 2010. around the Bay of Bengal. BRICS Presidency is held rotationally by the Member BIMSTEC has identified 14 priority areas of coopera- States on a yearly basis. India successfully completed tion where member countries have been identified to its presidency tenure for 2021 and passed it to Peo- take lead in their respective areas. India is a lead ple's Republic of China which ended in 2022. South country for Counter Terrorism and Transnational Africa has assumed presidency for 2023. BRICS Crime, Environment and Disaster Management, countries account for 23.85 per cent of the world Tourism and Transport and Communication. GDP, nearly 46 per cent of the world population, In 2004, BIMSTEC members have agreed to establish around 19.76 per cent of global merchandise trade in BIMSTEC Free Trade Area Agreement covering Trade 2021. in Goods, Services, Investment and Customs Cooper- The Department of Commerce in Government of ation. So far, 21 rounds of negotiations by the Trade India handles the economic and trade issues under Negotiating Committee (TNC) have taken place. The BRICS that are discussed under the institutional 21st meeting of BIMSTEC TNC and meetings of mechanism known as the “Contact Group on Trade Working Group on Rules of Origin, Services, Invest- and Economic Issues” (CGETI). Under the Chinese ment, Customs Cooperation, Trade Facilitation and presidency in 2022, the following documents were Legal Experts were held in Dhaka on 18th-19th negotiated in the CGETI and adopted in the BRICS November 2018. It was decided therein that inter- Trade Ministers' Meeting held on 9th June 2022: sessional meetings/video conferencing be held to v 12th BRICS Trade Ministers' Joint Communique. expedite implementation of the BIMSTEC agree- ment. v BRICS Digital Economy Partnership Framework, v The 21st meeting of BIMSTEC Working group on v BRICS Initiative on Enhancing Cooperation on Rules of Origin (WGRoO) was held virtually in Supply Chains, Dhaka on 18-19th October 2022 to discuss the v BRICS Initiative on Trade and Investment for outstanding issues of RoO chapters and Opera- Sustainable Development, tional Certification Procedure (OCP) text. Unre- solved issues, after 21st meeting, will be discussed v BRICS Statement on Strengthening the Multilat- in the next round of the WGRoO. eral Trading System and Reforming the WTO v The 8th Meeting of the BIMSTEC Working Group on (E) Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Trade in Services (WGTIS) was held on 18th-19th The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a November 2018 on the side-lines of the Twenty- multilateral organization, was established in 2001 in First Meeting of the BIMSTEC Trade Negotiating Shanghai, China by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Committee in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In this Round, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The the Working Group could reach agreement on SCO Charter, formally establishing the organization, certain Articles and recommended that some was signed in June 2002 and entered into force on Articles need to be discussed further due to 19th September 2003. India and Pakistan became the 107 DEPARTMENT
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full members of the SCO on 9th June 2017 at a summit negotiations. As G20 convention, Presidency takes in Astana, Kazakhstan. Currently SCO has eight support from various International Organisations members. (IOs) who make Presentations in front of the G20 members at various meetings on current global For the year 2022, the Republic of Uzbekistan was the economic issues. The level of success of the TIWG is Chair of Council of Heads of States (CHS), whereas rated by the outcomes to be achieved in the form of Peoples Republic of China was the Chair of Heads of Ministerial Communique and other statements. Government (CHG). During the year, the Department of Commerce engaged in the negotiation of only one Logistics vertical will be handling overall coordination of the negotiating documents, viz. “Statement of the and organisation of various events. During India's G20 Ministers of the SCO Member States Responsible for Presidency as part of TIWG 4 working group meet- Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities, on ings will be organised respectively in Mumbai, supporting the multilateral trading system”, mooted Bengaluru, Kevadia and Jaipur. The 1st TIWG meeting by China. is scheduled to be organised in Mumbai during 28th- 30th March 2023. The 4th TIWG meeting will be For the year 2023, India is the Chair for CHS and Kyrgyz followed by Trade and Investment Ministerial Meet Republic is the Chair for CHG. (TIMM) in Jaipur. During the meetings various side (F) G20 and India events in the form of seminars/ mini exhibitions/ setting up experience zones are also being planned. The presidency of the G20 rotates every year among its members, with the country that holds the presi- (G) IBSA (India Brazil and South Africa) dency working together with its predecessor and IBSA is a trilateral development initiative between successor, also known as Troika, to ensure the three major democracies from three different continuity of the agenda. India has assumed G20 continents to promote cooperation and coordination Presidency on 1st December 2022 and is currently part on global issues relevant to these developing coun- of the G20 Troika (current, previous and incoming G20 tries. Formally established on June 6, 2003, through Presidencies) comprising India, Indonesia and Brazil. the “Brasilia Declaration”, IBSA represents a major This is the first time the troika is consisting of three initiative of policy coordination aiming at strengthen- developing countries and emerging economies, ing multilateralism, reinvigorating south-south providing them a greater voice. cooperation and fostering democratization of Department of Commerce (DoC) is the Nodal Depart- decision making within major international instances. ment for Trade and Investment Working Group IBSA Trade Ministers frequently meet to exchange (TIWG), under G20 Sherpa Track. The TIWG mandate views on issues like WTO Doha Round. India has been is to undertake cooperation on trade and investment holding the Chairship of IBSA from 2012. considering the priorities of G20 Presidency. As a part India hosted the 10th meeting of the IBSA Working of India's preparedness for upcoming G20 Presi- Group on Trade and Investment (WGTI) on May 23, dency, a dedicated G20 cell has been created and 2013 at New Delhi. made functional within DoC. G20 Cell will be responsi- Coffee is an important commodity in all the three IBSA ble for all the tasks and events related to G20 matters countries. During India's IBSA Chairship, Department during India's G20 Presidency. During India's G20 of Commerce hosted a virtual Coffee Festival during Presidency TIWG related tasks will be taken up into 2 4th-5th August 2021 in collaboration with Coffee aspects: substantive and logistics. Board of India, Bengaluru, with the Theme - Coffee, On substantive aspect DoC has finalised 5 Priority Country & Collaboration. The spread of COVID-19 Issues (PIs) which will be taken up for discussion pandemic has dealt a heavy blow on the coffee sector under TIWG. DoC would prepare series of documents like every other industry. The IBSA Coffee festival such as Issue notes, Concept Papers, Outcome/ threw light on its impact on coffee industry and Ministerial documents which would be circulated deliberated on solutions and opportunities in these with the G20 member countries for discussions and three countries, for future growth. 108 DEPARTMENT
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(H) Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) v While the broad objective is to promote, expand and diversify trade and investment, the specific The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is a action plans include digitisation of trade documen- unilateral preferential tariff system which provides tation, activities for promotion of trade and tariff exemption/reduction on products (as allowed investment, identification of sectors for coopera- by the GSP providing countries) originating from tion, explore other countries who could join in the developing countries including LDCs. GSP scheme has initiative, capacity building, promotion of domestic been extended to Indian products by 11 countries manufacturing. namely, Australia, Belarus, Bulgaria, EU, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Russian Federation, v The Trade and Industry Ministers of India, Japan Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom. and Australia, formally launched the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) on 27th April 2021 to Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has enhance the resilience of supply chains in the Indo- developed a Common Digital Platform to facilitate Pacific Region and to develop dependable sources the process of issuing Certificate of Origin (CoOs) of supply and to attract investment. under GSP Scheme, which has been made effective from 01.04.2021 for all preferential certificate of To take the initiative forward, it was decided to take Origin (CoO). Exporters are only required to complete the following initial projects: the details of their shipment in the CoO format online v Sharing of best practices on supply chain resilience; for issuance of CoO by the relevant authorized agency and nominated by the Government for this purpose. However, for exports to the European Union under v Holding investment promotion events and buyer- GSP scheme, the Registered System (REX) system is seller matching events to provide opportunities for being used for obtaining EU GSP benefits, wherein stakeholders to explore the possibility of diversifi- the exporter needs to register for obtaining REX cation of their supply chains. number and thereafter Exporter can self-certify the The second Meeting of Trade and Industry Ministers statement of Origin for such exports. of the three countries was held on 15th March, 2022 (I) Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) wherein the confirmation of action taken on deci- sions of the first Trade Ministers Meeting and future The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), a Vision and actions of SCRI were agreed. trilateral initiative, launched by the Trade & Industry Ministers of Australia, India and Japan on 27 April 2021 Following are the decisions taken in respect of future seeks to enhance the resilience of supply chains in the vision and action to be taken under SCRI, as per Joint Indo-Pacific Region and develop dependable sources Statement of the 2nd Meeting of Trade and Industry of supply and attract investment. This has become Ministers of three countries, held in March 2022: more important owing to the disruptions in supplies v to identify key sectors, particularly in manufactur- of raw material and intermediate goods as well as ing and services, where the trilateral cooperation cross-border movement of professionals such as could enhance the resilience of supply chain in the health professionals on account of the current COVID- sectors, 19 crisis including recent global-scale changes in the economic and technological landscape. v encourage further collaboration between AusTrade, Invest India and JETRO to promote The key features of the initiative are: investment and business in these sectors. v Enhancing the resiliency of supply chain in the Indo- v cooperation with business and academia to Pacific region including diversification of supply promote best practice and to facilitate joint sources and increase competitiveness of sectors. projects for supply chain resilience. v Attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the v to formulate and promote supply chain principles region and strengthen mutually complementary in the region. relationship among the participants. 109 DEPARTMENT
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v to hold the trilateral Trade Ministers' Meeting once for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) for trade a year. expansion through exchange of tariff concessions on a moderate basis among developing country mem- v each country will take over the role of chair country bers of the Asia Pacific Region. The current member- in rotation in the order of Japan (2022), Australia ship of APTA consists of seven countries, namely, (2023) and India (2024). Bangladesh, China, India, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Repub- Following actions have been taken on the decisions lic of Korea and Sri Lanka. Mongolia is the latest taken during the 1st and 2nd Ministerial Meeting held member that acceded to the Asia-Pacific Trade on 27th April 2021 and March 2022; Agreement (APTA) by depositing the instrument of (i) Sharing of Best Practices accession on 29th September 2020 with the ESCAP. It was decided that compilation of Govt. Best Prac- After implementation of the Fourth Round of conces- tices and Private Best Practices would be prepared. sions under APTA w.e.f. 1st July 2018, the 5th round of DPIIT is leading the initiative from India. negotiations have started. For the first time, in addition to Goods, negotiations will also cover v Government Best Practices: The three sides Services, Investment and Trade Facilitation. The 54th worked to share government best practices in Session of the Standing Committee of APTA and 3rd response to the growing and diversified factors for meeting of the Working Group on Trade Facilitation, supply chain disruptions. Japan has complied Services, Investment and Rules of Origin were held at Government Best Practices and these 9 Best Bangkok during 15-18 January 2019. In Trade Facilita- Practices are included in the Report prepared by tion Group, India has taken the stand to work within Japan. the obligations taken under TFA Agreement of the v Private Sector Best Practices: Japan got prepared WTO. The 5th meeting of the Working Group on Trade the report through Boston Consulting Group Facilitation was held on 19th September 2019 in New (BCG). BCG identified the responses of the various Delhi. Last round of APTA Standing Committee (56th private industries to the disruptions in the supply Session) was held during 29–30 October 2019 and the chain through the survey and collated the data by 5th meetings of the Working Groups on Investment, surveying and interviewing companies from India, Services and Rules of Origin were held from 28-29 Japan and Australia and accordingly prepared the October 2019 at UNCC, Bangkok, Thailand. report. Invest India had shared the list of 11 Indian The APTA secretariat is exploring virtual / in person Companies with BCG for the purpose. meeting options and is in consultation with the (ii) Business Matching Event Participating States to enable the continuation of v The First virtual SCRI×J-Bridge Tie-up Event (Match- negotiations. ing Event) under Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (K) Economic and Social Commission for Asia & the (SCRI) was held on 18 November 2021. It is an event Pacific (ESCAP) where buyer-seller could pitch and hold business India is one of the founding members of ESCAP, the meetings. regional development arm of the United Nations, v JETRO, AusTrade and Invest India (under DPIIT) which serve as the main economic and social develop- have been the nodal executing agencies of this ment centre for the United Nations in Asia and Pacific. event. JETRO's business platform, J-Bridge, was Consisting of 53 Member States and 9 Associate utilized for the event to facilitate collaboration. Members, with a geographical scope that stretches The last meeting of SCRI was held on 25th November from Turkey in the west to the Pacific island nation of 2022. Kiribati in the east, and from the Russian Federation in the north to New Zealand in the south, ESCAP is the (J) Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) most comprehensive of the United Nations' five The Asia Pacific Trade Agreement is an initiative under regional commissions. It is also the largest United the United Nations Economic and Social Commission 110 DEPARTMENT
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Nations body serving the Asia-Pacific region. support to the following regional institutions of ESCAP: Established in 1947 with its headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, ESCAP seeks to overcome some of the v Asian and Pacific Center for Transfer of Technology region's greatest challenges. It carries out work in the (APCTT), hosted by India in New Delhi. following areas: v Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization v ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction (CSAM), Beijing, China. v Environment and Development v Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP), Chiba, Japan. v Social Development v Asian and Pacific Training Centre for information v Statistics and Communication Technology for Development v Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Develop- (APCICT), Incheon, Republic of Korea. ment (iii) Sub Regional Office in India v Trade, Investment & Innovation Strengthening India's partnership with UN-ESCAP, a v Transport Sub-Regional Office (SRO) for South and South West v Energy Asia was established in New Delhi with financial assistance from India. ESCAP focuses on issues that are most effectively addressed through regional cooperation, including The main activities of SRO are to: issues that benefit from regional or multi-country v Implement the Commission's agenda at the sub- involvement, Issues that are trans boundary in regional level by serving as a link between sub- nature, or that would benefit from collaborative inter- region and Commission headquarters; country approaches. v Promote and support specific sub-region priorities (i) Annual Session of ESCAP and programs concentrating on the priority The Commission meets annually at the Ministerial sectors of member States within the sub-region; level to discuss and decide on important issues v Operate as sub-regional nodes for knowledge pertaining to inclusive and sustainable economic and management and networking; social development in the region, to decide on the v Spearhead the delivery of technical assistance recommendations of its subsidiary bodies and of the activities and act as the Commission's implement- Executive Secretary, to review and endorse the ing arm in the sub-region; proposed strategic framework and program of work, and to make any other decisions required, in confor- v Establish close working relations with United mity with its terms of reference. Nations country terms with in the sub-regional and promote the coordination of United Nations The 78th Session of ESCAP was held at Bangkok and systems activities at the sub-regional level. online from 23rd-27th May, 2022. The theme of the session was “A common agenda to advance sustain- v Build strong partnerships and network with other able development in Asia and the Pacific”. The Indian relevant actors in the sub-region, including other delegation was led by Ms. Anupriya Patel, Minister of sub-regional intergovernmental bodies, to pro- State for Commerce and Industry. mote sub-regional cooperation with a regional framework. (ii) India's contribution to ESCAP (L) Kimberley Process Certification Scheme The delivery of ESCAP's programs is supported by the regional institution and the sub-regional offices. India v The Kimberley Process (KP) is a joint initiative of has worked in close cooperation with ESCAP during participating Governments along with observers the year. India has also committed continued financial from industry and civil society to stem the flow of 111 DEPARTMENT
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conflict diamonds (rough diamonds used by rebel v Currently, India is actively engaged in bilateral FTA movements to finance wars against legitimate negotiations including in Trade in Services with the government). Kimberley Process Certification UK, Canada, the EU and Israel. Scheme (KPCS) is a UN mandated (UNGA Resolu- v The issues related with implementation of India- tion 55/56 of 2000 and UNSC Resolution 1459 Japan CEPA and upgradation of India- Korea CEPA (2003)) international certification scheme. It are also being discussed in the respective sub- requires each participant to impose internal groups set up under the joint committees of the controls over production and trade of rough trade partners. Besides, India is also engaged in diamonds. Trading in rough diamonds with a non- bilateral trade dialogues with US under the Trade participant is not allowed. All exports of rough Policy Forum, with Taiwan on Trade in Services, and diamonds have to be accompanied by a valid KP with many other countries. Certificate stating that diamonds are conflict free. v After the 12th India US TPF ministerial meeting held v KPCS currently have 59 participants, representing in November 2021, the Services Working Group 85 countries with the European Union and its under the TPF held two virtual meetings in April Member States counting as single participant. All and October 2022. Constructive discussions were major diamond producing, trading and polishing held by both sides and better understanding was centres are members of KP. Civil Society and achieved on various issues. The key issues raised industry groups also actively participate in the KP. Chairmanship of KP is rotated on annual basis. The from the Indian side included launching of time- Vice Chair is selected at the annual “Plenary” bound negotiations for signing of a Social Security meeting and becomes Chair automatically the Totalization Agreement, simplified pathways for following year. The KPCS Chair oversees the the recognition, licensing, verification of docu- implementation of the KPCS, the operations of the ments etc of the professional services and visa Working Groups and Committees, and General issues faced by Indian professionals in the US. The Administration. The Botswana is the KP Chair for 13th India US TPF ministerial meeting was held on 2022 and Zimbabwe being vice Chair 2022 will 11th January 2023 in Washington D.C., US. become KP Chair in 2023. v Under the new FTAs, binding market access and v India is one of the founding members of KPCS. national treatment without limitations under the India was the Chair of Kimberley Process in the year sectors of India's main interests such as profes- 2008 and 2019. sional services, computer and related services, other business services, education services, health 12. TRADE IN SERVICES services, social services, tourism and travel related (i) Bilateral engagements in services in 2022-23 services, audio-visual services, and construction v India has signed comprehensive bilateral trade and related engineering services are being pur- agreements, including Trade in Services, with sued. Further, in order to amplify the impact of FTA Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Mauri- and ensure real gains to the services suppliers, tius, UAE, Australia and Association of South East India is pursuing arrangement for mutual recogni- Asian Nations (ASEAN). tion of its professionals in different streams in the form of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) v During the year 2022, India signed Free Trade in professional services. Also, separate Annexes to Agreements (FTA) in Services with United Arab promote trade in Health Services and Audio-visual Emirates (UAE) on 18th February 2022, and with services are being pursued as a part of the FTA Australia on 2nd April 2022. The India- UAE Compre- negotiations. hensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force on 1st May 2022 and the India- v As mobility is crucial to different modes of services Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agree- delivery, efforts are also being made to facilitate ment (ECTA) entered into force on 29th December mobility of Indian service suppliers by way of 2022. 112 DEPARTMENT
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securing meaningful commitments in FTAs in creative processes and technologies to build an different categories of natural persons (Business educational environment for the Global Destina- visas, Contractual Service Suppliers, Intra- Corpo- tion for Higher Education. Foreign Hosted buyers rate transferees, Independent professionals); from more than 65 countries had B2B meetings gaining additional commitments for the temporary with more than 150 Indian exhibitors, participating in this 17th edition of the FICCI Higher Education movement of professionals like Yoga instructors Summit and Exhibition. In three days more than and Chefs; including provisions on post study visa, 6500 visitors witnessed the event. work and holiday visa, removal of Economic Needs Test/ Labour Market Tests and fairer work rights for v Main highlights of the 17th FICCI HES 2022 event international workers through signing of Social were: Security Agreement etc. t Exhibition: One-on-one interactions with top (ii) Trade Promotion through organization of Indian Universities/Institutions, educationists, international fairs/exhibitions/events industry leaders, Vice Chancellors, Students etc. 17th FICCI Higher Education Summit & Exhibition t Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM)- Interna- 2022 tional Student recruitment through the hosted buyers from more than 65 countries from v The 17th edition of FICCI Higher Education Summit Middle East, CIS, SAARC, Africa & CLMV coun- and Exhibition 2022 has been jointly organized by tries. Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government t Showcase opportunities available in Indian of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of market and encourage foreign universities to Commerce & Industry (FICCI). The event is also collaborate. supported by Ministry of Human Resource Depart- ment & Educational Consultants India Limited t Opportunity for Indian & foreign universities/ (EDCIL). The theme for this year Summit was institutions to sign MoUs with Global Universi- “Global Destination for Higher Education: Advan- ties and Institutions who are interested in Indian tage India”. market. v The Summit brought together the stakeholders Pursue collaborations and tie-ups for joint degrees, from the government, industry and academia to Dual Degree, research, student and faculty exchange have engaging and effective deliberations to programs, twinning programs, etc. strategically adopt futuristic, disruptive and 113 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
7 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs) ANNUAL
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114 DEPARTMENT
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1. SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES (SEZs) In terms of the SEZ Act, 2005, an SEZ may be set up either jointly or severally by the Central Government, Asia's first Export Processing Zone (EPZ) was set up in State Government or any person for manufacture of Kandla in 1965, followed by establishment of seven goods or rendering services or for both or as a free more EPZs in the country. Subsequently, Special trade warehousing zone. Such proposals duly recom- Economic Zones (SEZs) Policy was announced in April mended by the concerned State Government are 2000 wherein various new features were incorpo- considered by the Board of Approval for SEZs. SEZs rated. This policy intended to make SEZs an engine for being set up under the SEZ Act, 2005 are primarily economic growth supported by quality infrastructure private investment driven initiatives. and complemented by an attractive fiscal package, both at the Centre and the State level, with a user- (A) Current performance of SEZs friendly regulatory framework. All the 8 pre-existing After notification of SEZ Rules in February, 2006, EPZs located at Kandla and Surat (Gujarat), Santa Department of Commerce has granted 424 formal Cruz (Maharashtra), Cochin (Kerala), Chennai (Tamil approvals for setting up SEZs out of which 357 have Nadu), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Falta (West been notified. Out of the total employment provided Bengal) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh) were converted to 28,07,256 persons in SEZs as a whole, 26,72,552 is into Special Economic Zones. incremental employment generated after February, The Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, was passed by 2006. This is apart from millions of man days of Parliament in May, 2005 & received Presidential employment generated by the developers for assent on the 23rd of June 2005. The SEZ Act, 2005, infrastructure activities. Physical exports from the supported by SEZ Rules, came into effect on 10th SEZs has increased from Rs. 7,59,524 crore in 2020-21 February 2006. to Rs. 9,90,747 crore in 2021-22, registering a growth of 30%. There has been overall growth of export of The main objectives of the SEZ Act are: 4,238% over past sixteen years (2005-06 to 2021-22). v generation of additional economic activity The total physical exports from SEZs as on 30th v promotion of exports of goods and services September, 2022 has been to the tune of Rs. 5,92,459 crore, registering a growth of 32.17% over the exports v promotion of investment from domestic and of corresponding period of the previous financial foreign sources year. The total investment in SEZs till 30th June, 2022 v creation of employment opportunities is Rs. 6,45,785 crore, including Rs. 6,09,036 crore in the newly notified SEZs set up after SEZ Act, 2005. v development of infrastructure facilities 100% FDI is allowed in SEZs through automatic route. 115 DEPARTMENT
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* A total of 270 SEZs are exporting at present. Out of area requirement for setting up a Special Economic this, 163 are IT/ITES, 25 Multi product and 82 other Zone or Free Trade Warehousing Zone other than a sector specific SEZs. 5,620 units have been setup in Special Economic Zone for Information Technology or the SEZs till date. Information Technology enabled Services, Biotech or (B) Impact of the scheme Health (other than hospital) service, is a contiguous land area of fifty hectares or more. In case a Special The SEZ scheme has generated tremendous response Economic Zone is proposed to be set up in the States among the investors, both in India and abroad which of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, is evident from the flow of investment and creation of Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, additional employment in the country. In addition to Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Goa or in a Union territory, the earning of foreign exchange and development of minimum area required is twenty-five hectares or infrastructure, SEZs have achieved significant local more. area impact in terms of direct as well as indirect employment, emergence of new activities, changes There is no minimum land area requirement for in consumption pattern and social life. setting up a Special Economic Zone for Information Technology or Information Technology enabled (C) Some key aspects of SEZs Services, Biotech or Health (other than hospital) (i) Land requirement for SEZs service. A minimum built up processing area requirement, based on the category of cities, is Consequent to amendment to SEZ Rules, 2006, indicated in the following Table: carried out on 17th December 2019, the minimum land 116 DEPARTMENT
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(ii) Procedure for setting up of Special Economic area requirements, especially for multi-product SEZs, Zone the same should not exceed 10% of the total land required for the SEZ. The Central Government does After the recommendation of the concerned State not allot any land for SEZs. The Board of Approval on Government for setting up of SEZ, the Board of SEZs only considers those proposals, which have Approval approves a proposal for establishment of a been duly recommended by the State Government. Special Economic Zone subject to the requirements Further, pursuant to the decision of Empowered of minimum area of land and other terms and condi- Group of Ministers (EGoM) in its meeting held on 5th tions prescribed in the SEZ Act and Rules. State April 2007 the State Governments have been Governments have been advised that in case of land informed on 15th June 2007, that the Board of acquisition for SEZs, first priority should be for Approval will not approve any SEZs where the State acquisition of waste and barren land and if necessary Governments have carried out or propose to carry out single crop agricultural land could be acquired for the compulsory acquisition of land for such SEZs after 5th SEZs. If perforce, a portion of double cropped agricul- April 2007. tural land has to be acquired to meet the minimum (iv) Fiscal benefits and duty concessions offered to thereafter and 50% of the ploughed back export SEZ Developers and units profit for next 5 years. (Sunset Clause for Units becomes effective from 01.04.2021) v The incentives and facilities offered to the units in SEZs for attracting investments into the SEZs, t Exemption from Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) including foreign investment include: under section 115JB of the Income Tax Act. (withdrawn w.e.f. 01.04.2012) t Duty free import/domestic procurement of goods for development, operation and mainte- v The major incentives and facilities available to SEZ nance of SEZ units developers include: t Exemption of IGST and CGST has been available t Exemption from customs/excise duties for for SEZ Units. development of SEZs for authorized operations approved by the BOA. t As per IGST Act, 2017, supply of goods or services or both to a Special Economic Zone unit is t Exemption of IGST and CGST has been available treated as "zero rated supply". for SEZ Developers. t Other levies as imposed by the respective State t As per IGST Act, 2017, supply of goods or services Governments. or both to a Special Economic Zone developer is treated as "zero rated supply". t Single window clearance for Central and State level approvals. v Erstwhile benefits to SEZ Developers v Erstwhile benefits to SEZ units t Income Tax exemption on income derived from the business of development of the SEZ in a block t 100% Income Tax exemption on export income of 10 years in 15 years under Section 80-IAB of the for SEZ units under Section 10AA of the Income Income Tax Act. (Sunset Clause for Developers Tax Act for first 5 years, 50% for next 5 years has become effective from 01.04.2017) 117 DEPARTMENT
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(D) Recent Initiatives for ensuring Ease of Doing v Vide amendment dated 23.10.2020, a proviso in Business in SEZs Rule 24(3) of the SEZs Rules inserted regarding admissibility of Drawback and any other similar v Method of calculation for Net Foreign Exchange benefit on supplies from Domestic Tariff Area to earning criteria was reviewed and modified vide foreign suppliers in Free Trade and Warehousing Notification dated 07.03.2019. Zone, where the payments are made in foreign v Rule 53A inserted to facilitate the calculation of net currency by the foreign supplier to Domestic Tariff foreign exchange for a unit in an International Area. Financial Service Centre in view of its special v A new rule 21A inserted in SEZ Rules, 2006 which nature. enables setting up of Unit by Multilateral or v Uniform list of services to SEZ, a broad list of input Unilateral or International agencies notified under services that could be utilized by SEZ units for their United Nation (Privileges and Immunities) Act, day-to-day operations thereby avoiding the 1947 (46 of 1947) in International Financial Services requirement of the units to seek permission of Centre. Development Commissioners for each such v Power Guidelines, 2016 amended vide OM dated instance. 07.06.2021 allowing a unit to set up non- v Setting up of cafeteria, gymnasium, creche and conventional power plants within their premises other similar facilities / amenities allowed to SEZ for the exclusive purpose of captive consumption units. subject to the condition that non tax/duty benefits v Delegation of powers to Development Commis- stipulated under Section 26 of SEZ Act, 2005. sioner for shifting of SEZ unit from one SEZ to v Instruction No. 106 relating to the policy for another within their jurisdiction. worn/used clothing and plastic recycling units in v An amendment to the SEZ Rules in March-2019 to SEZs was issued on 27.5.2021. allow employees of IT/ITeS SEZ units to work from v Instruction No. 107 dated 26.08.2021 was issued for home. minimizing regulatory compliances for Pharma v Guidelines for clearance of abandoned goods/ Industry. Further, integration of Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) with SEZ uncleared cargo laying in Free Trade Warehousing Online System has been made live. Zones (FTWZs.) v Formalize “de-notification” process for enclaves v Instruction No. 108 dated 11th October, 2021 was issued pertaining to alternative method of transfer and delink its present mandatory usage for SEZs of space by an existing unit under Rule 74 of SEZ purpose only. Rules, 2006. v Support to enable servicification of manufacturing v Instruction No. 109 dated 18th October, 2021 was zones. Allowing manufacturing enabling services issued which provides that reorganization includ- companies e.g. Research and Development (R&D) ing change of name, change of shareholding services, engineering design services, logistics pattern, business transfer arrangements, court service. approved mergers and demergers, change of v Developers are allowed flexibility to enter into a constitution, change of Directors, etc. may be long term lease agreement with stakeholders in undertaken by the Unit Approval Committee (UAC) Zones in line with the State policies. concerned subject to the condition that Devel- v Enabling provisions for transfer of approval from oper/Co-developer/Unit shall not opt out or exit one co-developer to other co-developer. out of the Special Economic Zone and continue to operate as a going concern. v Amendment in SEZ Act, 2005 [Section 2(v)] for enabling Trusts and any other entity notified by the v A rule amendment has been carried out in Rule 41 Central Government to set up units in SEZ. and 42 of SEZ Rules, 2006 vide Notification No. 118 DEPARTMENT
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G.S.R 288(E) dated 8th April 2022 to include v A new rule 43A. was inserted in SEZ Rules, 2006 precious metals while carrying out job-work from which enables SEZ Units to allow Work from Home SEZs. to its employees. v A policy for used/worn clothing and plastic recy- v Instruction No. 110 dated 12th August 2022 has cling units in SEZs / EOUs has been issued on 5th been issued thereby laying down the guidelines May 2022 thereby extending the Letter of Approval providing standard operating procedure for Work (LoAs) of the plastic recycling units in SEZs/ EOUs from Home permission for implementation of Rule for a term of 5 years instead of 18 months as 43A of the SEZ (Third Amendment) Rules, 2022. prescribed in the policy guidelines dated 27.05.2021. 119 DEPARTMENT
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120 DEPARTMENT
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2. EXPORT ORIENTED UNITS (EOUs) as export oriented units (EOUs). The EOUs function under the administrative control of the concerned The Export Oriented Units (EOUs) scheme was Development Commissioner of Special Economic introduced in early 1981, primarily to boost exports by Zone i.e., under the Department of Commerce, creating additional production capacity. It was Government of India. introduced as a complementary scheme to the Free Trade Zones/Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Scheme The EOUs are governed by the provisions of Chapter 6 introduced in the sixties. It adopts the same produc- of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and its procedures, tion regime as SEZs (erstwhile EPZs) but offers a wide as contained in the Handbook of Procedures (HBH). option in locations. As on 30th Sep, 2022, 1638 units are in operation Units undertaking to export their entire production of under the EOU Scheme as compared to 1650 EOUs on goods and services, except permissible sales in the 30th Sep, 2021. DTA, as per the Export-Import Policy are referred to 121 DEPARTMENT
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Exports performance by EOUs EOUs are mainly concentrated in textiles and yarn, software, electronics, chemicals, plastics, granites food processing, Gems & Jewellery, computer and minerals/ores. 122 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
8 Specialized Agencies ANNUAL
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123 DEPARTMENT
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1. PLANTATION (TEA, COFFEE, RUBBER AND SPICES) data concerning the industry and disseminating the information to various segments of the industry, The plantation sector comprises tea, coffee, rubber registering and licensing of different stakeholder's. and spices sectors which have importance in India's economy as this sector is related to the livelihood (ii) Tea in India concerns of a large number of people employed India is the largest producer and consumer of black directly and indirectly in the plantation industry and tea in the world. The tea consumption in India its ancillary activities. It is also a large foreign accounts for 19 per cent of the global consumption exchange earner. The plantation sector is one of the due to its population even though the per capita oldest organized industries in India and the mainstay consumption is lower. Almost 81 per cent of the total of the agrarian economy of many States. The unique- production is consumed within the country and ness of plantation crops lies in its massive growth balance 19 per cent is exported. Besides bringing in potential and scope for improved lives, without valuable foreign exchange, tea industry is one of the migration, through traditional skills development and important sources for revenue for the tea growing sustainable manner. Historically, plantations in India states. The most significant feature of the industry is were promoted as a means of foreign exchange its ability to provide direct employment to more than earner to overcome its acute shortage. Given this a million workers, of which a sizeable number are role, the sector received considerable attention of women. the State. This is evident as commodity boards were (iii) Tea growing regions set for each of the crops and with legislations that empowered these boards to undertake various Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the activities needed for plantation development. major tea growing states. They account for 98 per cent of the total production. Other traditional states The details of each sector are summarized as under: where tea is grown to a small extent are Tripura, (A) Tea Sector Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and (i) Tea Board Karnataka. The non-traditional States that have entered the tea map of India in the recent years The Tea Board is a statutory body constituted under include Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Section 4 of the Tea Act, 1953 and functions under the Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim. India produces some administrative control of the Department of Com- of the world's finest teas – Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiris merce. The Tea Board comprises of Chairman, Deputy and Kangra famous for their delicate flavour, strength Chairman and 30 members appointed by Government and brightness. With diverse agro climatic conditions, of India. The Board is headed by a non-official India produces medley of teas suited to different Chairman and Deputy Chairman is the executive head tastes and preferences of consumers. The character- of the organization. istics of each region are distinct, which sets them The Board functions as an apex body concerned with apart from one another in many different ways. overall development of the tea industry in India by (iv) Production providing necessary assistance for research and developmental activities aimed at increasing produc- 2021-2022 tea production stands at 1,344.40 million tion, productivity and quality, facilitation of trade and Kgs, as against 1,283.03 million Kgs in 2020-21, indicat- promotion of exports so as to ensure maximum ing thereby an increase of 61.37 million Kgs (4.78%), returns to the producers, including small growers, due to better climatic conditions that prevailed in safeguarding the interests of the workers and the major tea growing areas of North India. consumers, gathering statistical and other relevant 124 DEPARTMENT
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Source: Tea Board For 2022-23: Based on the provisional data of production, the cumulative tea production during 2022-23 (April- November) is arrived at 1176.89 million Kgs at par with the corresponding period. It is expected that the tea production for 2022-23 may likely reach around 1350 million Kg, higher than last year's production of 1344.40 million Kg. (v) Exports 2021-22, compared to Rs 260.64 per Kg in 2020-21. Out of the total exports in 2021-22 about 16.01 per cent are Exports from India during the financial year 2021-22 in the value-added form (packet tea, tea bags and was 200.79 million Kgs in quantity with value realiza- instant tea) while the rest is in bulk form. Increase in tion of Rs 5,415.78 crore, as against 203.79 million Kgs export was noticed to the following countries during in quantum and Rs. 5,311.53 crore in value realization the year 2021-22, UAE by 9.60 million Kgs, USA by 1.40 during 2020-21, indicating a decrease of 3 million Kgs million Kgs, Germany by 1.16 million Kgs, Singapore by in quantity but value increase of Rs. 104.25 crore. The 0.94 million Kgs, Iran by 0.93 million Kgs and Sri Lanka unit price realization increased to Rs 269.72 per Kg in by 0.78 million Kgs. Source: Tea Board As per DGCIS data the provisional tea exports during 2022-23 (Apr-Nov), stood at 165.16 million Kgs., with FOB value of Rs.4476.08 crore and US$ 561.74 million as compared to 134.85 million Kgs, FOB Value of Rs. 3720.34 crore US$ 501.77 million of corresponding period in 2021-22, which indicates increase in tea exports in both quantity and value. 125 DEPARTMENT
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(vi) Imports (viii) Small Growers The volume of tea imported during the financial year The Board is catering exclusively to the needs of the 2021-22 was at 25.97 million Kgs. valued at US$ 50.91 small tea growers through offices set up in the areas million with a unit price of US$ 1.96 per Kg. as against of major small grower concentrations in the tea 27.75 million kgs. valued at US$ 62.54 million with a growing States. One of the major activities being unit price of US$ 2.25 per kg in 2020-21. undertaken is carrying out workshops and training for the small tea growers on the best field practices, During current financial year 2022-23 (April-October), provisional imports stood at 17.27 million Kgs., with organic farming, collectivisation for moving up the value of US$ 33.90 million as compared to 15.37 million value chain etc. Kgs and value of US$ 31.50 million of the correspond- (ix) Tea Promotion ing period. Overseas offices: Tea Board promotional activities are (vii) Tea Development being monitored from Head Office, Kolkata as One of the important functions assigned to Tea Board presently no overseas offices are functioning. In under the Tea Act includes formulation and imple- Moscow the work is being managed by the Embassy mentation of development schemes aimed at officials in addition to their own duties. They increasing tea production and productivity of planta- undertake tea export promotional activities and liaise tions, modernization of tea processing, packaging with importers of Indian tea in the CIS region as well and value addition facilities and encouraging co- as the Indian Exporters. operative efforts amongst small tea growers and also Trends in India's foreign trade: During 2021, the six (6) welfare measures for tea garden workers that are major producing countries viz. China, India, Kenya, Sri supplementary to the provisions of the Plantation Lanka, Vietnam and Indonesia collectively accounted Labour Act, 1951. The Board is implementing the Tea for 86 per cent of aggregate production with respec- Development & Promotion Scheme (2021-22 to 2025- tive export shares of 47.45%, 20.81%, 8.33 %, 4.64%, 26) which was approved by the Government with an 2.79% and 1.97%. outlay of Rs. 967.78 crore. The scheme aims at holistic development of the tea industry with special empha- During the April- November period of 2022-23, the sis on small tea growers. Indian tea exports have registered 11.95 per cent 126 DEPARTMENT
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growth in value realisation Y-o-Y by registering US$ members comprising Members of the Parliament, 561.74 million as compared to US$ 501.77 million Official members representing the interest of Coffee during the corresponding period last year. Growing States and members representing various interests of the Coffee Industry. The Coffee Board During 2022-23, Tea Board carried out various promo- focuses its activities in the areas of research, exten- tional activities by organizing virtual B2B meetings sion, development, market intelligence, external & with the tea importers of the important export internal promotion and labour welfare measures. The destinations such as Syria, Russia, Saudi Arab, Iraq, Coffee Board functions with its Head Office in Malaysia etc. in association with the respective Bengaluru. The Central Coffee Research Institute Embassies/Missions/Consulates in those countries. (CCRI) at Balehonnuru, Chikkamagaluru District, The Board also maintained liaison work with the tea Karnataka is the headquarters of the Research trade, attended to trade enquiries, facilitated Department with a Sub-Station at Chettalli addressing various trade-impacting issues related to (Karnataka) and Regional Research Stations at Indian tea exports in the key markets in coordination Chundale (Kerala), Thandigudi (Tamil Nadu), with the relevant Divisions in the DoC. It had kept the Narasipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Diphu (Assam). tea trade informed of developments related to The Extension network is spread over the traditional exports as well as dissemination of market and trade coffee growing areas (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil information through its Head Office in Kolkata and Nadu), Non-Traditional Areas (Andhra Pradesh and Missions abroad. Sustained campaign through Social Odisha) and North Eastern Region (Assam, Tripura, Media such as Twitter, Facebook, KOO etc. has also Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and proved to be very effective in increasing awareness Arunachal Pradesh). about varieties of Indian teas, positive health attrib- utes, unique characteristics of different varieties of (ii) Coffee Area Indian tea etc. Coffee is cultivated in an area of around 4.72 lakh Tea Research: High yielding and quality cultivars have hectares predominantly in the traditional areas been developed. Besides, bio-fertilizers and bio- covering the States of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil pesticides, sensory aids for mechanization have also Nadu, which contribute to around 97 per cent of the been developed. Various regulatory issues of tea total production. Coffee is also cultivated to some (including fixation of residue limits of pesticides, extent in Non-Traditional Areas of Andhra Pradesh addressing pesticide residue problem, iron filings, and Odisha and to a lesser extent in the North Eastern heavy metal contaminants, artificial colour, fixation States viz., Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, of quality parameters, and packaging standards) Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Manipur with main have been handled in order to comply with both the emphasis on tribal development and afforestation. national and international regulatory standards. There are about 4.07 lakh coffee holdings in the (B) Coffee Sector country, of which around 4.04 lakh holdings (99 per cent) constitute the small growers category (up to 10 (i) Coffee Board hectares holding) contributing to 75 per cent share in The Coffee Board is a statutory organization under area & 70 per cent share to production and the rest 1 the control of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, per cent of the total holdings fall under the large Government of India constituted under the Coffee grower category with holding size of more than 10 Act 1942, an Act enacted by the Parliament. The Board hectares contributing to 25 per cent share in area and comprises 33 members including the Secretary, who 30 per cent share in production. is the Chief Executive appointed by the Government of India, a non-Executive Chairman and remaining 31 127 DEPARTMENT
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(iii) Coffee Production Arabica and 2,47,000 tonnes of Robusta. The Post monsoon estimates for 2022-23 is placed at 3,60,500 The final crop estimates for 2021-22 is placed at tonnes consisting of 1,01,500 tonnes of Arabica and 3,42,000 tonnes consisting of 95,000 tonnes of 2,59,000 tonnes of Robusta. (iv) Productivity being exported while balance is consumed in the domestic market. During the year 2021-22, India The overall productivity of coffee during 2021-22 is 797 exported record high export volume of 4,16,247 kg/ha. The productivity of Arabica is 448 kg/ha and tonnes of coffee (including re-exports) valued at Rs. that of Robusta is 1,139 kg/ha. In the traditional coffee 7,699.50 crore equivalent to US$ 1033.11 million as growing areas, the productivity is high with an overall against export of 3,10,647 tonnes of coffee valued at average of 951 kg/ha, consisting of 634 kg/ha in case Rs. 5,450.88 crore equivalent to US$ 734.85 million of Arabica and 1142 kg/ha in Robusta. during previous year. During the current year (April to (v) Export of Coffee December 2022), the coffee exports were 2,88,716 Coffee is primarily an Export Oriented Commodity tonnes valued at Rs. 6,451.83 crore which is equiva- and presently 70 per cent of country's production is lent to US$ 812.71 million. 128 DEPARTMENT
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(vi) Export of Value Added Coffee v Under the advisory service support to the growers through soil, leaf and agrochemical analysis, a total The export of value added coffee has recorded of 2034 samples (soil-1543, agrochemicals-462, significant growth from a level of 44,764 tonnes leaf-29) received from 702 growers were analyzed during the period 2003-04 with the share of about 19 till December 2022. The advisory reports along with per cent in the total coffee exports to 1,22,359 tonnes recommendations were issued to the planters. in 2021-22 with the share of about 30 per cent in the total coffee exports. The export of value added coffee v Towards developing drought tolerant Robusta during the period 2022-23 (April to December 2022) cultivars, grafting was carried out between Arabica were 1,04,919 tonnes with the share of about 36 per root stocks (Arabica selections viz., 5B, 6 and 9) cent in the total coffee exports during the same with Robusta scions (Robusta selections such as S. period. 274 and Congensis Robusta). Physiological analysis of four years old grafted plants indicated that (vii) Research Achievements Sln.9/Congensis Robusta and Sln.5B/S.274 graft The salient achievements made in respect of different combinations have recorded superior physiologi- areas of coffee research and industry supporting cal activities (in respect of relative water content, activities from April to October 2022, are summarized total chlorophyll content, epicuticular wax content here-under: & super oxide radical), as compared to other graft v The coffee white stem borer tolerant Arabica combinations. genotype (S.4595) was successfully multiplied by v Field evaluation of a new contact fungicide mole- tissue culture method. A total of 30,000 tissue cule viz., copper sulphate 47.15 per cent + culture plants of this genotype were planted in 27 mancozeb 30 per cent WDG (Cuprofix) for the locations during 2020 planting season and these management of coffee leaf rust disease indicated trial plots are being monitored at regular interval that cuprofix is found effective compared to the for vegetative vigour & coffee white stem borer recommended contact fungicide viz., copper oxy incidence. The observations indicated that the chloride. tissue culture plants are found vigorous and no v Field evaluation of seven new systemic fungicide coffee white stem borer incidence is noticed so far. molecules for the management of coffee leaf rust v Under the programme of “Development of Trait disease indicated that the efficacy of Fluopyram Specific Clonal Varieties of Robusta”, 355 Nos. of 17.7 per cent + Tebuconazole 17.7 per cent SC and elite Robusta mother plants were identified from Propiconazole 13.9 per cent + Difenoconazole 13.9 57 estates in Chikmagalur, Kodagu, and Waynad per cent EC are on par with the efficacy of the regions from 2019-2022. Based on the data gener- recommended fungicide molecule (i.e. ated, 103 Robusta plants were shortlisted from 251 Hexaconazole 5 EC) as compared to other new plants. Out of 103 identified mother plants, 88 fungicide molecules. plants were propagated either by graft or clonal v Field evaluation of nine new systemic fungicide method at CCRI and CRSS, Chettalli. A total of 800 molecules tested against the black rot disease in Nos. of clonal plants was raised from the identified Arabica coffee indicated that Tebuconazole 38.39 Robusta mother plants which are to be planted in per cent and Pyraclostrobin 133 g/L+ Epoxiconazole the Research Farms of the Coffee Board. are found very effective compared to other new v During 2022-23 season, the elite rooted clones of systemic fungicide molecules tested. Robusta var. C x R were supplied to 25 growers for v Field evaluation of seven new systemic fungicide establishing mother garden/wood garden as a molecules tested against stalk rot disease in source for continuous supply of vegetative wood Robusta coffee revealed that, Pyraclostrobin 133 for clonal propagation/top grafting. 129 DEPARTMENT
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g/L + Epoxiconazole 50 g/L and Tebuconazole 39.39 cate of origin have been extended from 30 days to per cent are found effective when compared to 60 days. Besides, the Coffee Board also integrated other new systemic fungicide molecules. the export documents on ICEGATE platform. v A total of 37,800 Nos. of Broca traps were supplied v Coffee Board has involved in organizing to 58 planters for the management of coffee berry 'VIKRAYAM' incubation programme to create a borer pest infestation. Further, 1,085 Nos. of platform for the Coffee growers and entrepre- pheromone traps were supplied to ten planters for neurs for the direct exports without many interme- the management of coffee white stem borer pest diaries. infestation. In addition, 36,700 Nos. of bio-control v In order to promote Indian Coffee Exports in agent (Leptomastix dactylopii) was supplied to different overseas destinations, Coffee Board fourteen planters for the management of mealy undertakes various generic promotional activities bug pest infestation. like participation in coffee centric international (viii) Extension & Development Support expos/exhibitions, buyer-seller meetings, cup v Under Integrated Development Programme for tasting session, trade delegations etc. Coffee (ICDP), about Rs. 24.91 crore has been v Board also promoted Indian coffees through digital extended to around 5220 coffee growers for media campaigns viz., twitter, Facebook, Replantation/Expansion/Consolidation, water Instagram platforms and Board's website. augmentation and Quality upgradation infrastruc- v Coffee Board in collaboration with the Embassy of tures, export incentive and support for value India, Bahrain organized Virtual Business Network addition up to December 2022. Meet on Coffees of Indian on 13th June 2022. 18 v Around 5,517 coffee growers have been covered major coffee importers from Bahrain and 32 coffee under various capacity building programmes like exporters from India interacted and exchanged training on coffee cultivation at Technology contacts. Evaluation Centres (TECs), village level workshops, Seminars and Vocational training programmes etc. v Coffee Board in collaboration with the Embassy of India, Beijing, China and China Coffee Association v Coffee Board is implementing the Project “Inte- organized Virtual Business Network Meet on grated Development Programme for Coffee and Coffees of India on 17th June 2022. About 23 major Black Pepper produced by Tribals”in Chamarajanagar, coffee importers from China along with China Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts of Karnataka Coffee Association and 29 coffee exporters from with the financial assistance by Government of India interacted and exchanged contacts. Karnataka covering 2,600 tribal growers. v Embassy of India in Brussels, Belgium in collabora- (ix) Export Promotion tion with Coffee Board promoted Indian coffees in v In order to minimize regulatory compliances for the India Food Festival held at Parc du Cinqantenaire ease of doing business, Coffee Board has imple- in Brussels on 20th-21st August 2022. The event saw mented Online issuance with digitally signed energetic participation from both Indian commu- coffee export documents during 2020-21 viz., nity as well as locals, and registered an estimated Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) footfall of 8000-9000 persons over the two days. Export permit (Form C) and ICO certificate of v Coffee Board in collaboration with the Embassy of origin. Further, Coffee Board increased periodicity India, Beijing, China and China Coffee Association of renewal of RCMC certificate from 3 years to 5 organized Virtual Business Network Meet on years as per Foreign Trade Policy and the validity Coffees of India on 1st November 2022. 16 major period of export permits (Form C) and ICO certifi- 130 DEPARTMENT
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coffee importers from China along with China v A one year Post Graduate Diploma programme in Coffee Association and 25 coffee exporters from Coffee Quality Management is being conducted by India interacted and exchanged contacts. the Coffee Board since 2001. This programme helps in developing professionally trained manpower in v Embassy of India in Beijing, China in collaboration the area of Coffee Quality Evaluation. with Coffee Board conducted Indian Coffee Promotion Week at different coffee shops across v Kaapi Shastra Training Program: Totally 04 pro- Beijing from 16th to 23rd November 2022. Some of grams were conducted during 2022-23 and 96 the coffee shops expressed interest in buying participants have attended the program at Head Indian coffee online. Indian coffee exporters are Office. suggested to explore coming onboard the major (xi) Recent initiatives of Coffee Board Cross Border E-commerce platforms in China. Coffee Krishi Taranga (CKT): Coffee Board is v Coffee Board in collaboration with the Embassy of implementing next-level technology-enabled exten- India, Kuwait organized Virtual Business Network sion service - “Coffee Krishi Taranga” - an IVRS based Meet on Coffees of India on 28th November 2022. mobile phone advisory service to Coffee farmers from 16 major coffee importers from Kuwait and 25 July 2018 to disseminate advisories on Coffee coffee exporters from India interacted and production technology, weather and price related exchanged contacts. information. Encouraged by the success of Coffee v Embassy of India in Beirut, Lebanon in collabora- Krishi Taranga service in Karnataka, the Board tion with Coffee Board promoted coffees of India in extended the services to the Coffee growers of Kerala 'Art of Living 2022' Exhibition held from 30th and Tamil Nadu states from September 2020 and to November till 4th December 2022 at Forum de the tribal Coffee growers of Andhra Pradesh from Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon. September, 2022. Also, Coffee Board has proposed to extend the Coffee Krishi Taranga services to all the (x) Market Development Coffee growing States by 2023. v National Barista Championship 2022 During the current year upto November 2022, across t The 20th edition of NBC for the year 2022 was the four States, the Board has issued 55 weekly organized in a grand manner in Orion Mall, advisories to 77,055 registered Coffee growers and Rajajinagar, Bengaluru in association with has received 7,368 number of inbound calls to record Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI) and queries / listen to price information / listen to weekly United Coffee Association of India (UCAI) with advisory. All the inbound questions were answered wide participation and support from Coffee within a window of 48 hrs. Stakeholders. (C) Natural Rubber (NR) Sector t Ms. Seonhee (Sunny) Yoon from South Korea (i) Rubber Board was the World Coffee Event representative for conducting Judges Calibration and officiating The Rubber Board is a statutory body constituted the semifinal and final rounds of the event. A under Section (4) of the Rubber Act, 1947 and func- total of 59 baristas battled it out with their tioning under the administrative control of the elaborate 15 mins performance. Mr. Mithilesh Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The Board is Vazalwar M/s. Corridor Seven Coffee Roasters headed by a Chairman appointed by the Central and Mr. Santhosh Basavaraj M/s. Third Wave Government and has 28 members representing Coffee represented India in the World Barista various interests of natural rubber industry such as Championship 2022 Melbourne, Australia from rubber growing sector, rubber manufacturing 27th-30th September 2022. industry, labour interest, representatives of Govern- 131 DEPARTMENT
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ments of principal rubber growing states, Members expanded to 8,26,660 ha during 2021-22 from of Parliament (two from House of People and one 8,23,000 ha a year ago. The extent of tapped area from Council of States), the Executive Director and increased to 5,26,500 ha in 2021-22 from 4,96,000 ha the Rubber Production Commissioner. Developmen- in 2020-21 and the share of tapped area in the total tal and regulatory functions pertaining to the entire tappable area had increased to 73.3 per cent in 2021-22 value chain of the Indian rubber industry are dis- from 71.6 per cent in 2020-21. The average yield, charged by the Board by way of assisting and encour- measured in terms of production per hectare of aging research, development, extension and training tapped area increased to 1,472 kg/ha in 2021-22 from activities related to natural rubber (NR). The func- 1,442 kg/ha in the previous year. tions of the Board also include maintaining statistics The country produced 7,75,000 tonne of NR during of rubber, promoting marketing of rubber and 2021-22 compared to 7,15,000 tonne during 2020-21, undertaking labour welfare activities. The Rubber recording a significant growth of 8.4 per cent Research Institute of India (RRII), established in 1955, compared to a marginal growth of 0.4 per cent is situated at Kottayam, Kerala State and has nine registered a year ago. Along with the increase in yield, Regional Research Stations (RRS) located in various increase in tappable area and improvement in rubber growing States of the country. RRII takes up percentage of area tapped during the year have the research activities for ensuring biological and contributed to the appreciable increase in NR produc- technological improvement of NR in the country. tion. Interventions made by the Board in promoting National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) under rain guarding and other appropriate agronomic the Board located at Kottayam acts as the link practices, measures to control diseases, promoting between research and extension activities for self-tapping and in adopting more untapped area into technology transfer. It has the mandate for human tapping etc. need to be emphasised. resource development in all sectors of the NR indus- NR production during April to November 2022 is try and has a significant role in the development of provisionally estimated at 517,000 tonne, recording a rubber industry. growth of 14.9 per cent compared to 4,50,000 tonne (ii) Area under Rubber, Production and Productivity produced during the same period in the previous The country's total area under rubber cultivation year. 132 DEPARTMENT
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(iii) Consumption of NR compared to negative growth of 16.4 per cent recorded during 2020-21. Auto-tyre manufacturing The domestic NR consumption during 2021-22 sector accounted for 73.1 per cent of the total quan- increased by 12.9 per cent to 12,38,000 tonne from the tity of NR consumed in the country during 2021-22. NR 10,96,410 tonne of NR consumed during 2020-21. The consumption during April to November 2022 is auto tyre sector registered 15.9 per cent growth provisionally estimated at 8,98,000 tonne, recording during 2021-22 as against 3.2 per cent recorded during a growth of 8.6 per cent compared to 8,27,000 tonne 2020-21. At the same time, the general rubber goods consumed during the same period in the previous sector registered 5.6 per cent growth during 2021-22 year. (iv) Import of NR 21. The country exported 43.0 per cent Ribbed Smoked Sheet (RSS), 33.4 per cent latex concentrates As per data available from the Directorate General of and 20.8 per cent Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCI&S), the in 2021-22 and the main destination country was Sri import of NR during 2021-22 increased by 33.1 percent Lanka. Export of NR during the year 2021-22 was to 5,46,369 tonnes from 4,10,478 tonnes during 2020- valued at Rs. 53.8 crore. India exported 1,690 tonne 21. During 2021-22, 87.5 percent of the total NR import NR during April to November 2022 compared to 2,916 was in the form of block rubber. Among the source tonne exported during the same period in the previ- countries of import of NR into India, Indonesia ous year. dominated with a share of 25.3 per cent in the total volume imported during 2021-22, followed by Viet- (vi) Sustainable and Inclusive Development of nam (24.4%) and Cote d' Ivoire (13.7%). Import of NR Natural Rubber Sector Scheme during the year 2021-22 is valued at Rs 7,702.7 crore. The scheme “Sustainable and Inclusive Development As per preliminary statistics, India imported 3,78,481 of Natural Rubber Sector” approved by the Govern- tonne NR during April to November 2022 compared to ment for the MTEF period was extended during 2021- 3,43,604 tonne imported during the same period in 22 upto 30th September 2022. The scheme is contin- the previous year. ued during 2022-23. Budget Sanction for the year 2022-23 is Rs.268.76 crore. Expenditure up to Decem- (v) Export of NR ber 2022 is Rs.211.48 crore. The volume of NR export from the country decreased to 3,560 tonne in 2021-22 from 11,343 tonnes in 2020- 133 DEPARTMENT
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(vii) Physical achievement in respect of major v A special scheme was implemented for enhancing activities (2022 –23) domestic NR production with payouts of Rs.19.30 crore under the following components during Rubber Plantation Development & Extension 2022. v Brought 10,260 ha under rubber planting (new t Rain guarding (ONE+NE)- 21,635.45 ha planting and replanting) and continued the maintenance of 470.80 ha rubber plantations t Spraying- 8,382.98 ha under tribal development during 2021-22. During t Modernization of GPC– 87 Nos. 2022 planting season (June-November), an area of t Tool kit to women tapper- 171 kit for 15 groups 27,965 ha (out of which 23,370.36 ha is planted under NEMITRA project) has been brought under t Incentive to RPS for group management rubber cultivation. t Purchase of sprayer with duster attachment- v Rubber Board nurseries generated 2.85 lakh 108 Nos. quality planting material during 2021-22. Planting t Repayable soft loan to 2 Rubber Board Compa- material generation upto November 2022 is 4.07 nies lakh. t Sponsored Nurseries NEMITRA- 50 Nos. v The plantation adoption programme brought 40,319 ha under tapping during 2021-22. Holding t Purchase of Augur NEMITRA -10 Nos. adoption upto November 2022 is 55,356 ha. v Promoted intercropping of medicinal plants in 2.00 v As part of farmer education and skill development, ha of rubber plantations in convergence with the the Board conducted skill training, seminars and leading Ayurveda Pharmaceuticals with financial group meetings benefitting 1,51,482 grow- and technical support of Kerala State Medicinal ers/tappers during 2021-22. A total of 1,16,685 Plant Board as an ancillary income generation growers were benefited through the farmer activity for the small growers. education programmes organized during April to (viii) Research November 2022. v Fertility maps of rubber growing regions of India v Rubber Board supported rubber growers for were released and 385 maps were uploaded in the developing rubber plantations and other cultural website of Rubber Board for visualizing the fertility operations in 8,625 ha utilizing MGNREGS status of rubber growing regions. resources during 2021-22. Under this programmes, Rubber Board supported 9,661 growers for v Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), undertaking activities in 8,949.4 ha during April to under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and November 2022. Climate Change, Government of India has recom- mended field planting of Genetically Modified v As part of empowering growers and tappers, the (GM) rubber (Hevea Brasiliensis) with osmotin Board promoted RPS, Self Help Groups & Tappers gene for biotic/abiotic stress tolerance. Bank and regularly monitored / supported the activities of 2,544 RPSs and 382 Group processing v 15 clones imported from five countries under RRII- centers during 2021-22. During April- November IRRDB Multilateral Clone exchange programme 2022, support has been extended to 2,549 RPSs were laid out in field trials in traditional and non- including 3 newly formed RPSs and 292 GPCs. traditional areas. v Implemented a special scheme for ensuring v Nine new generation pipeline clones were laid out availability of sheet rubber in the market with the in Block trials in Morigaon (Assam) for identifying participation of 96 RPSs and the payout was Rs. suitable clones for the region 9.98 lakh. 134 DEPARTMENT
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v In Northeast India, Indian clones are increasingly v Recommendations for weekly tapping in clone replacing RRIM 600, which was the popular clone RRII 430 was made. Growers can adopt and follow in the region. Efforts were taken to promote RRII Low Frequency Tapping (LFT) viz. d3 and d7 429 in NE region, through establishing 12,000 (weekly tapping) in clone RRII 430 with appropri- polybag plants in Meghalaya for raising source bud ate stimulation (2.5 per cent panel application, wood nurseries and publishing of brochures. three rounds per year for d3 and 12 rounds per year for weekly tapping (d7). v Conservation of Wickham clones, wild accessions v Conducted a study on “Adoption of recommended and other species and evaluation of preliminary practices by rubber growers in Kerala”. Adoption selections from wild germplasm are continued. of rubber clones developed by RRII was found to Arboretum of 557 wild and Wickham accessions be 100 per cent among the farmers in traditional (1,731) in five plantings is maintained at Teksragre rubber growing regions. farm, Tura, Meghalaya. v Conducted a study on “Impacts of natural rubber v Application submitted to Review Committee on cultivation in Tripura: An inter-temporal socio- Genetic modification (RCGM), DBT, Ministry of economic analysis of tribal and non-tribal rubber Science and Technology, Government of India, farmers”. The study revealed increase in house- seeking permission for Confined Field Trial of GM hold income of rubber farmers in the past one rubber incorporated with HMGR gene of the latex decade. The farmers were found investing the biosynthesis pathway for enhanced yield. surplus generated from rubber cultivation in v Confined field trial of genetically modified rubber alternative employment options for income plants with MnSOD gene for abiotic stress toler- diversification as a risk management strategy. ance was in progress at Sarutari farm at RRS, v Advance Molecular Plant Pathology Lab was Guwahati. A Central Compliance Committee (CCC) inaugurated at Plant Pathology Division for early constituted by members of both RCGM and GEAC detection of Pathogens and host tolerance. visited the trial site on 26th November 2021 and v An “International Workshop on New Colleto- gave suggestions regarding the field trial. trichum Circular Leaf Spot Disease Identification v Geospatial mapping and updating of rubber and Management” at RRII with the Collaboration plantation in Tripura was completed. As of 2021, of IRRDB was conducted at RRII on 20th-24th the total area under rubber in Tripura was esti- September 2022. Total 25 International delegates mated using satellite data to be 1,12,455 ha (age and 13 national delegates attended the workshop. three years and above) which showed an expan- v Advanced Analysis Laboratory for Rubber Prod- sion of 64,084 ha of rubber compared to the ucts (REACH Compliance Laboratory) to promote satellite-based estimation done in the state in 2010- export of rubber products was inaugurated on 11th 2011 (48,371 ha) with an annual average expansion January 2022. Polycyclic aromatics (PAHP), of 5,286 ha/year. phthalates, substances of very high concern v A study was initiated to estimate spatial extent of (SVHC) and heavy metals can be detected using the rubber plantations susceptible to floods in rubber facilities in the lab. growing districts in Kerala. Delineation of rubber v Developed several products like road divider etc. in plantations susceptible to floods in Trivandrum collaboration with an industry using NR/Polymeric (4,098 ha), Kollam (4,542 ha), Pathanamthitta filler technology developed in the laboratory. (3,960 ha), Alappuzha (1,031 ha), Kottayam (5,827 v The skim latex process developed at RRII was ha) Idukki (1,307 ha) and Ernakulum (9,942 ha) modified to reduce the nitrogen content of the districts were completed. skim rubber from 0.67 per cent to 0.44 per cent. 135 DEPARTMENT
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v MoU was executed between RRII and DY. Patil v Training in rubber cultivation in Estate Sector Agricultural University, Kolhapur to study the v Entrepreneur Development Programmes: 8 Nos. feasibility of cultivating rubber in Maharashtra and of training benefitting 64 no. of participants initiated experimental planting. v Completed the certificate courses of three months' v MoU was executed between RRII & Navsari duration in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Agricultural University, Gujarat to study the Techniques. feasibility of cultivating rubber in South Gujarat v Conducted three months' certificate course in and initiated experimental planting. Rubber Technology and Quality Assurance in Tyre v A MoU was signed by Rubber board and SMPT sector for 15 officials of M/s CEAT Ltd. in Online (Societe des Matieres Premieres Tropicales Pe mode. Ltd), Singapore, a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of Michelin, a major multinational company on v Offered one-week offline training in Rubber 05.01.22 for research collaborations. Technology for Technical persons from M/s CEAT Ltd. v MoU was signed with MG University, Kerala and Rubber Board for Research & Training Partnership v Conducted 31 batches of outstation programmes and Collaboration. benefitting 1179 participants mostly from NE/NT region on location specific topics like pre-planting (ix) Training operations and planting of rubber, latex harvest- v Under the plan scheme, organized 262 training ing, crown budding, mushroom cultivation, programmes benefitting 5,366 participants for fertilizer application, intercropping, LFT, labour 24,115 man days including 1,591 SC/ST beneficiaries, welfare schemes, disease management, apicul- during April-December 2022 against the annual ture, rubber products manufacture, mechanized target of 4,200 beneficiaries from all stakeholders tapping, capacity building of director board of the rubber industry value chain. members of RPSs, ancillary income generation v Conducted 24 Nos. of educational development activities, monitoring and strengthening of programmes of one week to one-month duration RPSs/e-trading/PAN, GST registration, etc. for 443 No. of Diploma/B.Sc./B.Tech/M.Sc./M.Tech v Conducted 5 batches of RTP nursery training for students in Plant Science, Chemistry and Polymer the growers of NE Region. Science/Rubber Technology disciplines form various Universities/Colleges. v Pro-Women scheme: To address the shortage of tappers, introduced the Pro-women Scheme v Under SCSP/TSP Scheme, conducted empower- targeting women beneficiaries in traditional ment programmes for SC/ST beneficiaries- region, conducted 34 batches of LHT programmes conducted 23 batches of 3-8 days' duration in LHT for 510 participants. and LPT job roles benefitting 565 persons from NE/NT regions. v One week specialized training on quality control of v A special certificate programme for 10 Nos. of rubber and rubber products, product analysis for SC/ST beneficiaries from Meghalaya was con- Technical Personnel from Defence/Rubber Indus- ducted in Melliponiculture at NIRT under the try. SCSP/TSP Scheme. v Twenty-four batches of one-year Certificate v Commenced one-year PG Diploma Course in programme on Apiculture are ongoing in twenty- Rubber Plantation Management for Gradu- three RPSs. ates/Post Graduates in Plant Science in NE region. v Signed MoA with M/s Additional Skill Acquisition v Induction training for 20 days to the newly Programme (ASAP), Government of Kerala for recruited Field Officers in NE Region undertaking the Lab Chemist course for one batch 136 DEPARTMENT
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each of two and three months' duration for the was completed in 23,370.39 ha. Total planting done Graduate/Post Graduate students in Chemistry. under the project was 27,232 ha till December 2022 Certified 33 students and commenced the Board developed a common Mobile App internship of the ongoing batch of 34 students at “RUBEXT” to capture information of beneficiaries various industry workfronts. with geotaged photographs for monitoring progress of the NEMITRA project. v Signed MoU with Tripura University and M/s NSS College, Changanacherry for conducting curricu- v E-Trade Platform for Rubber 'mRube': The Rubber lum linked programmes at NIRT and to provide Board has launched 'mRube', an electronic market support for internship/placement. platform for Natural Rubber in July 2022. The new electronic trading platform complements the v DPR preparation for M/s Kerala Rubber Ltd., existing trade system of NR with more market Velloor, Kottayam for promotion of natural rubber visibility and to strengthen the efficacy of domestic based industrialization in Kerala with focus on supply chain of NR. There are 1,135 registrations MSME Sector on consultancy basis. and 3,692 tonne of NR was traded through the (x) Labour Welfare Measures platform upto December 2022. During 2021–2022, Board disbursed Rs. 173.14 lakh v Virtual Trade Fair for Rubber Products: Rubber under various Labour Welfare schemes benefitting Board has developed a Virtual Trade Fair (VTF) for 12,655 rubber tappers/ plantation workers. During Rubber and Rubber Products, which is a unique April to December 2022, the Board disbursed Rs. opportunity for showcasing Indian rubber 174.67 lakh under various labour welfare schemes and rubber products among international benefitting 6,886 rubber tappers/ plantation buyers. The fair can be accessed from the workers. https:// vtf.rubberboard.org.in/rubberboard. The (xi) Rubber Census third edition of this platform is progressing. Rubber Board is conducting nationwide census on v Rubber Production Incentive Scheme (RPIS): rubber using digitalized mobile application, 'RUBAC', Launched by Government of Kerala in 2015-16 in developed in association with Digital University, association with the Rubber Board through Rubber Kerala to ascertain the area under rubber, new- Producers Societies is now in the eighth phase of planted area, re-planted area, the age profile of trees, operation. The Board is providing logistic support discarded area over the years, level of adoption of and the funds are made available by the State new clones, size of holdings and details of tappers Government. etc. Census on Rubber is progressing in all districts of (D) Spices Sector Kerala State. Actions have been initiated for conduct- (i) Spices Board ing census on rubber in Tripura State. Spices Board is a statutory body constituted under (xii) Other Major Initiatives taken by the Board section (3) of the Spices Board Act, 1986 and function- v Collaborative Project NEMITRA: A project named ing under the administrative control of the Ministry of NEMITRA for supporting development of new Commerce and Industry. The Board consists of 31 rubber plantations in 2,00,000 ha in North East in 5 members including the Secretary, who is the Chief years with a contribution of Rs 1,000 crore from Executive and is led by the non-Executive Chairman, major tyre companies, represented by Automotive with its head office at Kochi in Kerala. Spices Board is Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA), was responsible for the overall development of the agreed and the project started in 2021. Under this cardamom industry and export promotion of 52 project, rubber planting completed in 3,861.68 ha spices as scheduled under the Spices Board Act, 1986. during 2021. During 2022 planting season, planting The functions of the Board include research & devel- 137 DEPARTMENT
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opment and domestic marketing of small and large governmental organizations etc. for export promo- cardamom, post-harvest quality improvement and tion of spices, etc. export promotion of spices & quality management of (ii) Indian Spices spices exported from India. The Board has 83 offices India is the largest producer, exporter and consumer across the country, which includes export promotion of spices in the world and exports spices and spice offices, development offices for small and large products to more than 180 countries. In India, about cardamom, quality evaluation laboratories (QEL), 10.88 million tonnes of spices are produced annually. research stations, spices parks etc. The Board works The export of spices from India accounts for around with the stakeholders of the spices sector, for 14 per cent of the total production. India is the global undertaking programs and projects for development hub for spice processing and the world leader in of small and large cardamom and for promotion of production and export of major spices like chilli, export of spices. turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel and value-added The programs undertaken by the Board includes, products viz. spice oils and oleoresins, curry powder support to exporters for infrastructure development etc. and value addition, organizing programs for estab- (iii) Exports lishing market linkage of farmers and exporters with international buyers, supporting primary processing During 2021-22, India exported 15,31,154 MT of spices through establishment of processing facilities in the and spice products valued at Rs. 30,576 crore (US$ major growing centers (Spices Parks), undertaking 4,102.29 million). Export of small cardamom, a trade and brand promotion activities for Indian mandate crop of Spices Board, scaled new heights in spices, including co-participation of stakeholders in FY 2021-22. During 2021-22, 10,572 MT of small carda- international fairs and exhibitions, quality manage- mom, valued at Rs. 1,37,570.40 lakh have been ment of spices exported from India through the exported from the country as against 6486 MT, Quality Evaluation laboratories which provide valued at Rs.1,10,346.58 lakh, in FY 2020-21. analytical services and monitors quality of spices for India's export of spices increased from 8,17,250 MT export through testing and certification, facilitating valued at Rs. 13,73,539 lakh (US$ 2,268 million) in 2013- primary sale of cardamom through the auction 14 to 15,31,154 MT valued at Rs. 30,57,644 lakh (US$ system, providing research support to stakeholders 4,102.29 million) in 2021-22 registering an increase of on small and large cardamom, assisting growers of 87 per cent in volume, 123 per cent in value (Rs.) and 81 small and large cardamom for production develop- per cent in value (US$). The major contributors of ment and growers of other spices for post-harvest spices export basket in value terms during 2021-22 are management, working with the regulatory bodies of given below: importing countries, trade support institutions, inter- 138 DEPARTMENT
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Export performance during 2022-23 (April-October): of Indian spices are China (21%), USA (15%), UAE (6%), As per Directorate General of Commercial Intelli- Bangladesh (6%), Indonesia (4%), Thailand (4%), gence and Statistics (DGCI&S), the export of spices Malaysia (4%), UK (3%), Srilanka (3%), Germany (2%), and spice products from the country, was valued at Netherland (2%), Nepal (2%) and Saudi Arabia (2%). Rs. 18,138.57 crore (US$ 2296.20 million), as compared (iv) Production of Cardamom (small & large) to Rs. 17,968.48 crore (US$ 2425.04 million) of The preliminary estimate for production of Carda- previous year registering an increase of 1 per cent in mom (Small) in India during FY 2022-23 is 24463 MT rupee terms over the previous year. with an average productivity of 513.68 kgs/ha regis- The major contributors in Spices Export Basket in tering an increase of 4.21 per cent in production over terms of value, during April-October 2022, are Chilli the previous year. The preliminary estimate for (29%), Cumin (14%), Spice oil & Oleoresins (14%), Mint production of Cardamom (Large) during FY 2022-23 is Products (12%), Turmeric (5%), Curry powder (4%), 9,072 tonnes with an average productivity of 285.20 Cardamom (small) (3%) pepper (2%) and coriander kgs/ha and an increase of 2.96 per cent over the (2%). During the same period, the major destinations previous year. (v) Major activities/achievements during 2022-23 Tuticorin, Kandla and Kolkata continued providing (April -October) analytical services and mandatory testing and certification of export consignments of select v During April-October 2022, a total number of 873 spices during the year. During April-October 2022, exporter registrations (Certificate of Registration the QELs analyzed over 74,613 parameters, as Exporter of Spices, CRES) were issued by the including Aflatoxin, Illegal dyes, Pesticide residues, Board thereby taking the total tally of registered Salmonella etc., in spice export consignments. exporters to more than 6,700. Also 91 Cardamom Also, during the period, the Board has issued 4,211 Dealer Licenses were issued by the Board's offices, health certificates and 18,315 analytical reports to thereby making the total number of licensed the spice exporters, for facilitating exports. dealers to more than 600. v With a view to facilitate market linkages for v Spices Board has established and is maintaining 8 boosting India's spice exports, two International crop specific Spices Parks in major produc- Buyer Seller Meets (BSM) were organized by tion/market centres to empower the stakeholders Spices Board, in association with Indian Missions, of the spice industry, especially the farming during April-October 2022. The BSMs were marked community, by providing common infrastructure by the active participation of Indian exporters and and processing facilities for spices. The Board has leading overseas buyers and the Board is in the established Spices Parks at Chhindwara & Guna in process of organizing more such events during the Madhya Pradesh, Puttady in Kerala, Jodhpur & year, in association with the Missions. During FY Kota in Rajasthan, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, 2021-22, the Board has conducted 12 international Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu and Rae Bareli in Uttar buyer-seller meets in association with the Indian Pradesh Missions in the respective countries. v The 8 Quality Evaluation Laboratories (QEL) of the v Spices Board, in line with the initiative of Ministry of Board at Cochin, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Guntur, Commerce to reduce the compliance burden has 139 DEPARTMENT
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digitized the key stakeholder compliances and v Regulating the production and curing of Virginia accordingly has made issuance of Certificate of Tobacco with regard to the demand in India and Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES), Carda- abroad. mom Auctioneer License (CAL), & Cardamom v Dissemination of useful information to the grow- Dealer License (CDL) and submission of the ers, dealers and exporters (including packers) of Quarterly Export Returns (QER) fully online. Virginia tobacco and manufacturers of tobacco v Applications for covering an area of 307.3 Ha for products and others concerned. replanting/rejuvenation of cardamom small and v Promoting tobacco grading at the level of growers. 399.11 Ha for replanting of large cardamom are v Establishment of auction platforms for sale of being collected and processed for providing Virginia tobacco by registered growers and assistance to the farmers. functioning as an auctioneer at auction platforms. v For assisting the farmers in mechanization of the v Keeping constant watch / monitoring of the post-harvest operations for improving the quality, Virginia tobacco market, both in India and abroad Board is in the process of collecting applications and ensuring fair and remunerative price to the for 1,200 equipments viz. Turmeric polisher, growers. Turmeric boiler, pepper thresher, seed spice thresher, mint distillation units etc. v Purchasing Virginia tobacco from the growers when the same is considered necessary or expedi- v Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI), has ent for protecting the interest of growers with the developed a high yielding and disease tolerant prior approval of the Government of India. Small Cardamom Clone (accession No. 594) which is in the final stage of release. (ii) Regulating the production of FCV Tobacco 2. TOBACCO According to Section 8(2) (a) of the Tobacco Board Act, one of the important functions of the Tobacco Tobacco is an important commercial crop grown in Board is regulation of Production and curing of FCV India. In order to regulate production, promote tobacco having regard to the demand for tobacco in overseas marketing and control recurring instances India and abroad. This objective is being achieved of imbalances in supply and demand, the Tobacco through Crop Planning and fixing crop size of FCV Board was established on 1st January 1976 by the tobacco for Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka sepa- Government of India under the Tobacco Board Act of rately every year and by registering Commercial 1975. nurserymen, tobacco growers and barn operators. (i) Main activities (iii) FCV Tobacco Production in India The Headquarters of Tobacco Board is at Guntur in The production of FCV tobacco in 2021-22 is 189.12 Andhra Pradesh and is headed by a non-executive million Kg, as compared to 201.16 million Kg in 2020-21. Chairman appointed by Central Government. The The production of FCV tobacco in Andhra Pradesh is Tobacco Board Act, 1975 aims at planned develop- 120.98 million Kg. and in Karnataka 68.14 million Kg. ment of tobacco industry in the country. The various FCV tobacco was cultivated in about 1, 38,142 hectares activities of the Board outlined in the Act for the during 2021-22 crop season. promotion of the industry are: 140 DEPARTMENT
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(iv) FCV Crop Production Policy for 2022-23 season in comparison with 2021-22 crop season is as Crop Season follows: The state wise crop size fixed during 2022-23 crop (v) Extension & Development Activities Pradesh and Karnataka during 2022-23 crop season. Tobacco Board implements various extension and developmental schemes for improving productivity v An alternative procedure for procurement and and quality of Indian FCV tobacco to make it competi- distribution of fertilizers through Committee of tive in the international market. Tobacco Board Farmers was implemented during 2022-23 crop extends subsidy to the registered FCV tobacco season in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka success- growers under its various schemes to encourage the fully. A quantity of 21,283.85 MT of fertilizer was growers to adopt new and improved practices. distributed to growers of Karnataka. In Andhra Tobacco Board provides a comprehensive package of Pradesh, a quantity of 8,140.25 MT was distributed support and extension services to growers using a as against the indented quantity of 8,154.70 MT in wide network of qualified and trained field staff, in NLS region and a quantity of 2,870.925 MT of collaboration with ICAR-Central Tobacco Research fertilizers was distributed in SLS/SBS regions. Institute (CTRI), National Institute of Plant Health v In Andhra Pradesh, green manure crops were Management (NIPHM) and Research and Develop- raised in an area of 19,480.90 ha and in Karnataka ment wings of tobacco companies. green manure crops were sown in 6,060 ha for v 8,493.75 Kgs of approved varieties of seed supply 2022-23 crop season for enrichment of soil health was arranged by Board through ICAR-CTRI, which would facilitate the growers in reducing the Rajahmundry and ITC Research Division, chemical fertilizers usage and quality improve- Rajahmundry to FCV tobacco growers in Andhra ment of crop. Board also is extending a subsidy of 141 DEPARTMENT
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Rs.200 per barn to growers of Andhra Pradesh and growers free of cost. In Karnataka, 2.56 lakh Karnataka States who were supplied with green Marigold seedlings purchased from CTRI Research manure seed through Board for the promotion of Station, Hunsur were supplied at free of cost to this soil fertility initiative. growers. v In Karnataka 13.86 lakh trays and in Andhra v An expenditure of Rs.1.11 lakh was incurred Pradesh 7.98 lakh trays were supplied to growers towards procurement of 1,062 Kgs of Bajra seed @ for production of healthy and sturdy tobacco Rs.40/Kg and 852 Kgs of Jowar seed @ Rs.80/Kg seedlings. The seedling production in trays will from Karnataka State Seed Corporation (KSSC ensure better establishment in field which in turn Ltd), Government of Karnataka and were supplied help in uniform crop growth with no transplanta- free of cost to FCV growers in Karnataka for tion shocks and reduced insect pests and disease growing as a barrier/border crop on field bunds, incidence. An amount of Rs.63.03 lakh was which acts as a preventive measure from attack of extended to FCV tobacco growers of Karnataka sucking insect pests such as white fly, aphids on towards subsidy @ 30 per cent to SC/ST growers tobacco crop. and 20 per cent to other category growers for v A total of 2003 lts. of Potassium Releasing Bacteria production of healthy tobacco seedlings (quality (KRB) cultures from NIPHM, Hyderabad was improvement). supplied to FCV tobacco growers of Andhra v Board is promoting Integrated Pest Management Pradesh and Karnataka, which could aid in making (IPM) practices among FCV tobacco growers for Potassium nutrient to available form from unavail- enhancing product integrity and production of able form. safer tobacco free of pesticide residues. During vBoard is encouraging growers to take up natural 2022-23 crop season, Board is arranging for distri- farming practices to reduce use of chemical bution of IPM inputs such as pheromone traps, fertilizers and pesticides. During 2022-23 crop yellow sticky traps, bio pesticides, Marigold season, 101 growers of Karnataka cultivated FCV seedlings, Jowar and Bajra seeds to FCV tobacco tobacco in 101 acres in Natural Farming mode and growers of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 16 growers came forward to take up trials of v Board arranged for distribution of 3,563 lts. and natural farming in Andhra Pradesh. Board is 3561 lts of Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomo- extending an amount of Rs. 15,000 towards cash nas fluorescens Bio Pesticides to FCV tobacco incentive to each grower for meeting expenses growers of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, towards application of organic fertilizers, natural respectively. Bio pesticides would aid in control of pesticides to be used in FCV tobacco cultivation in soil borne diseases, which in turn reduces the use natural farming mode. of chemical fungicides. An amount of Rs.1.61 lakh vThe Board, as a part of eco-friendly measures is was extended towards subsidy @ 50 per cent to all encouraging growers to take up raising of fast- category grower beneficiaries in Karnataka for Bio growing tree saplings to meet the fuel require- pesticides. ments for FCV tobacco curing. As a part of this v An amount of Rs.0.46 lakh was extended as initiative, Tobacco Board has made it as a mandate subsidy on supply of pheromone traps and yellow for tobacco growers to take up planting of 10 fast sticky traps to growers in Karnataka. growing tree saplings for renewal of grower registration. v Board is procuring 9.10 lakh Marigold seedlings in Andhra Pradesh @Rs.0.75 per seedling from vBoard is implementing Model Project Area Scheme nurseries of CTRI Research stations, Kandukur and (MPA) with the objective of enhancing the produc- Jeelugumilli for distribution to FCV tobacco tivity, quality and product integrity of the FCV 142 DEPARTMENT
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tobacco through intensive extension programme. (vi) Tobacco Auctions During 2022-23 crop season, 19 villages in Andhra The Auction system for sale of FCV tobacco was Pradesh and 10 villages in Karnataka were notified introduced for the first time in Karnataka in 1984 to implement Model Project Area Scheme. An followed by Andhra Pradesh in 1985. extension worker is engaged for 4 months in (vii) Progress made during 2022-23 model project village for advising the growers on Good Agricultural Practices from time to time and v In Andhra Pradesh, during 2022-23, a total quantity for collection of data. An amount of Rs.8000 of 113.46 million kg of 2021-22 Andhra Pradesh FCV /platform is being allotted towards organization of tobacco crop marketed at an average price of extension programs. Rs.178.88 per kg from 01.04.2022 to 28.07.2022 (the auction sales were commenced on 14.03.2022 v Board is extending financial assistance to encour- and concluded on 28.07.2022). age FCV tobacco growers to implement Post Harvest Product Management practices and as v In Karnataka, during 2022-23, a total quantity of part of this program, Board is arranging for supply 20.57 million kg of tobacco of 2022-23 Karnataka of canvas tarpaulins to avoid admixture of Non- FCV tobacco crop marketed at an average price of Tobacco Related Materials (NTRMs) in packed Rs. 238.42 per kg from 10.10.2022 to 28.11.2022 (the tobacco and is promoting construction of bulk auction sales commenced on 10.10.2022 and are in sheds for storage of tobacco. progress). v Board awarded a Research Project “Evaluation of (viii) Growers Welfare Fund Initiatives Bio Consortia for Nutrient Supplementation, Tobacco Board is undertaking various welfare Nematode / Disease Control for Enhancing Produc- measures, to ensure overall welfare of around 86000 tivity and Quality of FCV Tobacco” in KLS region to Tobacco Growers and their families in the states of ICAR-CTRI, Rajahmundry. The project cost is Rs. 5 Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana & Odisha by lakh and MOU of project was done on 11.07.2022. establishing “Tobacco Board Growers' Welfare v To promote energy conservation in curing of FCV Schemes” in 2009-10 with the approval of Depart- tobacco, Board in collaboration with trade has ment of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Indus- taken up massive energy conservation program try, Government of India. through insulation of barns and installation of The welfare Scheme provides financial assistance in Venturi furnace by extending subsidy. During 2022- the form of Grants to deceased members for natural 23 crop season, the roof insulation of 1,500 barns in and accidental deaths and interest Free Loans to Karnataka and 400 barns in Andhra Pradesh is perform Daughter's Marriage, Education of Depend- targeted. Installation of Venturi furnace in 102 ent Children, Treatment for major illness/Accident barns in Andhra Pradesh is proposed. cases which requires surgery and Repairs to barns v Board is taking up grower trainings and capacity damaged due to Natural Calamities/Fire Accidents. building programs of extension personnel for Since the inception of the scheme, Tobacco Board imparting knowledge of Good Agricultural Prac- had provided financial relief of Rs.73.45 crore to tices in FCV tobacco cultivation. 19,927 members in terms of Grants and Loans so far Grants of Rs.60.47 crore to 15,148 members and v Up to October 2022 an amount of Rs. 95.73 Lakh Interest free loans of Rs.12.97 crore to 4,779 grow- was incurred towards Extension and Developmen- ers). tal Schemes. Approximately, an amount of Rs. 579 Lakh will be required to meet the expenditure During the year 2022-23 (up to 29.11.2022), an amount towards implementation of Extension and Devel- of Rs.3.90 crore was released to 771 grower members opmental Schemes (Andhra Pradesh and (Grants of Rs. 3.42 crore and interest free loans of Karnataka) during the current crop season. Rs.0.48 crore). 143 DEPARTMENT
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(ix) Registration of traders against the exports of 1.38 Lakh MT valued at Rs. 4,062.54 crore (US$ 548.60 million) during the Tobacco Board grants registration to various catego- corresponding period of last year. During the period ries of traders on calendar year basis as per Sections under report, the exports have registered a positive 11-A, 11-B (i) and 12 of Tobacco Board Act, 1975. growth of 34.78 per cent, 48.47 per cent and 38.93 Tobacco Board grants registration/renewal of per cent respectively in terms of quantity, value in registration under different categories viz., Processor rupees and dollar terms as compared to the exports of Virginia Tobacco, Manufacturer of Virginia made during the corresponding period of last year. Tobacco, Exporter of Tobacco, Exporter of Tobacco Products, Dealer in Tobacco, Packer of Tobacco and (xii) Export Promotion Commercial Grader of Virginia tobacco. Tobacco Board is participating in the International In line with the Government of India's initiative on tobacco exclusive trade fairs and exhibitions for “Digital India”, Tobacco Board had introduced online showcasing the Indian tobacco to create brand image system for e-filing of applications for grant of for Indian tobacco and promote exports. During the registration / renewal of registration under various year 2022-23, Tobacco Board had participated in the categories of traders to provide a transparent and following international fairs and exhibitions exclusive integrated electronic service to the tobacco trade. E- to tobacco: filing of applications has been made mandatory for v World Tobacco Europe 2022, Sofia, Bulgaria – 18th- obtaining registration/renewal of registration by all 19th May 2022 categories of traders through portal v World Tobacco Asia 2022, Surabaya, Indonesia – www.tobaccoboard.in. As on 28.11.2022, a total of 7th-8th September 2022 1,184 traders were granted/renewed registration under various categories for the Registration Year v Inter tabac / Inter supply 2022, Dortmund, Germany 2022. The Registration / Renewal of registration for – 15th-17th September 2022 the Registration Year 2022 have commenced from 4th v World Tobacco Middle East 2022, Dubai, UAE – 15th- October 2022 and a total of 195 traders were 16 th November 2022 granted/renewed registration and the registration is (xiii) Export Facilitation under progress. v Tobacco Board is issuing e-RCMC in digital mode to (x) Export performance during 2021-22 the eligible exporters on the e-RCMC platform of The exports of tobacco and tobacco products during DGFT. During 2022-23, as of 28th November 2022, a 2021-22 were 2.25 Lakh MT valued at Rs. 6,880.21 crore total of 33 RCMC's were issued to the exporters. (US$ 923.40 million) as against the exports of 2.22 v Tobacco Board is issuing all Preferential Certifi- Lakh MT valued at Rs. 6,496.09 crore (US$ 876.58 cates of Origin (CoO) in digital mode to the regis- million) exported during 2020-21. During 2021-22, the tered exporters on the e-CoO platform of DGFT. exports of tobacco and tobacco products have registered a positive growth of 1.35per cent, 5.91 per v Tobacco Board is also issuing Certificate of cent and 5.34 per cent respectively in terms of Authenticity for export of specified lines of quantity, value in rupees and value in US dollars as unmanufactured tobacco to European Union compared to the exports made during 2020-21. member countries. During 2022-23, as of 28th November 2022, a total of 671 numbers of Certifi- (xi) Progress of exports in 2022-23 (April– cates were issued to the eligible exporters. October2022) v Tobacco Board is also authorized for registration of During the period April- October 2022, the exports of exporters under EU REX system for self- tobacco and tobacco products stood at 1.86 Lakh MT certification of the origin of goods being exported valued at Rs. 6,031.74 crore (US$ 762.16 million) as 144 DEPARTMENT
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to EU under the GSP scheme. As on 28th November APEDA is responsible for registration and protection 2022, a total No. of 46 exporters have been regis- of the Intellectual Property rights (in India or outside tered under EU REX system through Tobacco India) w.r.t Special products listed in Second sched- Board. ule. Currently, Second Schedule contains only Basmati Rice. 3. AGRICULTURAL AND PROCESSED FOOD PROD- UCTS EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY In addition to this, APEDA is also responsible for (APEDA) monitoring the import of sugar. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export APEDA also functions as the Secretariat of the Development Authority (APEDA) was established in Certification Bodies under National Programme for 1985, by the Government of India, under the Agricul- Organic Production (NPOP) for Organic exports. The tural and Processed Food Products Export Develop- products are certified as 'Organic Products' for ment Authority Act passed by the Parliament. APEDA export as per the standards laid down by National with its headquarters at New Delhi, is headed by the Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). Chairman. It has 14 Regional Offices at Ahmedabad, (i) Agriculture Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, APEDA under its Plan Scheme titled 'Agriculture & Hyderabad, Jammu, Kochi, Kolkata, Ladakh, Mumbai, Processed Food Export Promotion Scheme of Srinagar and Varanasi. APEDA' provides financial assistance to registered The primary objective of APEDA is to undertake the exporters under three sub-components (Market development and promotion of export of following Development, Infrastructure Development and products Quality Development) for creation/upgradation of v Products in First Schedule to the APEDA Act infrastructure to increase Agri exports. t Fruits, vegetables and their products (a) Market Development t Meat and meat products It covers structured marketing strategies for export of food products, market intelligence for taking t Poultry and poultry products informed decisions, international exposure, skill t Dairy products development, capacity building and high-quality t Confectionary, biscuits and bakery products packaging. The assistance under this component covers the following: t Honey, jaggery and sugar products v Participation in International trade fairs t Cocoa and its products, chocolates of all kinds v Exchange of trade delegations t Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages v Organizing buyer seller meets t Cereals and Cereal products v Developing packaging standards for new products t Groundnuts, peanuts and walnuts and upgrading the existing standards t Pickles, chutneys and papads (b) Infrastructure Development t Guar Gum The scheme component covers both fresh produce t Floriculture and floriculture products and processed food products. The objective of the t Herbal and medicinal plants scheme is to reduce losses caused due to spoilage and t De –oiled rice bran to ensure quality production of agro products. To achieve this, it seeks to set up post-harvest handling t Cashew Nuts and its Product facilities. The assistance under this component covers v Products in Second Schedule to the APEDA Act the following: 145 DEPARTMENT
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v Infrastructure such as pack house facilities with (c) Quality Development packing/grading lines Several importing countries demand adherence to v Pre- cooling units with cold storages and refriger- stringent Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). For this, ated transportation etc. high precision equipment's are required to be installed by the food testing labs. The assistance v Cable system for handling of crops like banana under this component covers the following: v Common infrastructure facilities v Installation of quality management systems, v Pre-shipment treatment facilities such as irradia- v Laboratory testing equipment, tion, Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT), Hot Water Dip Treatment (HWDT) for compliance with Phyto- v Hand held devices for capturing farm level periph- Sanitary requirements of importing countries. eral coordinates for traceability systems and testing of samples etc. v Infrastructure for processing facilities (processed food sector) for addressing missing gaps which v Testing of water, soil, residues or pesticides, may include equipment's like X-ray, Screening, veterinary drugs, hormones, toxins, heavy metal, Sortex, filth / metal detector, sensors, vibrators or contaminants etc. any new equipment or technology for food safety and quality requirements (ii) Budget of Agriculture Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA 146 DEPARTMENT
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(iii) APEDA's E-Governance Initiatives with Tracenet, making it easier for monitoring quality of India's organic exports. v Reduction in Mandatory Documentation: APEDA has reduced the number of mandatory documents v Spike in Farmers Registration under TraceNet: In required for registration of Traders, Exporters, etc. 2021-22, APEDA has added more than 9 lakh with no documents required for Merchant Export- farmers on Tracenet and the total farmers regis- ers. Merchant exporters can now obtain RCMC tered so have reached 24.99 lakh. About 80,000+ with their IE Code and paying necessary fees only. farmers are registered on Basmati.net for facilitat- ing monitoring and export supply chain integra- v Auto-Renewal: APEDA has implemented auto- tion. For the first time, Hortinet introduced Farmer matic renewal of Registration of Exporters for Registration for export of Onion, Banana, etc. issuance of RCMC and registration of Pack houses. During 2021-22, 1938 RCMCs and registration 15 v Video Manuals for stakeholders: APEDA made Pack houses are auto-renewed. video tutorials on digital platform to educate stakeholders about online process of traceability, v National Single Window System (NSWS): APEDA Hortinet System (grapes, mango, onion, banana, has integrated its Exporter Registration System citrus, vegetables etc.) with NSWS and the same can be accessed through v Enhancing Assurance in APEDA's Traceability NSWS. Systems through introduction of Blockchain: v Integration of APEDA services with Kisan Suvidha: APEDA has introduced Blockchain in the traceabil- Kisan Suvidha is an omnibus mobile app developed ity system viz. Garpenet and Hortinet. to help farmers in getting real time information v AgriExchange App: APEDA has launched related to weather, market prices, seeds, fertiliz- AgriExchange App to access market information ers, pesticides, agriculture machinery, dealers, on international trade, daily trade alerts, trade agro advisories, plant protection and IPM practices leads, track status of various applications filed with etc. APEDA, etc. v Integration of APEDA services with Kisan Rath: (iv) Horticulture Sector (Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, in & Floriculture) association with National Informatics Centre (NIC) has developed mobile application “Kisan Rath” to (a) Mango - Market Access and Export Promotion facilitate farmers & traders in searching transport v Mango Promotion Programme was organized in vehicles for movement of Agriculture & Horticul- first week of June 2021 in Berlin, Germany in ture produce. APEDA has integrated its services association with Embassy of India, Berlin. with Kisan Rath. v Virtual Mango Festival of India 2022 was conducted v Strengthening of Traceability & Certification in Tokyo, Japan on 28th March 2022 through Systems: APEDA has implemented Traceability & Embassy of India, Tokyo where the importers from Certification Systems for agriculture exports Japan, exporters, APEDA and official from EoI, namely, Tracenet for export of Organic Products, Tokyo interacted. Hortinet for Grape, Pomegranate, Mango, 43 v APEDA signed Cooperative service Agreement Vegetables, Citrus Fruits, Betel Leaves, Onion and with USDA APHIS for cooperative export of fruits Banana, Meat.Net for Buffalo Meat, Sheep & Goat from India to USA. This is going to assist in export Meat, etc., Peanut.net for Groundnut products and of mango to USA in 2022. Basmati.net for Basmati rice exported from India. (b) Export Initiatives v Enhanced Lab Module: APEDA has integrated Lab v First consignment of Burmese grapes (aka leteku) Test report of APEDA recognized Laboratories exported from Assam to Dubai on 26th June 2021. 147 DEPARTMENT
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v First consignment of Dragon fruits exported from infrastructure development. APEDA also recognizes Sangli District of Maharashtra to Dubai on 25th Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) certifying June 2021. and implementing agencies to facilitate the exporters in establishing their FSMS plans. v First consignment of orange of 24 MT exported from Chhindwada, cluster of Madhya Pradesh to (b) Peanut.net- Revised procedures for export of Bangladesh. peanut and peanut products was released via Trade Notice No: APEDA/PPP/Q/2021 Dated 05.07.2021. To v First consignment of Mishri Variety Cherries from minimize the duration for granting registration to Kashmir Valley, Srinagar to Dubai was organized on peanut shelling/grading/processing unit, the period 5th July 2021. of inspection is reduced from 1 day to ½ day and the v First consignment of mangoes for the season 2022 certificate of export is issued within 24 hrs of to Japan was dispatched from Mumbai port on complete application. During the financial year 2021- 26th March 2022 to Okinawa Airport, Japan. 2022, APEDA issued 199 registration certificates for v First consignment of GI tagged mangoes was new registration/renewal of peanut units and 26,365 exported in month of June 2021. GI tagged Jardalu Certificate of Exports for export of 5.05 Lakh MT peanut. mangoes exported for the first time from Bhagalpur, Bihar to UK and Malihabadi Dasheri (c)Flag off- First Consignment of GI tagged mangoes were exported from Lucknow, Uttar “Mihidana” was exported to Bahrain. The Sweet dish Pradesh to UK. from West Bengal is being displayed for consumers at Aljazira super stores in Bahrain. v GI tagged Jalgaon Bananas were exported to Dubai in the month of June 2021. (vi) Livestock Sector v GI tagged King chilly (Naga Mricha) from Nagaland (a) Export Promotion Initiatives to London was flagged off on 29th July 2021 from v Organized a National Business Meet on boosting Guwahati airport from APEDA recognized pack export of Value-Added Meat Products on 25th house in Guwahati for the first time. March, 2022 at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi, (c) Buyer Seller Meet which was attended by the officials of DAHD, MoC&I and MoFPI, Director-NRC on Pig, Director- v Virtual Buyer seller meet was organized in Decem- NRC on Meat, AIMLEA, Meat Exporters etc. The ber 2021 with exporters from India and importers event was focused on to explore trade opportuni- from Iran for exporting Indian Agri products to ties in export of value-added meat products. Iran. v APEDA had a meeting with Hon'ble Minister, v APEDA organized International Buyer Seller Meet Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying on in Shillong, Meghalaya on 29th March 2022 where market access related issues and prepared a the importers from Greece, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri strategy cum action plan for boosting export of Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Singapore livestock products such as Frozen buffalo meat, interacted with exporters and FPO's/ FPC's of NER sheep/goat meat, dairy products and poultry States. products. (v) Processed & Other Processed Food Sector v A Virtual Buyer Seller Meet was organized in (a)New technology initiatives- Exporters are pro- collaboration with Embassy of India, Angola and vided with requisite support in setting up of new attended by the officials of EoI, Angola, trade technologies like Freeze drying, Individual Quick associations of Angola, Importers and Exporters to Frozen (IQF), Fruit flies scanning machines, etc. explore the opportunities in export of agro and through financial assistance scheme available for processed food products from India to Angola. 148 DEPARTMENT
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v A virtual sensitization program was organized for Consulate General of India, Ho Chi Minh City, and exporters in the poultry clusters on 7th June 2022 Peoples' Committee of Lam Dong Province on to commemorate 75th year of Independence on 22nd April, 2021. "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" in Namakkal, Erode v A Virtual BSM was organized in association with and Salem. High Commission of India, Brunei and Department of Agriculture and Agri-food, Brunei Darussalam on v A virtual capacity building programme was orga- 27th April 2021. nized on Kadaknath chicken (GI) in Jhbabua district. District Animal Husbandry Department, v First consignment of non-basmati rice exports KVK and potential Kadaknath farmers were from Paradip port, Odisha flagged off to Vietnam present during the meeting. KVK scientists advised on 3rd May 2021 for boosting the India's rice on different ways to promote the Kadaknath exports potential. chicken in Jhbabua district. v The shipment of Organic Barnyard and Finger v During May 2021 APEDA along with States Depart- Millets Shipment from Uttarakhand to Denmark flagged off on 5th May 2021. To promote organic ment of Animal Husbandry, organized a virtual products exports from the country, first consign- meeting with poultry exporters, laboratory and ment of millets grown in Himalayas from snow- other stakeholders on various issues faced by melt water of Ganges in Dev Bhoomi (Land of the poultry industry viz. COVID-19 related, market God), Uttarakhand was exported to Denmark. access, declaration of disease-free zone, etc. v A flag off ceremony was organized on 29th May (b)Market Access issues and International Coopera- 2021 to export patented 'village rice' from tion Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu to v Malaysian Inspection Mission has visited India for Ghana and Yemen. Further, two consignments 4.5 Review and Compliance Audit of meat establish- MT of patented 'village rice' from Kumbakonam, ments in India to approve the meat plants for Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu by a start-up Udaya export of frozen buffalo meat and offal to Agro Farm was exported to Ghana & Yemen. Malaysia. They visited 39 meat establishments and v First Consignment of Peanuts from West Bengal to one Buffalo gelatin unit in two phases and all the Nepal was flagged off on 7th June 2021 for opening preparations such as sensitization of exporters, up a window of possibilities to boost the export stay and travel of delegates are made by APEDA. from Eastern Region. v APEDA has invited delegations from Brunei, v The first shipment of Bhalia Wheat (GI) was Indonesia, Angola, Vietnam and other countries exported from Gujarat to Kenya and Sri Lanka on for inspections of meat processing units to allow 7th July 2021. their units to export of frozen buffalo meat in their v An Export Sensitization Programme cum Buyer countries. APEDA has prepared and shared draft Seller Meet for FPO/Progressive Farmers of Millet, MoU with Department of Animal Health (DAH), Odisha has been organized on 27th July 2021. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, v A sensitization programme was organised in Vietnam for signing of export for buffalo's internal association with Indian Institute of Millets organs (offals) from India to Vietnam. Research (IIMR) for Start-ups/FPO on 30th July v Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban from export of 2021. hatched eggs (One day old) from India except from v APEDA in association with Indian Embassy orga- two States-Kerala and MP. nized a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet (VBSM) on 11th (vii) Cereals Sector August 2021 with Lao People's Democratic Repub- lic for boosting agricultural exports potential (a) Trade Promotion Activities where key officials and stakeholders from food v A Virtual BSM was organized in association with industries for both the countries participated. 149 DEPARTMENT
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v APEDA in association with Embassy of India in APEDA is providing data of Organic processors and Lomé, Togo organized a Virtual interaction meet of traders from web-based traceability system, Non-Basmati Rice Exporters and Togo importers TraceNet to FSSAI for the purpose of domestic on 1st October 2021 integrity verification of certified organic products. The integrated module has been developed to (b) Awareness Campaign for Farmers to Promote capture information related to high-risk products Judicious Use of Pesticides in Kharif, 2021 export like sampling and analysis report, testing v To increase the availability of better-quality report, etc. Basmati rice and meeting the standards of import- (d) GI product - Export Promotion ing countries in respect of residues of pesticides, APEDA has been supporting all the 7 States in v Many promotional activities have been carried out Basmati GI area to increase awareness of Basmati for GI-tagged agricultural products to create a growers. Approx.76 training programmes have niche market for Indian agri products brand, been organized by APEDA with the support of known for its legacy, delicacies and varieties Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF) internationally. to sensitize farmers for good agricultural practices v Multiple trial shipments into new markets have and judicious use of pesticides. been facilitated for GI products such as Kala Namak (viii) Organic Sector rice, Naga Mircha, Assam Kaji Nemu, Bangalore Rose Onion, GI varieties of Mangoes, GI-tagged (a) Mutual Recognitions with importing countries Shahi Litchi, Bhalia wheat, Madurai Malli, Taiwan- The agreement for equivalency of India's Bardhaman Mihidana and Sitabhog, Dahanu NPOP with Taiwanese organic standards has been Vazhakulam Pineapple, Marayoor Jaggery, etc. concluded between India and Taiwan. v Naga Mircha (King Chilli) exported from Nagaland (b) Accreditation activities to UK, Black Rice from Manipur to UK, Assam APEDA is functioning as Secretariat for implementa- Lemon to UK and Italy, three GI varieties of Mango tion of National Programme for Organic Production (Fazli, Khirsapati, and Laxmanbhog) from West (NPOP) complying with ISO-17011 requirements. Bengal and one GI variety of Mango (Zardalu) from APEDA is also member of International Accreditation Bihar to Bahrain and Qatar. Forum (IAF). Following are the accreditation related v Joynagar Moa, a sweetmeat delicacy from South activities during the period: 24 Pargana district of West Bengal was exported v As per the accreditation procedure outlined in for the first time to Bahrain. The first shipment of GI NPOP, accreditation has been granted to one tagged Shahi Litchi was exported from Certification Body by the National Accreditation Muzaffarpur, Bihar to London in May 2021, Body (NAB) making total to 33 Certification Bodies. Banaganapalle Mango from Andhra Pradesh to South Korea, Malihabadi Dusseheri Mango was v Accreditation of Certification Bodies has been exported from Lucknow to the United Kingdom extended for overseas certification in European and UAE. Union, Africa in addition to Middle East, NW Asia and neighboring countries by the NAB. v In-store promotional programmes were organised in importing countries in association with foreign v APEDA is providing technical expertise to Bhutan retailers of Doha, Qatar. Dispatch of samples of GI- for developing and establishing an Organic Certifi- tagged Nanjangud Banana from Karnataka to LuLu cation Programme. Group, UAE was also facilitated to enhance (c)Monitoring of NPOP procedures through exports. TraceNet online system 150 DEPARTMENT
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(ix) Quality Development ber 2021 to discuss and adopt Codex Standards; (a) Food testing laboratories v Indian Delegation to 14th Session of Codex Com- mittee on Contaminants held virtually in May 2021 v APEDA has authorized 234 ISO-17025 accredited provided relevant information related to Ready to food testing laboratories for sampling and analysis Eat (RTE), Peanuts, Cereals, Quinoa, etc. to the of its scheduled products. Committee while protecting interests of Indian v APEDA is regularly providing assistance to National exporters for setting up of Codex levels of contam- Referral Laboratory (NRL) at NRC Grapes Pune for inants; upgradation of NRL in order to monitor the v Indian Delegation to 25th session of Codex Com- products of plant origins such as Fresh Fruits, mittee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Vegetables and Peanuts. Certification Systems organized virtually in May- v 20 in house quality control labs set up by the June 2021 providing data, inputs on agenda items manufacturing units of exporters and 11 authorized such as Principles and Guidelines for assessment laboratories for sampling and analysis of food and use of voluntary Third-Party Assurance, products for export certification were upgraded Recognition and Maintenance of Equivalence of by providing financial assistance under Quality National Food Control Systems and Paperless use Development component. of Electronic Certificates; (b)HACCP implementation and certification v Indian Delegation to 52nd Session of Codex agencies Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) held 5 Implementation and 5 Certification agencies have virtually in July-August 2021 providing inputs on been recognized to provide implementation and adoption and harmonization of maximum residue certification services to the food manufacturing units limits of pesticides protecting interests of Indian for HACCP, ISO- 22000, ISO-9001, BRC and GAP. exporters for products of plant origins; (c) Online monitoring of pesticides and aflatoxins (e)Monitoring of alerts, contribution to MoFPI The following export procedures have been committees, GAP and food safety standards upgraded for implementation to ensure importing v Monitored rapid alerts, complaints including country's requirements: dissemination to concerned stakeholders such as v Procedure for export of Grapes - GrapeNet for labs and NRL for reanalysis of control samples for export of fresh table Grapes for control of residues advising corrective action to minimize export of agrochemicals; rejections and rapid alerts; v Procedure for export of Pomegranates - AnarNet v APEDA, being Member of National Technical for export of Pomegranates; Working Group on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), contributed in the development of IndGAP. v Procedure for exports of Peanuts and Peanut It will help in reducing the cost of GAP certification. Products - Peanut.Net for control of Aflatoxins; v Contributed to the Technical Scrutiny Committees v Procedure for export of Fresh Green Chillies to EU - and Project Approval Committees of MoFPI for monitoring residues of agrochemicals setting up/upgradation of food testing laborato- (d)Exports standards and harmonization ries. As a result, several commercial food testing APEDA was part of the following delegations: labs have been established/upgraded in different regions v Indian Delegation to 44th Session of Codex Alimentarius Commission held virtually in Novem- 151 DEPARTMENT
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(f) Capacity Building and trainings 4. THE MARINE PRODUCTS EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MPEDA) v Imparted trainings to the field samplers of authorized labs on recent methods of sampling, (i) Organizational Structure and Function analysis and grading through NRL to ensure The Marine Products Export Development Authority integrity of testing and certification (MPEDA), a statutory body under the Department of v Imparted hand holding programs to the stake- Commerce Ministry of Commerce & Industry was holders with the support of NRL on importing constituted in 1972 with a mandate of developing a country's requirements such as Certificate of conducive ecosystem for marine products in the Conformity by Saudi Food and Drug Authority country and promotion of its export from India. The (SFDA), MRLs related to agrochemicals & contami- Authority has its headquarters located in Kochi, nants and Proficiency Testing to the authorized Kerala and consists of 30 members including a labs for residues of pesticides and aflatoxins to Chairman (Appointed by the Central Government). ensure that the laboratories meet international There are 18 Field Offices across the coastal states competence requirements including one in NE India to assist the marine product exporters, processors and aqua culturists for ensur- v Imparted virtual training to Indian laboratories on ing timely advice to the stakeholders. MPEDA has Ethylene Oxide and its metabolite residues in three Trade Promotion Offices at New York, Japan December 2021. Proficiency Testing of ETO in food and New Delhi and five full-fledged Quality Control products coordinated by APEDA, NRL at NRC- Laboratories. MPEDA has also set up three registered Grapes Pune with EURL was organized to harmo- societies viz., Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture nize analytical methods of ETO. More than 100 (RGCA) for promotion of diversified aquaculture to analysts from Indian laboratories participated in support export promotion by technology transfer, the training programme. Network for Fish Quality Management and Sustain- (x) Certificates issued by APEDA able Fishing (NETFISH) for extension activities on fish v Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) quality management, and sustainable Fishing and to exporters of APEDA's scheduled products. In National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA) 2021-22, APEDA issued 4,311 RCMCs. to enable aquaculture farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices in the Aquaculture. v Registration cum Allocation Certificates (RCAC) for the export of Basmati Rice. In 2021-22, APEDA (ii) Export performance issued 30,320 RCACs with FOB value of US$ 3.58 The export of marine products during April to Novem- billion. ber in FY 2022-23 has shown a growth of 3.46 per cent v Certificate of Exports (CoE) to the exporters/ in US$ earnings compared to the same period last processors of peanuts and peanut products based year. USA, China and Japan are the major contributors on testing, processing, proper packaging etc. In to the seafood export basket of the country. 2021-22, APEDA issued 26,365 COEs. 152 DEPARTMENT
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(iii) Export Facilitation and Promotion MPEDA participated in following International Seafood Fairs in FY 2022-23: Details of International Seafood Fairs v VIETFISH 2022: Trade delegation team including v Registration of Units: 15 processing plants, 105 MPEDA Official and 11 exporting companies exporters, 19 storage premises, 5 dried fish participated in VIETFISH 2022 from 24th to 26th handling Centre, 3 Live Fish Handling Centre, 2 August 2022. Delegates also participated in the Fresh/chilled fish handling Centre, 16 peeling shed, meeting conducted in connection with Namaste 2 conveyances, 1 Other Edible Handling Centre and Vietnam 2022. 5 Other Non-edible Handling Centre were regis- tered with MPEDA during April 2022 till December v Virtual Business Meets: During 2022-23 (April- 2022. The online registration of exporters and December) MPEDA organized 09 Virtual Business entities have been made completely digitized as Meets with importers from Germany (2), Malaysia part of ease of doing business. (2), Korea, Singapore, Russia, Vietnam and China. v Online validation of certificates: To promote v Virtual Buyer Seller Meets: During 2022-23 (April- export, MPEDA is validating all the export facilita- December) MPEDA organized 19 Virtual Buyer tion certificates electronically. During the period Seller Meets with importers from Oman, Spain (2), from 01st April 2022 to 31st December 2022, MPEDA Reunion, Russia (3), Japan (6), UK and China (5) in issued 7476 Catch Certificates, 346 ICCAT Sword- coordination with Indian Missions, regulatory fish Statistics Documents, 14671 DS 2031 certifi- agencies, Chamber of Commerce, Importer cates, 177 Non-radioactivity certificates, 13 Associations etc. Certificate of legal origin, 38 Duty free import v MPEDA in association with ICICI Bank has con- certificates and 33 RCMC certificates, electroni- ducted on webinar on "Leveraging FTAs to grow cally. exports" which was attended by 80 exporters. v Upgradation of Fishing Harbours: Based on MPEDA Also a Seafood Market study was completed for intervention, Union Budget 2020-21 announced 05 BENELUX & German market in association with the fishing harbours – at Kochi, Chennai, respective Indian Missions. Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Petuaghat as hub of v India International Seafood Show 2023: MPEDA in economic activities. Central Apex Committee association with SEAI, will be organizing the 23rd (CAC), Dept of Fisheries in its 7th meeting recom- edition of India International Seafood Show - IISS mended the modernization of Cochin Fisheries (2023) to be held from 15th-17th February 2023 at Harbour project proposal for an amount Rs.169.17 Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Kolkata, West Bengal. crore and to complete project with in a period of 18 153 DEPARTMENT
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months. M/s RDS Project Ltd, Kochi, Kerala has of US NOAA successfully on 25th November 2021 in been selected as EPC contractor for executing the order to fulfill the conditions of US-MMPA. The construction work. MPEDA is providing the same is under review by US authorities. MPEDA in technical support to Cochin Port Trust for improv- consultation with FSI, CMFRI, CIFT, DoF & MoEF & ing the quality/sustainability aspects of the fishes CC submitted the reply to initial queries of US landed in the harbour. NOAA on 17th November 2022. The Final determi- nation on India’s CFA is awaiting. (iii) Addressing the sustainability issues of sea caught material to fulfill the importing nation’s v Inputs to DoC and other Ministries in connection requirements with various ongoing FTA negotiations. v MPEDA is coordinating with US NOAA for lifting the v MPEDA has been offering comments on tariff ban on wild caught shrimp export imposed under modalities, Rules of Origin, SPS TBT Texts etc, in Section 609 US Public Law, during 2019 on alleged connection with various FTA negotiations. Indian grounds that fishing methods followed in India are seafood exporters have been granted Zero % affecting sea turtle population. In June 2022, the import tariff on fish and fishery products under the dive evaluation study was conducted at USA jointly recently concluded India-UAE CEPA and India- by NOAA and Indian experts from MPEDA and CIFT Australia ECTA, which would be helpful in enhanc- were successful and met the US NOAA specifica- ing India's seafood exports to the respective tion. MPEDA is waiting an official communication markets. from US NOAA for approval of CIFT TED deign. v Implemented successfully the Japan Catch Docu- During November 2022, MPEDA received the mentation Scheme (JCDS) for Class II Aquatic modified TED. The CIFT fabricated sufficient Animals and Plants under Article 11 of the Act on number of the modified TEDs. The TEDs would be Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution and used for conducting the field trials. India is waiting Importation of Specified Aquatic Animals and the visit by the USA NOAA team to verify the field Plants to eliminate IUU fishing as per the Japanese trials of the modified TED and for conducting regulations, with effect from 01.12.2022. technical training programme. (iv) Support for High End/Innovative Value Addition v Marine Mammal Protection Act: US MMPA regula- for Exports tions would be implemented w.e.f 01.01.2024, Export of value added products has enhanced the under which imports of selected marine products unit value realization for Indian marine products. But designated as "Export Fisheries" under the List of most of the modern equipment are highly capital Foreign Fisheries (LOFF) would be permitted only intensive. In order to assist the Indian seafood if the exporting countries develop an appropriate processors to adopt value addition, MPEDA has been regulatory program for Marine Mammal Protec- operating financial assistance schemes to exporters tion, comparable in effectiveness to the US for setting up of new units, to expand the existing programs. One of the key component in this is the production capacity for value added products and for availability of stock assessment data of marine diversifying into value addition through institutional mammals. In the absence of stock assessment finance. In addition to financial assistance schemes, report, CMFRI, FSI and MPEDA-NETFISH jointly MPEDA has been providing hands on training pro- conducted visual survey and by-catch estimates of grams. marine mammals. MPEDA on behalf of India, submitted Comparability Finding Application (CFA) 154 DEPARTMENT
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(v) Aquaculture Development production of antibiotic free seed. The hatchery had successfully undergone a series of audits and v Capacity building programmes: MPEDA has tests on hatchery inputs and hatchery seeds for conducted a series of workshops and awareness antibiotic residues over a period of 8-10 months. programs for the aquaculture farmers in the Seeds from the hatchery were also tested negative coastal states, aimed at sensitizing the farmers on for all the OIE listed pathogens during the audits. major issues including antibiotic residues, adoption Audits are progressing for 21 hatcheries. of Better Management Practices (BMP) and Aquaculture farm of 36 Ha areas have been diversification towards export oriented species. SHAPHARI certified for production under Good During April-October 2022, 759 awareness cam- Management Practices. paigns (including farm to farm) were conducted v Thailand lifted ban on L. vannamei: As a result of against the usage of antibiotics in aquaculture and the continuous efforts taken by Government of 156 for the propagation of species diversifications. India, the Government of Thailand has lifted the 16 training programs were organized and 5 num- ban on import of frozen vannamei shrimp from bers of farmers' meet were conducted to create India w.e.f 15th June 2022, subsequent to the awareness about MPEDA schemes. Virtual audit of India’s shrimp disease control v Species diversification: MPEDA has standardized system. seed production and culture of diversified species (vi) Quality Assurance like Tilapia, Seabass, Scampi, mud crab etc. 5 (Five) Demonstration programmes for the exportable v NRCP: During the period of April-October 2022, a total of 7771 samples were tested by MPEDA labs species have been initiated during the period for under National Residue Control Plan (NRCP). PHT: the popularization of the diversified species while 9 total 9044 PHT certificates have been issued. demonstrations are continuing from the last year. v COVID-19 Testing: Microbiology & Molecular v Enrollment of farms and hatcheries: For the Biology divisions of MPEDA QC Lab, Kochi is testing traceability of aquaculture production, 1075 fish and fishery products for the detection of number of farms with a water spread area of 4795 pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungus including hectares and 7 hatcheries with 1683 million capac- COVID-19 nucleic acid. During April-October 2022, ity have been enrolled by MPEDA. total 2510 Commercial samples were tested for v Certification of aquaculture (SHAPHARI): Under SARS COV-19 Nucleic Acid materiel in Seafood the certification programme, one hatchery was Packaging material. SHAPHARI certified during the period for the 155 DEPARTMENT
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v Seafood HACCP Trainings: MPEDA organized 6 v As on date, GACC indefinitely suspended 99 seafood HACCP trainings at various locations and seafood processing establishments due to COVID- 166 technologists from Indian seafood industry 19. 22 units are also indefinitely suspended by GACC were benefited from this. due to other reasons like WSSV, Vibrio, Cadmium etc. v As part of Shrimp Regulatory Partnership Agree- ment (RPA), USFDA in association with MPEDA and v Department is taking all possible measures to JIFSAN is organizing a series of trainings for the overcome these issues in coordination with benefit of Indian seafood industry. Two Seafood MPEDA and EIC. As on date, GACC inspected 105 HACCP trainings were conducted at MPEDA head seafood processing establishments which were office during the month of April 2022. One Good suspended due to COVID-19. Aquaculture Practice straining conducted during v Due to the continued efforts, GACC revoked the the month of May 2022. Participants from MPEDA, suspension of 11 seafood processing units. EIA, academia and stakeholders from seafood v MPEDA is constantly sensitizing the exporters and industry were benefited from these trainings. other stakeholders to sort out the matter and to v One Seafood HACCP trainers training and FDA propagate the importance of following COVID-19 Import Operations training was also organized in safety protocols in the value chain. association with USFDA and JIFSAN during the v National Workshop for promotion of quality month of July 2022. USFDA has also proposed for seafood production and export: MPEDA in associa- sanitation training during the month of January tion with Coastal Aquaculture Authority con- 2023 for the benefit of Indian seafood industry. ducted a one-day workshop with senior officials of (vii) Market specific actions on QA and Biosecurity Fisheries Department of all coastal states and (a) EU Mission 2022 related ICAR institutes during 17th June at Chennai. The workshop was chaired by Secretary Fisheries, v European Commission on aquaculture, poultry and GoI and supported by NFDB. milk visited India from 12th to 23rd September 2022. The team audited MPEDA QC laboratory at (viii) Technology extension and support Kochi on 14th September 2022. EU team also v NaCSA: During the period April-September 2022, inspected a seafood processing facility, Nauplii around 22 farming cluster societies were organized Rearing Hatchery, non-organic aquaculture farm, in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, West Bengal veterinary medicinal products shops in and around and Karnataka. NaCSA has conducted total of 778 Kochi to audit the operations carried out by each meetings at Village and Mandal/Block/Taluk levels facility. on adoption of Better Management Practices v The EU team audited MPEDA QC lab Bhubaneswar (BMP), Crop planning and on creating awareness and MPEDA lab for pre-harvest testing (ELISA) on to farmers on Abuse of banned antibiotics in 19th-20th September 2022. The official report of Shrimp farming for the benefit of 8374 farmers the EU mission is awaited. from states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, Kerala, and (b) China Gujarat. NaCSA assisted 76 farmers for obtaining v During the reporting year, GACC has suspended 23 MPEDA Farm Enrollment from the states of Tamil seafood processing establishments indefinitely Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal. due to the presence of COVID-19 nucleic acid either v 02 societies received an amount of Rs. on packaging material, product or on the container 17,74,116.00/- under MPEDA financial assistance wall. scheme for SC/ST Societies during 2022-2023. 04 156 DEPARTMENT
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societies received an amount of Rs. 30,82,175.50/- were conducted for the skill development and under MPEDA financial assistance scheme for livelihood enhancement of SC fishers. Also, General Societies. During April-Sept 2022, an conducted 82 numbers of training for processing amount of Rs. 25,20,295/- was collected through workers, & Technologist at Seafood units with the these testing of Water Quality & shrimp animal objective to improve the hygiene and sanitary health analysis. conditions. Further, 18 Nos. of training programs were conducted for fisher folks of Pondicherry v To facilitate the shrimp farmers of the societies with the funding from State Fisheries Department NaCSA is working on an e-commerce platform (e- of Pondicherry, to upgrade the skills of the per- Santa) to sell their product to exporters by avoid- sonal who are employed in the field of fisheries. ing middlemen. 32 Farmers have been registered in e-Santa platform till date. v NETFISH had signed a MOU with The Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering v NETFISH: has conducted 2,958 extension pro- Training (CIFNET), Kochi in April 2022 for conduct- grams during the period April to December 2022 ing joint training programs for the welfare and benefiting around 20,000 stakeholders in the socio-economic upliftment of the fishers, as well as marine fisheries sector. These were conducted in resource conservation and post-harvest quality and around selected harbours and landing centers management by imparting adequate skill develop- in order to reduce fisheries post-harvest loss and ment training programs under PMMSY scheme. destruction of marine resources. v As part of the Marine Mammal Stock Assessment v As part of the ‘Swacch Sagar Surakshit Sagar’ project funded by DoF, GoI, the first phase of by- campaign of GoI in connection with Azadi Ka Amrit catch survey for this year was completed by Mahotsav & International Coastal Clean-up day conducting around 6,918 fisher interviews 2022, NETFISH had conducted 14 numbers of covering 138 selected landing sites across the 9 Beach/Coastal clean-up events across the 9 coastal coastal states. states & Pondicherry UT during July-September 2022, sensitizing the fishers and general public (ix) Promotion of diversified aquaculture through about the impact of single use plastics on marine Technology transfer eco-system and about sanitation & hygiene RGCA has conducted 35 General training required in beaches/coastal areas. programmes, 16 awareness programmes on antibiot- v 134 programs including Landing centre training, ics during the period. The details of seed supply by On-board program, one-week skill development, RGCA for the diversification of export-oriented value addition, Sea Safety & Black clam training aquaculture is tabulated in Table below. 157 DEPARTMENT
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5. DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF TRADE REMEDIES skill sets emanating from officers drawn from (DGTR) different services and specializations. The DGTR is a quasi-judicial body that independently undertakes The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) investigations before making its recommendations to (earlier known as Directorate General of Anti- the Central Government. It is the single national Dumping & Allied Duties) is an attached office of the authority for administering all trade remedial mea- Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & sures including anti-dumping, countervailing duties Industry. The Directorate General of Anti-Dumping & and safeguard measures. The DGTR provides a level Allied Duties (DGAD) which was formed in 1997 has playing field to the domestic industry against the been restructured as DGTR in May 2018 by restructur- adverse impact of the unfair trade practices like ing and re-designing DGAD into DGTR by incorporat- dumping and actionable subsidies from any exporting ing all the trade remedial functions i.e. Anti-Dumping country, by using trade remedial methods under the Duty (ADD), Countervailing Duty (CVD), Safeguards relevant framework of the WTO arrangements, the Duty (SGD), Safeguards Measures (QRs) under a Customs Tariff Act & Rules and other relevant laws single window framework. Thus, the DGTR has been and international agreements, in a transparent and formed by merging of functions of DGAD, Depart- time bound manner. It also provides trade defence ment of Commerce, Directorate General of Safe- support to our domestic industry and exporters in guards, Department of Revenue and Safeguards (QR) dealing with instances of trade remedy investigations functions of DGFT into its fold. The DGTR is a profes- instituted against them by other countries. sionally integrated organization with multi-spectrum 158 DEPARTMENT
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6. DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF COMMERCIAL tion 9001:2015 for compilation and dissemination of INTELLIGENCE AND STATISTICS (DGCI&S) India's foreign trade statistics. The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & New Initiative of DGCI&S Statistics (DGCI&S) is the premier organization of v DGCIS has started releasing Country of origin wise Government of India for collection, compilation and import data dissemination from April 2022 dissemination of India's trade statistics and commer- v An Initiation in preparation of frame work for data cial information. The Directorate, headed by a collection on export in service sector, is in progress Director General, has its office at Kolkata and is responsible for collecting, compiling and publishing/ v DGCIS has successfully adopted new ITCHS classifi- disseminating trade statistics and various types of cations with effect from April 2022. commercial information required by the policy v Revamping of IT system and dissemination system makers, researchers, importers, exporters, traders as is under way at DGCIS. well as overseas buyers. It is the first large scale data v The process of uupgradation of portal and dash- processing organization functioning as a nodal board is being initiated as per IT Revamping agency for export & import data, with an ISO certifica- Project. 159 DEPARTMENT
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7. GOVERNMENT e-MARKETPLACE (GeM) see the percentage of local content in various prod- ucts. Government buyers can use the Make in India In line with the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri filter to see products that match their preferences on Narendra Modi, Government of India decided to set local content to encourage self-reliance and boost up Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in 2016, as a domestic manufacturing and investment. National Public Procurement Portal to revolutionize public procurement in India. In the past years, GeM Key Highlights has successfully transformed the public procurement v Running Contract Functionality through modified space in India through its technology-driven innova- option clause- GeM has now provided alternate tions and other strategic interventions. It has made mechanism to handle rate contracts through significant strides towards the pursuit of its three Modified Option Clause on pilot basis for limited set fundamental pillars, i.e., inclusion, transparency, and of buyer and limited item category. The maximum efficiency in public procurement, since its launch. value to be allowed will be 2300% for quantity GeM is an example of how digital platforms created increase & 24 months for Contract Price Validity with a strategic and clear intent to reinvigorate and period. reimagine legacy processes can bring about lasting v Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) Onboarding change for the nation as well as the underserved. This in GeM - FPO is an aggregator for member farmers online platform offers a cashless, contactless, and who are the producers of agricultural products. FPO paperless experience for sellers and buyers, and is an sellers self-register in GeM, we label them with the end-to-end solution for procurement of common use FPO flag based on the list provided by FPOs. goods and services by Government buyers. Additional vendor assessment and caution money GeM has processed almost 1.3 crore orders worth 3.61 exemptions are given to FPO for the categories that lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value [GMV] for were designated for them. about 65K+ government buyers. The portal has more v Make in India (MII) clause is now available in than 10,000 product categories with over 5 million Services. Buyers will have an option to choose if listed products. GeM has over 260 service categories they want MII-compliant service providers. If and over 2 lakh service offerings. chosen 'yes', Service providers will have to state GeM has achieved inclusivity through a thoughtful that they are compliant under the MII clause when strategy focused on many aspects, in alignment with participating on GeM. the government's Make in India initiative and policy v In line with the approval provided by Cabinet, GeM to promote local MSEs. GeM is providing these MSEs has enabled onboarding of Co-operatives as buyer with easy market access, which is especially impor- on GeM. tant given that the majority of Indian MSEs lack a digital footprint and only a small percentage of MSEs v GeM has been integrated with the existing e-Gram sell or promote their business online. It is to highlight Swaraj(EGS) System where all the procurement of that more than 55 per cent of order value on GeM is Goods & Services can be done by the Panchayat on awarded to MSEs. the GeM Portal. Pilot project at Gurgaon Panchayat and at Ayodhya Panchayat has already been done In order to provide an impetus to the Make in India successfully. initiative as part of the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, and also to promote local products through v Single packet bidding - GeM now allows single the “Vocal for Local” initiative, the Government has packet bids, which buyers can use to make pur- made it mandatory for all sellers on GeM to list the chases. In single packet bidding both technical and Country of Origin while registering new products. financial offerings are being opened simulta- Government organizations on the platform can now neously and buyers evaluate both financial and 161 DEPARTMENT
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technical offers simultaneously and publish the consignee locations and quantity. evaluation results. This saves a lot of time in case of v A provision for LCS/QCBS method of evaluation is large number of bids are received. available for services as per recent DoE guidelines. v Push button Functionality - GeM has launched the v In case of urgency, short-duration bids maybe Push button procurement functionality on experi- floated with appropriate approvals from compe- mental basis enabling buyer to buy upto Rs. 1 lakh tent authority. simplifying the procurement process and require v GeM has AI ML enabled decision support system minimal intervention from buyer. This is system driven procurement enabled for the limited 50 v Provides a complete procurement ecosystem to categories. buyer-sellers and other related stakeholders v In FY 2021–22 alone, GeM had achieved a Gross v GeM has implemented various checks and bal- Merchandise Value (GMV) upwards of Rs. 1 lakh ances in system to prevent any fraudulent transac- crore and an impressive 176 percent growth tion compared to FY 2020–21 whereas in the current FY Steps taken towards Social Inclusion (2022-23), GeM has already crossed GMV of Rs. 1 v Social inclusion being one of its core values, GeM lakh crore in just 243 days as compared to 357 days provides significant opportunities to various niche in FY 2021-22. GeM is now aspiring to achieve an and yet under-served seller groups like MSEs, annual GMV of Rs. 1.75 lakh crore in current FY. women, self-help groups [SHG], Divyangjan v Hon'ble Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, (person with disabilities), Start-ups, artisans, Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public weavers, tribal craftsmen and Hunar-Haat crafts- Distribution Shri Piyush Goyal launched the Govern- men etc. to transact online seamlessly with various ment e Marketplace (GeM) Seller “Samvaad Government buyers. Booklet” and flagged the roll-out of GeM services v In this context, GeM has worked closely with through Common Service Center e-Governance Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Tribal Services India Ltd. (CSC-SPV), and India Post, Affairs, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of MSME, Department of Post, at a function held at Vanijya DPIIT, National Bamboo Mission, Ministry of Bhawan in New Delhi on 21st December 2022. Agriculture to develop 8 “GeM Outlet Stores” and v GeM is in process of implementing complete AI-ML provide online “access to markets” for under- based solution to check any fraud and anomaly on served seller groups in remote rural areas. Provid- the portal. This will also assist users in taking ing online market access to under-served seller decisions at various stages. groups has reinforced the “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, Benefits of procuring on GeM “Vocal for Local”, “Make in India [MII]” initiative and Government of India's policy to promote local v GeM offers category-based procurement that MSEs. enables better price discovery. 8. TRADE FACILITATION INSTITUTE (IDI, IIP, IIFT) v Pre-identified critical technical specifications with flexibility of customization. (A) Indian Diamond Institute (IDI) v Pre-defined and standard Service Level Agreement Indian Diamond Institute (IDI) was established, in (SLA) and Special Terms and Conditions (STCs) 1978 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and makes bid creation and contract generation faster. also under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, with a Buyer has an option to add additional terms and focus to provide a vocational education in the field of conditions while issuing the bid. Diamond, Gems and Jewellery. The IDI is sponsored by Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of v GeM provides an option to provide multiple 162 DEPARTMENT
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India and is a project of the Gem & Jewellery Export to NMDC for planning & valuation of its Rough Promotion Council. The IDI conducts vocational Diamonds. training programmes in the field of Diamond (B) Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) Manufacturing, Diamond Grading, Jewellery Design- The Indian Institute of Packaging is an autonomous ing and Jewellery Manufacturing, Gemmology, body under the aegis of Department of Commerce, thereby covering vocational training on entire Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of spectrum of Gems & Jewellery sector under one roof. India established in 1966 under Societies Registration The institute upgrade/impart the skill to Customs Act, 1860. The Institute headquartered at Mumbai has Officials on Gold Appraising, Rough Diamond Sorting its regional centres at Kolkata (1976), Chennai (1971), and Diamond Grading aspects. Institute also Delhi (1986), Hyderabad (2006), Ahmedabad (2017) upgrades the skill of the existing employees of MSME and Vishakhapatnam (2021). The Institute is engaged G&J units under skill enhancement scheme of Centre in various activities like testing and certification of for Entrepreneur Development (CED), Government packaging materials and packages for domestic and of Gujarat. export market, including mandatory UN Certification IDI is also recognized as an Anchor Institute Gems & of packaging for transport of hazardous/dangerous Jewellery by Industries Commissionerate, Govern- goods, training, education, consultancy, projects and ment of Gujarat. research and development in the area of packaging. The Institute's Gemmological Laboratory is engaged (i) Training, Education & Capacity Building in testing and identification of Diamonds, Gem Stones Programmes: and Jewellery, and issuing a Diamond Grading, Gem v A total of 189 Post Graduate Diploma in Packaging Stone Identification and Diamond Jewellery Quality students passed out in 2021-22 and successfully report. The Institute's Diamond Grading Laboratory is placed in reputed companies. authorized by the DGFT, MoC&I, as per Chapter 4 of the FTP 2015-2020 for certification /grading of v About 125 students passed the Diploma in Packag- Diamonds. The IDI also operates Diamond Detection ing through correspondence. and Resource Centre (DDRC) at its Katargam campus v 49 students passed the Certified Packaging to provide diamond screening services to small/ Engineer (CPE). medium diamond manufacturer/diamond traders/ v IIP conducted various training programs for Jewellers at affordable rates. Gemmological exporters /traders on packaging of handicrafts and laboratory also provides its identification & testing handloom, fruits & vegetables, hardware, services to Custom as well as to DRI for the goods readymade garments, perishable commodities, seized by them. Laboratory also provides its services and meat and meat products. A two-day Capacity Building Programme on “Packaging of Fresh & Processed Foods” under “PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme” at AH & VS Training and Extension Hall, Gangtok East Sikkim was held on 23rd & 24th August, 2022 163 DEPARTMENT
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A two-day Training Programme under PMKVY -3.0 – CSSM-RPL was conducted by Indian Institute of Packaging, Kolkata Centre in association with Directorate of Skill Development, Government of Tripura at Agartala on 18th& 19th June, 2022. (ii) Packaging Design and Development IIP has designed & developed prototypes of Millet and Wheel chair products for Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR) and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALMCo). Packaging prototype for wheelchairs developed by IIP on 15th June 2022 at AlIMCO, Kanpur Packaging prototypes for millets products developed by IIP 26th May 2022 at IIMR, Hyderabad. 164 DEPARTMENT
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(iv) Research & Development v Safety Evaluation of food contact Materials, sponsored by Network for Scientific Co-operation IIP received the following research projects. for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition -Food Safety v Developing Packaging Solution for 21 Potential and Standards Authority of India (NetSCoFAN- APEDA Scheduled Agri Products (Including Organic FSSAI) & GI Tagged), sponsored by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development (v) Other Achievements Authority (APEDA) Collaboration and Signing of Memorandum of v Equilibrium Modified Atmosphere Packaging Understanding (MoU) (EMAP) of Fruits and Vegetables sponsored by UFLEX Ltd. IIP signed MoU with All Indian Printing Ink Manufacturing Association Ltd for conducting short term courses and training programmes in Printing, on 8th July 2022 at Mumbai (C) Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) (ii) Rankings of IIFT (i) Overview v In NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Frame- work) Ranking 2022, IIFT has been ranked 24th v Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was set up under the management category. on 2nd May 1963 as an autonomous Institution with a focus on Foreign Trade related Research and v Ranked amongst the Top 10 Business School in Training. India by “Business Today – MDRA Best B-School”. v In recognition of its all-round achievements, the v IIFT Ranked in the Top 5 by Chronicles All India B- Institute was given the status of “Deemed to be School Survey. University” in May 2002 by University Grants v MBA Universe B-School ranking places IIFT in the Commission (UGC) and graded as Category - I top eight. “Deemed to be University” in June 2018 by Univer- v Outlook – B-School Survey Ranked IIFT in Top 15. sity Grants Commission (UGC). v Inside IIM MBA Ranking places IIFT in Top 10. v The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accredited IIFT with the highest (iii) Organizational structure and functions grade ‘A’ (currently equivalent A++) with overall The Board of Management is the principal executive CGPA score of 3.53 in 2015. body of the Institute. The BoM consists of 11 members v The Institute has achieved the AACSB business and is headed by the Vice Chancellor of the Institute. accreditation and was awarded the certificate on The Secretary, Department of Commerce is the 21st December 2021. Chancellor of the Institute. The Vice Chancellor of the 165 DEPARTMENT
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Institute is the principal executive of the Institute and the area of International Trade, International Market- exercises supervision and control over the affairs of ing, Finance, Export Import Management, Global the Institute. Supply Chain Management, Strategic Management, Human Resource, IT, Capacity Building for SEZs, Data (iv) Institutional set-up of IIFT Analytics, Trade Analytics etc. The division also IIFT has following divisions to promote and enhance conducts various in-service training programmes for education, research and cooperation in international various officers of Government of India including IAS trade: and other All India Service. v Executive Management Programmes (EMP) IIFT is a nodal institute for conducting nine-month Division residential foundation training programme for the v Management Development Programmes (MDP) Indian Trade Service Probationers. Besides, Institute Division also conducts training programmes for the Officer v International Collaboration and Capacity Develop- Trainees of Indian Revenue Service, Indian Foreign ment (ICCD) Division Service, Indian Economic Service, Indian Statistical v Graduate Studies in Management (GSM) Division Service etc. v Economics Division The institute is conducting a series of online certifi- cate programmes on “Export Import Business” for v Research Division exporters and entrepreneurs spread across country v Division of Alumni Affairs under Niryat Bandhu Scheme of DGFT, Government v Corporate Relations and Placement Division of India. Recently, at the initiative of DGFT, IIFT launched Niryat Bandhu programmes through MOOC v Journals Division (Massive Open Online Course) platform. This v Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) programme can be attended by anyone anywhere (v) Executive Management Programmes (EMP) through online mode Division (vii) International Collaboration and Capacity The Executive Management Programmes Division Development (ICCD) Division (EMPD) has been conceived to provide training to The International Collaborations & Capacity Develop- government officials, diplomats, entrepreneurs, ment (ICCD) Division of IIFT plays an important role in exporters, corporate sector and civil society mem- the Institute through establishing academic ties with bers to develop broader understanding of issues domestic and international universities/ institutions related to international business and its implications to enable joint training and research programmes. on trade policy. EMPD initiates programmes designed Student and faculty exchange is an integral part of the to generate views, opinions, analysis of contempo- academic collaborations. International Collabora- rary trade and economic issues which are of interest tions & Capacity Development (ICCD) Division signed to different countries, particularly the developing the MoUs with the Universities for Joint academic countries. activities, development of collaborative research (vi) Management Development Programmes (MDP) projects, exchange of research and teaching person- Division nel etc. The following MoUs are under discussion: The Management Development Programmes (MDP) v Florida International University (FIU), USA Division of the Institute offers regular training programmes to the Officers/Executives of v International Organization for Export Trade (IOET) Government/ PSUs, Corporate and Private Sector in v Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), USA 166 DEPARTMENT
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(viii) Graduate Studies in Management (GSM) (xi) Division of Alumni Affairs (DAA) Division The DAA has been carrying out all the regular annual The Graduate Studies in Management (GSM) Division activities like the Regional Chapter Meets, the IIFT of the Institute is the nodal division of full time/long Conclave, the Grand Alumni Reunion, Alumni duration programmes. The division processes the Roundtable, Batch Meets, and various other activities admission to the Institute’s Full Time MBA, week-end to keep the alumni engagement with the Institute MBA and certificate programmes, besides providing growing and meaningful. IIFT alumni holds top administrative and academic support. positions in different professions across the corpo- rate, public sector, media, sports and academia. (ix) Economics Division Alumni provides considerable help, support and The M.A. (Economics – Specialization in Trade & guidance regularly for organizing summer and final Finance) Programme has been launched in IIFT to placements, Guest Lecture Series, corporate compe- impart advanced knowledge in Economics. The titions, live projects, mentorship and other institute- Programme is conducted simultaneously in Delhi and industry interface activities for the students. Kolkata. The Programme assimilates curriculum & (xii) Corporate Relations and Placement Division teaching pedagogy from the economics departments (CRPD) of the best universities of the world. Emphasis is laid Placement Committee, which is an elected body of on the latest developments in the field of theoretical the students of the MBA International Business Full Economics and their empirical applications. In Time Program, functions under the Corporate addition to classroom interactions, careful attention Relations and Placement Division. Placement Com- is provided to each and every student in tutorial as mittee has the mandate to reach out to the corporate well as group classes. The Ph.D. in Economics (full- sectors and administer the summer internships and time) Programme offered at IIFT is one of the most the final placements process at the Institute. preferred research degree programme available in Indian and Oversees Universities /Institutes. The Placement Committee is guided by the Head of the Division in these endeavours. The Placement (x) Research Division Committee does the pitching, inviting company Research holds great significance in the growth of the stalwarts for guest lectures, engaging corporate Institute as it provides a strong interface between sectors for the summer internship programme and creation of knowledge and training. The institute has securing final placements of the graduating students. developed substantial consultancy capacity in IIFT concluded the final placements for the 2020-22 analyzing international business scenario and devel- batch of its flagship MBA (IB) Programme. The oping appropriate corporate strategies. placements witnessed an average CTC of Rs. 25.16 The Institute has also been successfully bidding for lakh per annum and the median CTC stood at Rs. 24 both national and international projects. The lakh per annum. The highest CTC offered stood at Rs. Research Division keeps organizing crucial national 80 lakh per annum, while the top 25 per cent students and international conferences on contemporary of the batch received an average CTC of Rs. 34.3 lakh themes from time to time, which brings together per annum. 82 companies participated in the place- eminent resource persons both from multilateral ment process. bodies, government sector and renowned academic The final placements, along with the 100 per cent institutions. The Ph.D. Programme (Management) placements for the Summer Internships of the 2021- offered by the division is immensely well-acclaimed. 23 completed earlier on, mark an exceptional achieve- ment in challenging times. 167 DEPARTMENT
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(xiii) Journal Division v MBA (International Business)-Online. (a) Monthly Seminar Series (xv) Centre for North Eastern Studies (CeNEST) The Journal Division has taken an initiative to start a IIFT in collaboration with NEC has established CeNEST monthly seminar series. In this seminar, we invite (Centre for North Eastern Studies) in 2016. The external experts to present an academic research secretary of NEC is also the Chairman of the Apex paper/topic and to interact with faculty members / Body of CeNEST. The Centre includes members of research scholars at IIFT. One of the primary purposes Stakeholders who are representing all the Northeast- for such events is to foster a research culture among ern States. The Centre is involved in Training, faculty members and students Research, and networking in all the Northeastern States towards improving exports. The Centre has (b) Publishing Focus WTO. IB Journal and IIFT already established export clinic in Guwahati for the Quarterly Newsletter state of Assam, with the support of Industries Depart- Journals Division publishes an in-house quarterly ment. Through the clinic, the Centre has commenced publications of IIFT which publishes full-research workshops to be conducted on all the districts of papers, case-studies, monographs, book reviews, and Assam. The success of the Assam model has also synopsis of doctoral dissertation in international helped the Centre to replicate the same in the other business and management research. states of Northeast. The center also conducts differ- (c) Publishing Foreign Trade Review ent research studies on contemporary issues impact- ing International Business for the different states of The Journals Division publishes Foreign Trade Review North East including Assam (FTR), which includes Research Articles, commentary and book reviews in the domain of theoretical and 9. PUBLIC SECTOR CORPORATION (ECGC, MMTC empirical issues in cross-border issues. LTD., PEC LTD., ITPO, STC, STCL LTD.) (xiv) Centre for Distance and Online Education (A) ECGC Ltd (Formerly Export Credit Guarantee (CDOE) Corporation of India Ltd.) The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) ECGC Limited, a Premier Export Credit Agency (ECA) was set up in the Institute in 2021 to provide access to of the Government of India, was set up in 1957 under quality education to the remotest places in the the Companies Act 1956, to provide export credit country as envisaged under the New Education Policy insurance services to exporters and banks. ECGC (NEP) 2020. The CDOE offers the following covers export transactions destined for more than programmes: 200 countries of the world. v Executive Post Graduate Diploma programme in The Government of India has approved capital International Business (EPGDIB)-Online (15 infusion of Rs. 4,400 crore to ECGC Ltd. over a period months’ duration). of five years, i.e. from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Out of this, an amount of Rs. 500 crore has been infused during v Certificate programme of 4 months’ duration on 2021-22. The total infusion will increase the underwrit- ‘Growth and Transformation through FinTechs’. ing capacity of ECGC by Rs. 88,000 crore. The Govern- v Online MDP on INCO Terms. ment has also approved enhancement in authorized maximum liability of the Company to Rs. 1.50 lakh The CDOE plans to launch the following new crore from the existing Rs. 1.00 lakh crore. programmes: ECGC has supported total exports of Rs. 6.18 lakh v Online MDPs on State-wise Export Opportunities. crore during 2021-22. The details of export supported v Certificate programmes: over the last five years are as under: t FinTech in International Business t Product Management for International Markets. 168 DEPARTMENT
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Thus, ECGC supports around 20% of the merchandise credit risk assessment and score for their accounts. exports from India. ECGC has been selected as one of the implementing In order to further its support to Micro and Small agencies for the Capacity Building of First Time MSE exporters, ECGC has recently made available Exporters (CBFTE) sub-component of the Interna- enhanced coverage under its Export Credit Insurance tional Cooperation (IC) Scheme, by the Ministry of for Bank (ECIB) products, indemnifying the banks MSME. Under this Scheme, the MSE exporters are providing pre-shipment and post-shipment finance, eligible for reimbursement of the insurance premium to 90 per cent from an average of 70 per cent for paid to ECGC up to a maximum of Rs. 10,000 per accounts with an export working capital limit up to financial year subject to their Import Export Code not Rs. 20 crore for exporters engaged in manufacturing. older than three years and they hold a valid Udyam The enhanced coverage under ECIB is aimed at Registration. This move is expected to encourage encouraging the banks to lend affordable and MSE exporters to venture into exports and reduce adequate export credit to small exporters and to their transaction cost towards credit insurance expand their portfolios in the coming years. The small covers. exporters are thus expected to reap the benefits of Performance of ECGC for FY 2021-22, and FY 2022-23 this move as the enhanced cover enables better (as on 31st December 2022) (B) MMTC Ltd. its business operations are under review. MMTC Limited was incorporated in 1963 as an inde- (i) Initiatives pendent entity primarily to deal in exports of minerals Swachh Bharat - Swachhta Action Plan (SAP - 2022- and ores and imports of non-ferrous metals. Later, it 23) diversified its business portfolio keeping in view national requirements / new business opportunities During 2021-22, MMTC undertook SAP activities to and various commodities like fertilizers, bullion, agro support the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. etc. were progressively added to the portfolio of the (a) Clean Office Premises company. v Display of slogans/signage and photographs Long Term Agreement for export of High Grade Iron related to Swachhta in office premises of MMTC at Ore to Japan and South Korea was not continued C.O/Regional Offices located across India. after 31st March 2021. MMTC was delisted as a STE for v Proper up-keep and continuation of cleaning up import of Urea on behalf of Department of Fertilisers operations of office records in MMTC Corporate in November 2021. Further, MMTC has exited from Office. Bullion operations and other canalized business and 169 DEPARTMENT
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v Continuation of the weeding out campaign of old initiative of Digital India, MMTC is in the process of files/records in line with the Record Retention implementing e-Office Lite from NIC (An Organisation Schedule, by sending the same to the Record room under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technol- in MMTC Colony and carrying out weeding of files. ogy) for increased transparency in the decision making. (b)Swachh Vidyalya Initiative v Involvement of the adopted School, Nagar Nigam (iii) Clean Energy Prathmik Vidyalaya, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi in MMTC had set up a 15 MW capacity Wind Mill project the Swachhta mission through participation in at Gajendragad in Karnataka in 2007-08. The project cleanliness drive has contributed to the development of the area by v Beautification of the School i.e cleaning, upbring- meeting some portion of energy needs of Karnataka ing of plants, paints, repair etc, being conducted. state. MMTC also earns income through wind genera- tion. v Health and Fitness: To boost children for keeping themselves healthy, fit and active. (iv) Financial Performance (c) Workshop & Seminar/Training MMTC achieved a trade turnover of Rs. 7,840.78 crore during 2021-22 as against the turnover of Rs. v Talk on hygiene awareness/ better sanitation 26,364.50 crore registered during previous fiscal. This practices was organised in association with a turnover includes Exports of Rs. 34.41 crore, Imports reputed Super specialty Hospital at the adopted of Rs. 7070.57 crore and domestic trade of Rs735.80 school i.e. Nagar Nigam Prathmik Vidyalaya, New crore. MMTC suffered a Net Loss of Rs. 241.93 crore in Delhi followed by distribution of sanitation kit. 2021-22. v Door-to-door drive to change behavioural aspect of individuals residing in MMTC Colonies across (v) Subsidiary Company India with respect to sanitation specially for dry & MMTC Transnational Pte Ltd., Singapore (MTPL) is a wet domestic wastes. wholly owned subsidiary company of MMTC. During v Organising the Swachchta Pakhwada every year the Financial year 2021-22, MTPL achieved sales from 1st to 15th November period across the turnover of US$ 456.58 million as against US$ 486.20 country with various activities. million recorded during previous fiscal. MMTC has undertaken number of activities at MMTC (vi) Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd. (NINL) Offices / Colony in the past which includes spreading MMTC Ltd. set up Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited awareness on the use of avoiding single use plastic (NINL) - an Iron & Steel Plant of 1.1 million tones bottles/ containers in offices, display of posters/ capacity, 0.8 million tonne coke oven and by product slogans/ signage/ photographs related to Swachhta unit with captive power plant, jointly with Govern- (Cleanliness) in office premises, plantation of trees/ ment of Odisha and others. Government of India had saplings in MMTC Colony/adopted school, proper up- accorded its in-principle approval for divestment of keep and continuation of cleaning up operations NINL, a Joint Venture Company, in which four Central including office records in MMTC Offices, sanitization PSUs i.e. MMTC, NMDC, BHEL and MECON and two of the premises of adopted school, webinar on Odisha Government companies i.e. OMC and IPICOL Hygiene / Cleanliness/ Sanitation practices, distribu- were shareholders. Government had taken the tion of sanitation kit i.e. Face Masks & Sanitizers for decision to disinvest NINL so that successful strategic teachers/ students of the adopted school etc. b u y e r m a y b r i n g i n n e w m a n a g e- (ii) Digital India ment/technology/investment for the growth of the company and may use innovative methods for the As a part of implementing Government of India's development of the business operations of the 170 DEPARTMENT
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company, which may generate more employment expend the mandatory allocation under section 135 of opportunities. Accordingly, the Department of the Companies Act 2013. Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) (C) PEC Limited under the aegis of Ministry of Finance had initiated PEC Ltd. was formed on 21st April 1971 as a wholly the process of disinvestment of NINL, which was owned subsidiary of STC. PEC Limited became an completed on 04.07.2022. independent Company under the Department of (vii) Corporate Social Responsibility Commerce w.e.f. 27th March 1991. Over the years, For the Financial year 2022-23, there is no CSR budget PEC Ltd. has been involved in export and import of approved by the Board of Directors/ CSR Committee various essential and industrial commodities. The at Board level as the company has incurred losses in Company has stopped business operations since the previous years i.e. 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22. September 2019. Accordingly, the CSR budget calculated in accordance (i) Performance with Section-198 of the Companies Act, 2013 i.e. 2 per The overall performance of the Corporation since cent of the average of net profits of preceding 3 years, 2016-17 is given below: is negative. As such, the company is not obligated to 171 DEPARTMENT
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(iv) Human Resource Summit start happening in the Convention Centre from March, 2023. The progress of the IECC Project is A VRS (voluntary retirement scheme) Phase-III was being reviewed at the highest level in the introduced in PEC Ltd. in 2021, under which 07 Government. employees took VRS. As on 30.09.2022, the company has 37 employees out of which 07 employees are on The pace of construction activities at various deputation outside PEC. segments of the IECC project has got the desired momentum during the last two months. Status of (v) Compliance progress is being received at the highest level on a The company is following Government guidelines weekly basis. related to use of Hindi in Official Work, Citizen Charter, (ii) Financial Highlights Public Redressal Mechanism and RTI. Inspite of COVID impact during the year 2021-22 total (vi) Corporate social responsibility & sustainability income generated by ITPO reached Rs.79.17 crore With the introduction of Section 135 of the Act, against Rs. 50.30 crore generated in the previous Company has constituted a Corporate Social year. ITPO has reduced the net loss to Rs. 56.30 crore Responsibility Committee. The CSR Policy adopted by compared to loss of Rs. 84.15 crore in the previous the Board of Directors is available on the Company's year 2020-21. The income on deposits in the banks is website www.peclimited.com. PEC has been now marginal in view of substantial funds/corpus incurring losses since 2014-15, hence it has no having been utilized for the IECC project. obligation of incurring CSR expenditure. As of now the COVID impact has lessened and (D) India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) exhibition industry has come to normalcy and ITPO is India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) is India's doing well organizing events and also the third party premier trade promotion agency providing a broad organizers are organizing events, so it is expected the spectrum of services to trade & industry and acting as current year will be normal year in respect of income. a catalyst for the growth of India's trade. (iii) Domestic Fairs With its Headquarters at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, In the current year ITPO organized its flagship event and regional offices at Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai, India International Trade Fair 2022, 41st edition from ITPO ensures representative participation of trade 14th-27th November 2022, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi and industry from different regions of the country in in an area of 73,000 sqm. The theme of IITF 2022 was its events in India and abroad. "Vocal for Local and Local to Global". Shri Piyush (i) Re-development of Pragati Maidan – IECC Project Goyal, Hon'ble Commerce & Industry Minister, Govt. of India inaugurated the fair on November 14, 2022. Four Exhibition Halls were inaugurated by the Bihar, Jharkhand and Maharashtra were 3 Partner Hon'ble Prime Minister in October 2021. The main States in IITF 2022. Kerala and Uttar Pradesh were tunnel across Pragati Maidan Complex along with 5 Focus States. 29 States/UTs & 53 Government underpasses of Integrated Transit Corridor Departments/Ministries/PSU and 242 private Development (ITCD) Project in & around Pragati participants participated in IITF'2022. 14 Foreign Maidan was formally launched by the Hon'ble Prime Countries also participated. Around 10 lakh people Minister in June 2022. The work on remaining visited the mega event during 14 days and all the segments of the IECC Project is on fast track and the stakeholders appreciated the arrangements entire project is now rescheduled to be completed by including cleanliness and facilities at Pragati Maidan. January, 2023. The G-20 Summit is to be held in the Convention Centre in September 2023, inter- Approx. 25,843 business visitors visited the fair. ministerial meetings in connection with the G-20 Overseas business visitors from Tanzania, Tunisia, 172 DEPARTMENT
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Austria, UK, USA, Bahrain, UAE, Republic of Korea, giant Volkswagen launched its new car Virtus from Japan & other delegations from MEA from various Pragati Maidan. In 90th General Assembly of Interpol countries across the globe visited the IITF 2022. event where the Heads of the police department of Aahar –International Food & Hospitality Fair of ITPO 195 countries and ministers and other prestigious was held in ITPO in April 2022 which also attracted international organizations participated. large number of business visitors. As normalcy (vi) Regional Trade Centres returns it is expected that ITPO will bounce back to its ITPO has provided assistance to State Governments earlier revenue income and will put out improved in setting up Regional Trade Promotion Centres financial results in the coming years. (RTPCs) for creating Export Infrastructure in State (iv) Fairs held Abroad capitals/major cities. ITPO successfully organized participation in Anuga, v Tamil Nadu Trade Promotion Organisation Cologne (Germany), 9th-13th October 2021, in 591 (TNTPO) at Chennai. The Chennai Trade Centre is sq.mtr. and inspired Home show, Chicago (USA) 5th- managed by TNTPO, a Joint venture of ITPO and 7th March 2022. But in the current year after TIDCO. During 2021 -22, 15 exhibitions were held in relaxation in travels ITPO has organized more than 12 the Exhibition Halls of Chennai Trade Centre and 22 events abroad which includes mega participation in events took place in the Convention Centre. Sial Paris, October 2022 where more than 90 Indian Expansion project of a multi-purpose Business entities participated and also AFL, Milan in (Exhibition/Convention) hall with an area of 20,322 December 2022. square meters in Chennai Trade Centre at an (v) Fairs Organized by 3rd Party Organizers approved cost of Rs. 308.75 crore including GST is underway. After the expansion, there will be a total Keeping in view the goal of giving boost to the of 2 convention centres and 5 halls for exhibitions exhibition industry and to provide relief to the in the total area of 35,677 square meters in an area organizers, as a major venue & services provider, of 34.61 acres of land. various relaxations were also announced during the year. v Karnataka Trade Promotion Organisation (KTPO) at Bengaluru Located at a prime area in Whitefield, Twenty-five (25) third-party events were held During Bengaluru, it covers an area of 48.35 acres. It has an the year 2021-22. Many first time events and marquee air-conditioned Exhibition Hall of 5,371 Sqm. events were also held like car launch, government Karnataka Trade Promotion Organization (KTPO) is event of Skill India etc. Further, the Gati Shakti event a joint venture of ITPO and Karnataka Industrial coinciding with the inauguration of IECC Complex Area Development Board (KIADB). The expansion halls 2 to 5 by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India was project of a multi-purpose (convention/exhibition) held in October 2021. In the current year major hall with an area of 7633 sq meters. of KTPO at an government and corporate events such as Drone estimated project cost is Rs. 67.59 crore.is under Festival, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance way and it will be completed shortly. After the Council (BIRAC), Indian Mobile Congress and 90th expansion, there would be 2 halls for conducting General Assembly of Interpol were held in the newly exhibitions and conventions with a total exhibiting developed exhibition hall Nos. 2-5 at Pragati Maidan area of 14,504 Sqm. where Hon'ble Prime Minister was present for the inauguration. v Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) at Pampore. JKTPO is a Joint venture The 5G services by the Cellular Operators was Company. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir launched from the Pragati Maidan by the Hon'ble has 51.25% equity share, India Trade Promotion Prime Minister during the inauguration of Indian Organization (ITPO) with 40 per cent equity share, Mobile Congress. Apart from this the automobile 173 DEPARTMENT
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the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts Integrated Transit Corridor Development (ITCD) (EPCH) with 4.55 per cent equity share, and the Plan of the IECC Project. The sanctioned cost of Carpet Export Promotion Council with 4.20 v equity ITCD is Rs. 923 crore. The foundation stone of ITCD share of the Company. was laid by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Ex-Vice President, on 22nd December 2017. (vii) Inauguration of main tunnel of ITCD Project v The tunnel connects Ring Road with India Gate and v Main Tunnel across Pragati Maidan premises and 5 Mathura Road passing through Pragati Maidan. It underpasses as a part of Redevelopment Project of is equipped with the latest global standard Pragati Maidan were dedicated to the nation by facilities for smooth movement of traffic such as Shri Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of smart fire management, modern ventilation and India on 19th June 2022. automated drainage, digitally controlled CCTV and v This comprehensive traffic solution is 80 percent public announcement system. It will ensure hassle- funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban free vehicular movement, helping save time and Affairs (Central Government) and 20 per cent of the cost of commuters in a big way. funds were contributed by ITPO as part of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurating the Integrated Transit Corridor on 19th June 2022 (E) National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) deteriorating finances, Board of Directors (BoD) in a meeting held on 7th July 2017, decided to initiate the National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) was set- process of winding up of the Company. up through a Cabinet decision dated 30th August 1994 and incorporated on 31st March 1995 as a The Cabinet in its meeting dated 30th June 2021 company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 approved the winding up/voluntary liquidation of the (earlier Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 as a National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) with Joint Venture between India Trade Promotion immediate effect and utilization of the Corpus Funds Organisation (ITPO) and National Informatics Centre & other funds available with National Centre for Trade (NIC). The organization was functioning as a non- Information (NCTI) to settle all its debts as per the profit entity and was involved in providing Companies Act 2013 and relevant provisions of the customized trade information services to the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code 2016. Accordingly, Department of Commerce, ITPO and other NCTI in its 94th BoD meeting held on 24th August 2021 Government organizations. As the company was passed the resolution for Voluntary Winding up of facing challenges in fulfilling its mandate effectively NCTI. due to poor business, crunch of manpower and 174 DEPARTMENT
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The Liquidation work i.e. auction of assets of NCTI, each to Swachh Bharat Mission, Clean Ganga and P M settlement of claims of ITPO & NIC, closure of Gratuity Cares Fund for the year 2021-22. Policy with LIC of India, and appointment of agency (F) The State Trading Corporation of India Ltd. (STC) for storage of records as per provision of Code as well STC was set up on 18th May 1956 primarily with a view as distribution of available surplus to ITPO, have been to undertake trade with East European countries and completed. A refund of Rs.14.93 lakh is pending with to supplement the efforts of private trade and Income Tax department. Further; a Writ Petition has industry in developing exports from the country. STC been filed by an ex-employee of NCTI in the High played an important role in country's economy. It Court of Delhi. This petition is now listed on 19th April arranged imports of essential items of mass con- 2023. Thus, in view of the above issues (I Tax refund & sumption (such as wheat, pulses, sugar, edible oils, pending WP in the Delhi High Court), the final Report etc.) and industrial raw materials into India and also along with the requisite application is yet to be contributed significantly in developing exports of a submitted to Registrar of Companies, Insolvency and large number of items from India. Bankruptcy Board of India and Hon'ble NCLT for dissolution of the Company. Presently, STC is passing through precarious financial position due to classification of its account as NPA by (ii) Progressive use of the Official Language (Hindi) the lender banks since March/June 2018. STC is To ensure proper implementation of the Official negotiating One Time Settlement of dues with the Language Policy of the Government of India in ITPO, Lender Banks. STC is not undertaking's any business an Official Language Committee has been constituted activity and accordingly STC is continuing as a non- under the Chairmanship of CMD, ITPO and its meet- operative company for the time being. Also, the ings are organized regularly to ensure maximum use accounts of the Company for the financial year 2021- of official language in Hindi. 22 were published on non-going concern basis. The (iii) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Company has closed all its branch offices (except Agra) spread across the country and has retained only ITPO has been strictly adhering to the CSR and skeleton staff there to attend to legal, recovery and Sustainability Guidelines issued by Department of other important matters. Further, with a view to cut Public Enterprises and the applicable Act & Rules of down expenses the Company has offered VRS to its the Companies Act 2013. The CSR initiatives/activities employees from time to time. are implemented and monitored accordingly. The detailed policy about CSR initiatives of ITPO is avail- The overall performance of STC during, 2020-21, 2021- able at http://www.indiatradefair.com/csr.php. 22 and April-June 2022 vis-a-vis figures for the corresponding period of the previous year are given ITPO contributed in total Rs. 7.32 crore @ 2.42 crore below: 175 DEPARTMENT
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(i) Performance: 2021-22 commodities which are subjected to quality control, standards, inspection etc. before they are exported. (a) Turnover The major role of EIC is to ensure the Quality and During the year 2021-22, the Company continued as a Safety of products exported to meet the require- non-operative company as no business activities ments of the importing countries. This assurance is were undertaken by STC. As a result, Company's provided through either consignment-wise inspec- turnover during the year 2021-22 was NIL as against tion system or quality assurance/food safety manage- Rs. 247 crore during the year 2020-21. ment system-based certification through its field (b) Profitability agencies i.e., the Exports Inspection Agencies (EIAs) During the year 2021-22, the Company reported a net established under Section 7 of the Act. The EIAs are loss (after tax) of Rs. 93.97 crore as against net loss headquartered at Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Chennai (after tax) of Rs. 51.23 crore reported during the year and Delhi with a network of 24 sub offices backed by 2020-21. The net loss reported during the year was state-of-the-art laboratories, accredited by NABL as mainly due to the provisions of Rs. 85.42 crore per ISO 17025 all over India. (approx.) made in the books of accounts towards The EIC provides mandatory certification for various dues payable to L&DO. food items, namely Animal Casings, Black pepper, STCL Limited Basmati Rice & Non-Basmati Rice (for export to EU), Crushed Bones, Ossein and Gelatin, Egg and Egg STCL Limited was incorporated as Cardamom Trading Products, Feed Additives and Premixtures, Fish& Corpn. Ltd., a Private Limited Company in 1982. In Fishery Product, Fresh Poultry Meat and Poultry Meat 1987, it was renamed as “Spices Trading Corporation Products, Fruit and Vegetable Products, Honey, Milk Ltd.” In 1999, it became a subsidiary of STC of India and Milk products, Peanut &Peanut products (EU & Ltd. In August 2004, it was renamed as “STCL Lim- Malaysia). Other food items that are not notified ited” under the Act, are also being certified under Volun- The authorised share capital of company is Rs. 5 crore. tary Certification Scheme, as per the importing The paid up share capital is Rs. 1.5 crore. The entire country's requirements. Export certification is carried paid up capital is held by STC of India Ltd. Its net worth out by EIC's field organizations Export Inspection was (-) Rs.4557.10 crore as on 31st March 2021. Agencies (EIAs), and is based on two systems, Subsequent to Union Cabinet decision on 13th August namely, Consignment Wise Inspection (CWI) system 2013 regarding winding up of STCL, the Company had and Food Safety Management Based Certification stopped all business activities from 2014-15 onwards. (FSMSC) system which is based on Hazard Analysis Presently, the Company is under liquidation and Critical Control Points (HACCP). These systems are pursuing various legal cases including Arbitration designed to ensure that the requirements of import- cases for the recovery of its dues from the business ing countries are complied to. EIC certification associates and adhering to other statutory require- system is recognized globally. ments. In this era of changing dynamics of food safety 10. EXPORT INSPECTION COUNCIL (EIC) regulations and certification, the EIC has transformed its role and functions to build up the confidence The Export Inspection Council (EIC) was established among the trading partners across the globe. The EIC by Government of India under Section 3 of the Export has been instrumental in evolving the stakeholders (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963 to ensure including exporter fraternity to meet the changing sound development of export trade of India through requirements of the importing countries with rising Quality Control and pre-shipment Inspection and for food safety incidents. The EIC is actively involved in matters connected thereof. The EIC is an advisory standard setting process at national and international body of the Central Government for notification of 176 DEPARTMENT
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levels and provide feedback to ensure that the The EIC has transformed its resources and service interest of exporters as well as that of importers from quality with specific aim to fulfil the initiatives taken our trade partners are protected. The EIC has by Government of India on ease of doing business and adopted Quality Management System and is ISO digital India with core objective to provide increased 9001:2015 certified organisation. opportunity for export of food commodities vis-a-vis International needs. The EIC is actively collaborating The Major Activities of the EIC, inter-alia, include: with other stakeholders, like, other promotional v Approval of processing establishments based on boards, exporters, importing countries authorities, Food Safety Management System to ensure safety industry associations, chambers of commerce in and quality of commodities meant for export as per building infrastructure, skill upgradation, technical importing countries standards competence and analytical capability. The EIC v Pre-shipment inspection and certification based on proactively developing its own competence to meet Consignment Wise Inspection (CWI) to assure any future challenges related to SPS measures quality of export commodities as per laid down imposed by the developed countries. specification The key activities of EIC/EIAs during the year 2022-23 v Issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin for so far are given below: export products under various preferential tariff v Seafood HACCP Training Course for Fish and schemes Fishery Products v Issuance of different types of certificates, namely, v Officers from EIC and Export Inspection Agencies Health Certificates, Authenticity Certificates, Non- (EIA) participated in “Segment 2-Seafood HACCP GMO Certificates etc. under various export Training Course for Fish and Fishery Products” certification schemes during 18th-19th April 2022, at International v Recognition of Inspection Agencies and Laborato- Training Centre for Food Safety and Applied ries Nutrition (ITC-FSAN), EIA Mumbai. The training Commercial Relations, Trade Agreements & Interna- was jointly conducted by the EIC, US-FDA &The tional Trade Organizations Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutri- tion (JIFSAN). The training was attended by 30 The EIC, since its establishment is playing a crucial role participants from Government Regulatory Bodies, in promoting export trade from India through its Industries and Academia. quality control & inspection activities by ensuring compliance of the requirements of importing coun- v Awareness Programs on Certificate of Origin under tries. The quality assurance activities of EIC help to India -UAE CEPA for Gems & Jewellery Exporters facilitate world wide access for Indian exports and v EIC sensitised Indian exporters on Rules & Proce- instil confidence in the importers as well as importing dure of Issuance of Certificate of Origin (CoO) countries authorities about quality and safety of under recently signed agreement between India Indian products. In line with the national and interna- and UAE-CEPA, during an event organized by tional needs, EIC continues to strive to achieve 'Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, on Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs)/Mutual 6th May 2022. Recognition Agreements (MRAs)/Equivalence Agreements/Recognitions/Cooperation Arrange- v Training under Biosafety Capacity Building project ments with the major trading partners. These v Export Inspection Agency -Kochi, under Biosafety arrangements facilitate acknowledgement of EIC's Capacity Building project by FAO-Sri Lanka, orga- Certification System by regulatory authorities of nized Hands-On Laboratory Training on, 'Detection importing countries and avoid multiple border of Genetically Modified Organisms/ Living Modified inspections. 177 DEPARTMENT
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Organisms' from 13th June to 16th June 2022, for Mauritania. NEIA through its cover for project participants from Sri Lanka. Officers from EIC and exports helps make Indian project exporters more EIAs imparted the training to various stakeholders competitive and gain a stronger foothold in during the four days training program. The training regions of national strategic interest. Successful was jointly organized by the EIC, Food and Agricul- project exports enable sustained visible impact on ture Organization, Ministry of Environment India's capacity in executing projects abroad. Government of Sri Lanka and Biotech Consortium v The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs India Limited (BCIL) & Global Environment Facility (CCEA) in its meeting held on 29th September 2021, (GeF). Various technical sessions were conducted increased the corpus commitment to the NEIA by EIA officials emphasizing on the modern tools Trust from Rs. 4,000 crore to Rs. 4,741 crore and and techniques involved in detection of GMO/LMO approved infusion of Rs. 1,650 over a period of five in food commodities. years, i.e. from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. Out of this v FDA Import Operations Training Programmes a Grant-in-aid of Rs. 1,574.99 crore [i.e. Rs.744 crore during 2021-22 and Rs. 830.99 crore during 2022-23 v The EIC in collaboration with the United States (upto 31st December 2022)] has already been Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) conducted released to the Trust. FDA Import Operations Training Programmes from 22nd to 29th August 2022 across pan India loca- v “As of 31st December 2022, a total of 153 projects of tions. The programmes were conducted at EIC value Rs. 42,641 crore are under various stages of followed by Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. execution by the Indian Project exporters under Through these programmes, more than 300 the 200 covers extended by the NEIA Trust.” exporters/regulators were apprised on the 12. WORLD EXPO 2020 requirements to ensure that the compliant prod- World Expo is the world's oldest and largest event. It ucts are offered for import to the U.S. is being held from 1851, once in 5 years for a duration 11. NATIONAL EXPORT INSURANCE ACCOUNT (NEIA) of 6 months and is organized by BIE (Bureau Interna- TRUST tional des Expositions), Paris. World Expo 2020 was v The Government of India established NEIA Trust in held in Dubai from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2006 to promote project exports from India that 2022. This was the first expo held in MEASA (Middle are of strategic and national importance. The trust East, Africa and South Asia) region and also the was set up with an initial corpus of Rs.66 crore. largest World Expo till date. The main theme of World With the contribution of Rs. 4,665.99 crore by the Expo 2020 was "Connecting Minds, Creating the Government of India over the years, the total Future". The main theme was further branched into corpus of the Trust is Rs. 6,707.92 crore. However, three sub themes of the Expo viz. - Opportunity, after providing for the claims filed/ likely Mobility and Sustainability. 192 countries participated claims/Defaults reported with the Trust, no corpus in World Expo 2022 and more than 24 million visitors is available for underwriting (as on 31st December visited the Expo over a period of 6 months. 2022). India was one of the major participants at World Expo v The major sectors covered under NEIA are con- 2020, Dubai. Department of Commerce (DoC), struction, supply of engineering goods, water Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of treatment plants, power transmission and distribu- India was the nodal department for organizing India's tion projects, etc. while the major countries participation in the event. Federation of Indian covered include Sri Lanka, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) was Mozambique, Tanzania, Senegal, Iran, Maldives, the Industry partner and NBCC was the construction Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, Suriname and partner and Project Management Consultant (PMC) 178 DEPARTMENT
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of India Pavilion. India Pavilion was constructed on a screen to display rich thematic AV content through plot of 4,614 sq. meters with a display area of about projection. The India pavilion gave the visitors, insight 10,000 sq. meters. The location of India Pavilion was into the multifaceted dimensions of the Indian in a prominent area of the Opportunity District. The economy and maintained the growing interest of immediate neighbours of the Indian pavilion were visitors. pavilions of Japan, Israel, Italy, USA, Germany, India Pavilion was one of the most visited pavilions Singapore and Kazakhstan. The India Pavilion at with more than 1.75 million visitors. The Pavilion was World Expo at Dubai was inaugurated by Hon'ble CIM recognized as “one of the most iconic” at Expo 2022 on 01.10.2021 in the presence of several dignitaries by American institute of Architects. The pavilion was from the UAE government as well industry leaders. also declared as one of the most prominent pavilions The display inside India Pavilion showcased the best at Expo by Gulf News, a prominent daily. More than of India across multiple areas including India's 2000 business programmes, G2B & B2B meetings prowess in emerging technologies, vibrant start-up were conducted at the pavilion with focus on invest- eco-system, besides investment opportunities across ment opportunities & mutual areas of collaboration. multiple sectors including textiles, healthcare, Total of 107 MoUs/LoIs were signed with value of tourism, infrastructure, services, etc. as well as our about Rs. 80,000 crore. More than 433 start-ups were rich art and heritage through dynamic display of featured at India Pavilion through more than 20 digital and immersive content from participating editions of specially curated ELEVATE pitching states, sectors as well as the Indian corporates. The sessions as well as in the India Innovation Bus. The pavilion also featured a unique dynamic façade India Innovation hub at the India Pavilion was a consisting of multi coloured moving blocks to repre- remarkable initiative to promote India's shining sent “India on the move”. While the moving blocks startups, bringing the whole ecosystem of innovation created multiple patterns during day-time, in the under one roof and realizing it to the advantage of all evening, the façade was transformed into a giant players. India Pavilion at World Expo, Dubai 179 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
9 Programmes undertaken for the welfare of SCs/STs/OBCs, Women and Persons with Disabilities ANNUAL
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The Department of Commerce liaises with the of Fisheries is carrying out process for internal attached and sub-ordinate offices, autonomous electrification from electric poles to the farms. bodies, Public Sector Undertakings and Commodity Extending technical assistance to SC/ST farmers and Boards under its administrative control for proper hatchery operators through field visits and organizing implementation of the directions of the Government regular capacity building programmes such as of India related to the reservation as well as other Trainings, awareness campaigns, farmers meets etc. welfare measures for the SCs, STs, OBCs, EWSs and PwDs categories. Financial assistance for demonstration programme to SC/ST farmers on culture of diversified species like There are two separate Liaison Officers (one for Sea bass/Crab/Soft shell crab/GIFT/Scampi and Pearl SC/ST/PwD and other for OBC/EWS) functioning in the spot. Department of Commerce. The Liaison Officers ensure prompt disposal of the grievances of the (B) The Project and Equipment Corporation of India SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS category employees and also Limited (PEC Ltd.) take care that the various benefits admissible to the For the welfare of SC, ST, OBC & EWS Government reserved categories are complied with by the associ- Directives/Instructions with regards to SCs/STs/OBCs/ ate organizations of the Department. In addition to EWSs are duly complied with in PEC. Qualifying period this, separate 'Internal Grievance Committee' for for promotion for employees belonging to SC/ST Scheduled Tribe community employees and Sched- categories is relaxed by one year in each stage of uled Castes community employees of Department of promotion. Commerce (proper) have been constituted. (C) Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC A statement showing total number of Government Ltd.) employees and the number of SCs/STs/ OBCs/EWSs as The total strength of employees in MMTC as on 30th on 30.09.2022 in Department of Commerce (proper) September 2022 was 536 (including Board level and its associate organizations is at Annexure B. The executives and MICA employees), out of which 113 welfare activities undertaken by different organiza- (21.08%) employees belong to SC category, 64 tions attached to this Department are given in the (11.94%) to ST category and 62 (11.57%) to OBC cate- succeeding paragraphs. gory. Women employees represented 20.34% (109 1. WELFARE OF SC, ST, OBC & EWS employees) of the total manpower. (A) The Marine Products Export Development Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Authority (MPEDA) (i) Liaison Officer Nirmala Nagar Project in Tummala, Bapatla District, Liaison Officers have been appointed in Corporate AP: MPEDA has adopted “Nirmala Nagar” – an Office as well as Regional Offices to ensure exclusive hamlet of Scheduled Tribe Aquaculture compliance of the orders and instructions of the farmers under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) with an aim to Government Directives pertaining to reservation and provide electric power connection to the farming other concessions as admissible. areas, installation of bio security measures such as crab fencing and bird scare netting etc. at every pond (ii) Relaxation/ Concessions and providing water testing devices. v The concessions/relaxations extended to candi- MPEDA has allotted an amount of Rs. 2.03 crore from dates belonging to SC/ST category in Direct the ST fund as the 75% contribution towards the Recruitment are as below: implementation of this project and balance 25% as v Age relaxation upto 5 years, contribution from District administration. District v Relaxation of 5% in qualifying marks in written test/ administration has given directions to the Electrical personal interview, Department for execution of works and Department 181 DEPARTMENT
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v Relaxation in percentage of marks in prescribed sort out their problems. The Board had nominated a educational qualifications to the extent specified Liaison Officer for reservation matters relating to under the recruitment rules, SC/ST/OBC. Apart from this an internal Grievance Committee” for Scheduled Tribes employee was also As regards departmental promotion following constituted as recommended by the National Com- relaxations are provided: mission for Scheduled Tribes(NCST), New Delhi. v For promotion from staff cadre to officer cadre, (E) Noida Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) relaxation of 5 % in qualifying marks in written test. All Government directives/instructions with regard to v Relaxation of upto 5 w.p.m. given in typing test in SC, ST, OBC and EWS are duly complied with by NSEZ. promotion to Junior Assistant post, As against total employees of 57, NSEZ has 8, 3 and 17 v One year relaxation in qualifying period for promo- employees belonging to SC, ST and OBC respectively. tion within staff cadre, under seniority-cum-fitness. (F) Tea Board SC/ST representative is nominated in all Selection Tea Board follows the orders issued by Government Committee for Direct Recruitment and Departmental of India for recruitment & promotion of SC, ST, OBC & Promotion. EWS from time to time. (iii) Training (G) India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) In order to upgrade their functional and soft skills, SC Guidelines on reservation were complied within ITPO. and ST employees are nominated from time to time to Liaison Officers have been nominated to look after various In-house training programmes as well as the interest of SC/STs/OBCs/EWSs. In every Depart- programmes conducted by esteemed institutions. mental promotion/Selection Committee (DPC/DSC) meetings officers of appropriate level belonging to (iv) Quarter allotment SC/ST and minority category are associated to look Reservation in quarter allotment is provided to SC after the interests of the candidates belonging to and ST employees to the extent of 10% for B type these categories. accommodation and 5% in respect of C & D type (H) Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export accommodation. Development Authority (APEDA) (v) Meetings The welfare and development of SC/ST/OBC/EWS is The Company has in place “Structured Meetings well looked after by Authority. Scheme” in which the Management meets various (I) Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India representative bodies of employees periodically in Limited (ECGC Ltd.) order to discuss and resolve issues on service matters and welfare measures. In line with this philosophy, (a) Programmes for SC & ST welfare meetings with Federation of MMTC Staff Unions, v Pre-Examination training for recruitment is con- which has good number of representation in the ducted for candidates from SC & ST category. executive body from employees of SC & ST catego- v The representatives of SC & ST Union are nomi- ries, were periodically held. nated for training on reservation for recruitment (vi) Internal Grievance Redressal Committee and promotion in Government companies An Internal Grievance Redressal Committee has been v Liaison officer for SC & ST welfare has been setup at Corporate Office for redressal of the appointed to deal with the matters related to grievances of Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes employees from SC & ST category. employees. v Reservation is provided to SC & ST candidates in (D) Spices Board recruitment and promotion as per Government of The Board had constituted SC/ST & OBC Committees India rules. for looking after the welfare of the employees and to 182 DEPARTMENT
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v At least one member from SC & ST category is discrimination committee for welfare of SC, ST and appointed on the panels constituted for recruit- OBC has been constituted. ment/ promotion of candidates/ employees. (N) Falta Special Economic Zone (SEZ) v A Committee for Grievance Redressal Mechanism All benefits/welfare measures as applicable to each for ST has been constituted by the Company. category are always extended to them. (b) Programmes for OBC welfare 2. PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN FOR WELFARE OF v Reservation policy of Government of India is PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES(PWDS) followed for recruitment of OBC candidates. Section 34 (1) of 'The Rights of Persons with Disabili- v Liaison officer for OBC welfare has been appointed ties Act, 2016 inter-alia states that every appropriate to deal with the matters related to employees from Government shall appoint in every Government OBC category. establishment, not less than four per cent of the total number of vacancies in the cadre strength in each v Due consideration is given to appointment of group of posts meant to be filled with persons with members from OBC category on recruitment benchmark disabilities of which, one per cent each panels. shall be reserved for persons with benchmark (c) Programmes for EWS welfare disabilities under clauses (a), (b) and (c) and one per cent for persons with benchmark disabilities under Government of India policy pertaining to Reservation clauses (d) and (e) namely:- for EWS category has been implemented in ECGC Ltd. In the direct recruitment of probationary officers 10% (a) Blindness and low vision; of the posts are reserved for EWS category in accor- (b) Deaf and hard of hearing; dance to government guidelines. (c) Locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, (J) Rubber Board leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims Rubber Board appointed Liaison Officer to attend the and muscular dystrophy; grievances of SC, ST, OBC and EWS category employ- (d) Autism, intellectual disability, specific learning ees. Liaison Officer maintains statutory registers to disability and mental illness; file the complaints/grievances. Board periodically monitors such complaints, if any, and disposes of (e) Multiple disabilities from amongst persons such grievances in time. The services of the Liaison under clauses (a) to (d) including deaf- blind- Officer is being effectively utilized by SC/ST/OBC ness in the posts identified for each disabilities employees as and when they have com- There are guidelines on providing facilities to the plaint/grievances. disabled persons so that a barrier-free workplace is (K) Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone(VSEZ) made accessible to the differently abled persons. In pursuance of Section 23(1) of Rights of Persons with Appointed Liaison Officer to protect the interest of Disabilities Act, 2016 (PwD Act, 2016) a Grievance SC, ST & OBC Employees. Redressal Officer has been nominated in Department (L) Coffee Board of Commerce. A statement showing total number of PWDs in different categories as on 30.09.2022 in The Coffee Board has a multi dimension approach by Department of Commerce (proper) and its associate creating an enabling environment keeping in view the organizations is shown at Annexure C. overall welfare and development of the SC/ST/OBC/ EWS employees. (A) The Project and Equipment Corporation of India Limited (PEC Ltd.) (M) Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Government Directives / Instructions with regards to IIFT implements the reservation policy in admissions Persons with Disabilities are duly complied with in and recruitment in accordance with an Act of Parlia- PEC. In PEC, there exists a Time Scale Promotion ment for the time being in force. Apart from this, anti- 183 DEPARTMENT
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Scheme for staff cadre. Qualifying period for (D) Noida Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) promotion for employees belonging to SC/ST and This office is already equipped with features like Persons with Disabilities categories is relaxed by one corridors, reception, toilets, staircases with handrails year in each stage of promotion. Further, a Com- etc. accessible to persons with disability. A dedicated plaints Register is being maintained at Head Office. parking slot has also been reserved for divyangjan in No complaint has been received till date. the service centre building. In addition, six nos. of (B) MMTC Ltd. Public conveniences have also been constructed by v In order to have easy access to office premises, NSEZ in the Zone complex with specific arrangement for divyangjan. One of the units in NSEZ (Idemia) has ramp has been provided for physically challenged employees. donated wheelchairs and divyangjan friendly bath- room fittings as part of its CSR. The wheelchairs have v PwD employees are posted to positions, taking been put at strategic places in the office and Standard into account their disability, to enable them to Design Factories (SDFs) in the zone. perform their job efficiently. (E) Tea Board v Office lifts have auditory signals announcing the floor destination. Some of them have floor Tea Board is following the orders issued by Govern- requisition buttons in Braille symbols. Also, there is ment of India as applicable from time to time. separate washroom for Divyangjan employees in (F) India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) the office premises. Guidelines on reservation were complied within ITPO. v The company provide for special casual leave for 4 Liaison Officers have been nominated to look after days in a calendar year for PwD employees for the interest of PwDs. The provisions contained in specific requirements relating to disabilities of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, official. Protection of Rights and Full participation) Act 1995 v Further, there is provision of 10 days special casual regarding reservation in posts/services for disabled leave in a calendar year subject to exigencies of person have also been complied with. work for the differently-abled employees for (G) Rubber Board participating in conference/ seminars/ trainings/ workshop related to disability and development to Rubber Board appointed Liaison Officer / Grievance be specified by Ministry of Social Justice & Redressal Officer to attend the grievances of Persons Empowerment. with Disabilities. He maintains statutory register to file the complaint/grievances and Board periodically v Liaison Officer appointed to look after reservation monitor such complaints, if any, and dispose in time. matters for SCs/STs also act as the Liaison Officer Board celebrates the “International day of Persons for reservation matters relating to person with Disabilities. with Disabilities” on 3rd December every year by organizing speeches of eminent persons with disabili- (C) Spices Board ties and honour the employees of the Board who are Spices Board has nominated a Liaison officer for differently abled. Board provided 'ramp' for the looking after the reservation matters and grievances smooth movement of PwD employees and also the of persons with Disabilities. facility of lifts. Visually handicapped employees are engaged in the operation of EPABX. Board provided During the year 2019 an expert committee has also unisex toilet facilities to PwDs. As per OM been constituted for the purpose of identification of No.3612/1/2020-Estt(Res-II) dated 17/05/2022, action is posts suitable for Person with Disabilities as per the being initiated by Board to fill up 4% of promotional Right to Person with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Director (Finance) as the Chairperson of the Commit- vacancies in Group A, B and C. tee and having other four members including one Group-B officer belongs to PwD category. 184 DEPARTMENT
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(H) Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export (L) Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Development Authority (APEDA) IIFT implements the reservation policy in admissions As per Government norms, the reservation for PwDs and recruitment in accordance with an Act of Parlia- is 4% of total strength in all grades. Against the ment. existing staff strength of 80, two incumbents are (M) Falta SEZ physically handicapped. APEDA has taken care of the welfare of persons with disabilities (PwDs). APEDA All benefits/welfare measures as applicable to each has provided motorized wheel chair to one of the category are always extended to them. employees to move within the office. Further, all the 3. PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN FOR WELFARE OF facilities as per rule are given to them. So far no WOMEN complaints have been received from them. An independent Women Cell has been set up in the (I) Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited (ECGC Ltd.) Department of Commerce with the following func- tions: v PWD candidates are transferred according to suitability of post to PWD employees. v Coordination with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, National Commission for Women v Scribe is allowed to them in recruitment and and other concerned agencies in respect of the promotional examination. matters connected with welfare and economic v PWD employees are posted in disability empowerment of women and other related issues. friendly/accessible office locations. Government v To review plan schemes and other programmes of reservations policy for recruitment of PWD is the Department of Commerce and to ensure that strictly followed. the aspect of women's welfare, development and v Liaison officer for PWD has been appointed to deal empowerment are promoted through the with matters related to candidates from PWD programmes/schemes. category. v All matters relating to Gender Budgeting and v PWD employees were extended the facility of work inclusion of Gender issues in the Annual from home during the Covid 19 pandemic. Report/Performance Budget. v PWD compliant infrastructure is available at new v Prevention and Redressal of sexual harassment at office premises at Head Office, ECGC Bhawan, work place. Constitution of Complaints Commit- Andheri East, Mumbai tee in Department of Commerce, its (J) Visakhapatnam SEZ attached/subordinate offices, PSUs, autonomous v Accessible approach and ramp at entrance building bodies etc; monitoring their performance and of VSEZ has been made available. providing necessary help and guidance. v Provided Lift v Observing Awareness Week for prevention of sexual harassment of women along with Vigilance v Construction/Provisions of Toilet Awareness Week. v Earmarking of parking place. v Other incidental matters relating to the subject. v Provision for disabled friendly building. (A) The Project and Equipment Corporation of India v Appointed Liaison officer for welfare of PwDs. Limited (PEC Ltd.) (K) Coffee Board v PEC is a small organization having total 29 employ- ees (excluding employees on deputation), out of The Coffee Board has a multi dimension approach by creating an enabling environment keeping in view the which 04 are women, as on 30.09.2022. overall Welfare and Development of the PwD employ- v In compliance with the terms of Section 4(1) of the ees. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace 185 DEPARTMENT
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(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, problems, if any, or to bring them to the notice of the 'Internal Complaints Committee' has been re- higher authorities along with suggestions for possible constituted in PEC for prevention and redressal of solutions. The grievances of women employees are sexual harassment of women at workplace. timely and properly attended. v A comprehensive policy for Prevention, Prohibition (D) Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of women Development Authority (APEDA) employee in PEC has been adopted with the The welfare and development of women employees approval of the Competent Authority. is well looked after by Authority. APEDA has formed a v During the year, no complaint has been received Committee for receiving complaints against sexual from any employee. harassment against women at work places. The committee also includes women officers. (B) MMTC Ltd. (E) Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India v Women welfare activities in MMTC are derived out Limited (ECGC Ltd.) of the broad guidelines of the National Policy on Women Empowerment and objectives of the v Programs on issues related to women are con- Forum of Women in Public Sector (WIPS). MMTC ducted on Women's Day including cancer screen- encourages participation of its women employees ing camps and seminars on Cancer Awareness etc. in this forum. A General Manager of MMTC, a v The Company nominates women employees to female officer, is the Vice President-WIPS APEX. programs/ seminars/workshops for leadership Many other women employees are member of development. WIPS. v Internal Complaints Committees are in place to v The promotion policy in MMTC gives equal oppor- deal with matters related to harassment at work- tunity of selection to deserving & meritorious place. candidates at every level up to below board level v Due consideration is given to appointment of irrespective of gender. women member on recruitment and promotion v There is an active Internal Complaint Committee at panels. Corporate Office as well as at Regional Offices to v The company has a scheme for reimbursement of deal with issues related to sexual harassment of travel expenses incurred by women employees women at workplace. Women employees are free having infant child below two years while attend- to approach the Complaint Committee to register ing promotion panel / official training accompany- any complaint related to sexual harassment. From ing the women employee, for the child as well as time to time, efforts are made to sensitize women one attendant as per their respective eligibility. employees of their rights under the Sexual Harass- v A scheme for reimbursement of Crèche expenses ment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, up to a limit of Rupees 5000/- excluding taxes, till Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013. the infant attains the age of two years is in place for v Good representation of women employees is women employees of ECGC Ltd. Provision has been ensured in various functional and behavioral made for creche facility at new office premises at trainings organized by MMTC. Head Office, ECGC Bhawan, Andheri East, Mumbai (C) Spices Board v The Company has a scheme for grant of two days The sanctioned staff strength of Spices Board is 379 special leaves to women employees till their child and existing strength is 249 as on 30.09.2022. Out of attains the age of 2 years. which, 68 are women employees. A woman (Group A v Pregnant women employees were extended the level) officer of the Board has been appointed as facility of work from home during the COVID-19 “Women Welfare Officer” to sort out the difficulties/ Pandemic. 186 DEPARTMENT
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(F) Rubber Board v Organized a health safety talk by the Chief Gynecol- ogist Dr. Annamma Babu (MBBS, DGO, MD) from As per the Sexual Harassment of Women at work Medical Trust Hospital – Ernakulam on 5th August, place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2022. 2013, Internal Complaint Committee is constituted consisting of four members including one member (L) Falta SEZ from outside, well versed with social work activities All benefits/welfare measures as applicable to each (details published in the website of Rubber Board). category are always extended to them. The committee meeting is being held in each quarter and no complaint is reported during this period. 4. WOMEN CELL (G) Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone An independent Women Cell has been set up in the Department of Commerce with the following func- Constituted Internal Complaints committee under tions: Sexual Harassment of Women at work place. v Coordination with the Department of Women and (H) Noida SEZ Child Development, National Commission for In accordance with Section 4 of sexual harassment of Women and other concerned agencies in respect women at work place, (prevention, and redressal) of matters connected with welfare and economic Act, 2013 an internal committee exists in this office. empowerment of women and other related issues. (I) Coffee Board v Review of the schemes and other programmes of Department of Commerce and to ensure that the The Coffee Board has a multi dimension approach by aspect of women's welfare, development and creating an enabling environment keeping in view the empowerment are promoted through the overall Welfare and Development of the Women programmes /schemes. employees. v All matters relating to Gender Budgeting and (J) Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) inclusion of Gender issues in the Annual The institute has constituted Internal Complaints Report/Performance Budget. Committee for prevention, prohibition and redressal v Prevention and redressal of sexual harassment at of sexual harassment of women at work place. work place. Constitution of Complaints Committee (K) The Marine Products Export Development in Department of Commerce, its attached/ subordi- Authority (MPEDA) nate offices, PSUs, autonomous bodies etc. v A Health Check-up campaign conducted during monitoring their performance and providing August 2022 for all the employees of MPEDA under necessary help and guidance. the initiation of Women cell of the Organisation. vOther incidental matters relating to the subject. 187 DEPARTMENT
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CHAPTER
10 Transparency, Public Facilitation and Allied Activities ANNUAL
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1. CITIZENS' CHARTER The Department will strive to evolve procedures in Foreign Trade Policy to maximise public benefits and The Department of Commerce is committed to act is committed to simplify various requirements with integrity, judiciousness, transparency, account- necessary under rules in force, in the context of a ability and with courtesy and understanding in globalized and liberalized economy. The Department dealings with the trade and public. All the services will continuously engage in the process of consulta- and commitments are to be delivered to citizens in tions with client groups and give timely publicity to all most effective and efficient manner. changes in laws and procedures relevant to the Department. Standards of services provided: 189 DEPARTMENT
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2. PUBLIC GRIEVANCES Vigilance Awareness Week was observed by conduct of workshop/sensitization programmes, pledge Public Grievance Cell deals with grievances of staff of taking, display of banners etc. during the period 31st this Department and offices under its control for October, 2022 to 6th November, 2022 to create speedy redressal. As per CPGRAMS, 5587 public awareness amongst officers and staff. The Vigilance grievances were disposed of during 01.01.2022 to Awareness Week was observed with the theme 31.12.2022 (including PMO and COVID-19 related “Bhrashtachar Mukt Bharat – Vikasit Bharat” (Corrup- Public Grievances). A grievance box has also been tion free India for a developed Nation). provided at the Information and Facilitation Counter situated at Gate No. 14, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi. 4. RIGHT TO INFORMATION 3. VIGILANCE WING v The Department of Commerce (DoC) has imple- mented the Right to Information Act, 2005 and has The Vigilance Section in the Department, with the put in place all necessary systems and procedures Joint Secretary & Chief Vigilance Officer (JS&CVO) as on the website of the Department. the Divisional head, deals with the complaints and vigilance cases of Board level appointees working in v RTI Applications are filed online using the RTI various Public Sector undertakings, Autonomous Online Portal managed by DoPT and RTI Cell Bodies and Commodity Boards functioning under the forward/transfer the online RTI Applications/ administrative control of the Department, Indian Appeals received in the Nodal Account of Depart- Trade Service officers and Group 'A' and Group 'B' ment of Commerce to appropriate CPIO(s)/FAAs/ officers of Department of Commerce. Public Authority(ies) through online portal. RTI The Vigilance Section also deals with matters related Cell also transfers the physical RTI Applica- to AIS(Conduct) Rules and CCS(Conduct) Rules tions/Appeals to different concerned CPIO(s)/ (including Annual Immovable returns of all Group A FAAs/Public Authority(ies). Department of Com- officers of the Department), furnishing of various merce has provided a facilitation counter at main Annual/Quarterly/Monthly reports to CVC and DoPT. entry gate, Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi to facilitate Vigilance Section also handles activities such as citizens who submit their RTI Applications/Appeals conducting of regular and surprise inspections of in person. sensitive offices as part of preventive vigilance, v At present, there are 34 Central Public Information review and streamlining of procedures, which appear Officers (CPIOs) of Directors/Deputy Secretary/ to afford scope for corruption or misconduct and for Under Secretary level officer in the Department initiating other measures for the prevention, detec- and 17 First Appellate Authorities (FAAs), who are tion of corruption and other malpractices and punish- Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary/Director level ment to the corrupt in the Department as well as its officers to hear and dispose off first appeal(s) filed attached and subordinate offices and Public Sector under the RTI Act. Shri Lakshman Rao Athukuri, Undertakings, keeping a watch on movements/visits Deputy Director is the Nodal CPIO, Department of of undesirable persons in the Department, prepara- Commerce and Shri Anant Swarup, Joint Secretary tion of list of officials of Doubtful Integrity/Agreed list has been designated as Transparency Officer, and their postings to non-sensitive areas and also Department of Commerce. sanction for prosecution to CBI u/s 19 of Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act and permission to initiate investi- v Currently there are 31 Public Authorities (PAs) gation by CBI u/s 17 A of PC Act. under the jurisdiction of Department of Com- merce. Each of these PAs have their own Nodal During the year 2022-23 (upto December, 2022) about CPIO, CPIOs and FAAs for implementation of the 63 investigations/inquiries were conducted and on provisions of the RTI Act. It is to be noted that the basis of these inquiry proceedings, in 15 cases Department of Commerce is itself a Public Author- major/minor penalties were imposed in attached and ity. In smaller Public Authorities, mostly Nodal subordinate offices, PSUs, Autonomous Bod- CPIO himself is the only CPIO of the particular ies/Commodity Boards and the Department of Commerce. public authority whereas in larger Public Authority 190 DEPARTMENT
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like Department of Commerce, DGFT etc, Nodal participated. The assurances given during these CPIO acts as Central Point for disbursing RTI meetings were communicated to the concerned Applications/Appeals to appropriate CPIO(s)/FAAs organizations for their early fulfilment. and is responsible for all matters of RTI pertaining (C) Rajbhasha Incentive to that Public Authority including conducting (i) Hindi Fortnight Annual Transparency Audit, issuing User ID/Password to individual CPIOs/FAAs for access- Hindi Fortnight was organized in the Department ing Online RTI portal and form the interface with during 16th-30th September 2022. During this fort- DoPT and Central Information Commission for all night 7 competitions viz. Rajbhasha knowledge and RTI Matters. Hindi Anuvaad, Essay writing, Noting and Drafting, v During the period from January to December 2021, Hindi Typing, Recitation, Dictation and extempore speech in Hindi were organized. The prize money was 463 applications were disposed off by different 5000/- (first), 3000/-(second), 2000/- (third) and CPIOs of this Department and 721 applications 1000/- (Consolation). The Officials of the Department were transferred to other Public Authorities. participated enthusiastically in these competitions During the same period, 51 appeals were disposed and prizes were distributed to the winners. off by different FAAs of this Department as per provisions of the RTI Act. (ii) Annual Special Incentive Scheme v During the period from January to December 2022, To encourage the officials of the Department to do 370 applications were disposed off by different optimum official work in Hindi, an “Annual Special CPIOs of this Department and 446 applications Incentive scheme” has been initiated under which a were transferred to other Public Authorities. cash prize of Rs. 5,000/- (first) 4000/- (Second) and During the same period, 41 appeals were disposed 3000/- (third) each will be awarded. Under this off by different FAAs of this Department as per scheme, a provision has been made to provide a total provisions of the RTI Act. number of 60 prizes (for Hindi and non-Hindi speaking officials). 5. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE (iii) Organisation of Hindi Workshops The Official Language Division monitors the progressive use of the Hindi and implements the To encourage the use of Hindi by officials of the Official Language Policy set out by the Department of Department in their official work workshops are Official Language in the official work of the organized. Department. The activities of Official Language (iv) Organisation of OLIC Meeting Division during 2022- 2023 are as follows: To review the progress of Hindi in official work in (A) Meeting of Hindi Salahkar Samiti Department of Commerce, meetings of Official There is a Hindi Salahkar Samiti in the Department of Language Implementation Committee (OLIC) are Commerce to review the progressive use of Hindi in organised in every quarter. During year 2022-23, official work of the Department as well as various meetings of Official Language Implementation organizations under its administrative control. Hindi Committee were organised from time to time. Salahkar Samiti has been reconstituted. (v) Rajbhasha Shield Yojana for Attached/ Subordi- (B) Committee of Parliament on Official Language nate offices During the year 2022-23, the Committee of Parliament This incentive scheme is being implemented in the on Official Language inspected organizations under Department for its attached/subordinate offices for Department of Commerce wherein Joint Secretary many years. Under this scheme, shields/trophies are (Official Language In-charge) and Director (Official awarded to the offices for their performances in the Language)/Deputy Secretary (Official Language in- field of official language. The performances of the charge)/ Assistant Director (Official Language) offices are evaluated by a Committee on the basis of 191 DEPARTMENT
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the information provided in prescribed proforma and v Portal for Online Application Submission and relevant documents submitted by them. Monitoring for Recruitment of Young Profession- als for the Department of Commerce: The Portal (D) Inspections for Online Application Submission and Monitoring The progress made in promoting the use of Hindi in for Recruitment of Young Professionals for the the organizations under the control of the Depart- Department of Commerce has been developed, ment is monitored and reviewed through their and being operationalised at https:// Quarterly Progress Reports and Inspections. To apps.commerce.gov.in/recruits. review the status of progressive use of Hindi in official v PMO Reference Monitoring Systems of Depart- work, inspections of some offices of Department of ment of Commerce: The PMO reference Monitor- Commerce were also carried out by the officials of ing Systems for the Department of Commerce has Hindi Division. been developed, and been under the process of 6. E-GOVERNANCE getting security audit clearance and operationalised at https:// intra.commerce.gov.in/ Project Activities undertaken by Commerce Informa- pmoref. tics Division NIC for Department of Commerce: v National Import-Export Record for Yearly Analysis v Upgradation of Conference Room Booking System (CRBS) of Department of Commerce: The of Trade (NIRYAT): In order to approach the export Conference Room Booking System (CRBS) is being target in a systematic manner via a Digitized Data- upgraded in new technology open source for the Driven framework for facilitating timely Department of Commerce. The system has been Policymaking/ Intervention in International Trade, developed, and being operationalised at the portal National Import-Export Record for https://apps.commerce.gov.in/crbs. Yearly Analysis of Trade (NIRYAT) has been devel- oped which will be a single View platform to v Department of Commerce Website: A new respon- integrate and disseminate all critical information & sive, bilingual website with user friendly presenta- data relating to India's foreign trade. This tion of the contents and enhanced look & feel is tool/portal will be made accessible to the officers operational as per W3C Guidelines and the Guide- of the Department of Commerce, EPCs and the lines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW). The MEA (including the diplomatic Missions & Embas- Grievance Monitoring System for the Department sies) and thereafter with States for regular moni- of Commerce has also been integrated with this toring of the export performance of their respec- portal. Applicants can record their grievance online tive jurisdictions and to take necessary action, and track the status of their grievance online. A wherever required. The portal has been robust Workflow based processing has also been operationalised on cloud at https://niryat.gov.in. developed for processing these grievances by the v Portal for Applications of Department of Com- Department. The website and Grievances monitor- ing system has been hosted on NIC cloud and merce: The various applications to be developed continuous enhancements are being performed. for the Department of Commerce would be hosted STQC audit of the website has been obtained and on the single portal that has been launched on cloud the site is GIGW fully compliant. at https://apps.commerce.gov.in. v Intranet Portal of Department of Commerce: The v PM Dashboard of Dashboard (PRAYAS) - KPIs Integration: Integration of KPI is for Department various applications to be developed for the of Commerce in PM Dashboard of Dashboards Department of Commerce for internal use and to PRAYAS: Six KPIs relating to Import/Export and be accessed only within premises would be hosted Service Trade is operational and data are pushed at on the single portal that has been launched on 3 stages namely Preliminary, Provisional and Final cloud at https://intra.commerce.gov.in. for a particular month. Intuitive visualization has been developed on these KPI for the view of 192 DEPARTMENT
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Hon'ble PM of India. Viewing rights of the PRAYAS merchandise trade is being developed with the Dashboard are provided to all the Ministers. All the help of Centre Excellence for Data Analytics Ministers were given Demonstration/ Training on (CEDA) of NIC. DGCI&S's monthly trade data based the Dashboard. on 8-digit HS Code classification of commodities and principal commodities are to be used for v E-Office Implementation in various autonomous providing trend analysis of country-wise and bodies under Department of Commerce: e-Office commodity-wise trade of the country. The dash- is being implemented in various autonomous board is to be implemented at NIC Cloud environ- bodies/institutions under Department of Com- ment. merce. The necessary consultancy/ coordination for the same is being done by Commerce Informa- v System for Reporting by Indian Missions Abroad: tics Division NIC. All 7 SEZs have been taken on- A web-based system is being developed for board on Commerce e-office instance and e-office reporting by the Indian Commercial Missions has been implemented. Training has also been abroad. The missions can report on country provided to all the officials of the SEZ's. The specific monthly, quarterly and annual data on implementation of e-office in MMTC has been trade in goods, services, trade defence measures, completed and for Rubber Board, e-office is under trade promotion activities conducted, invest- implementation. ments, logistics etc. The system is deployed in NIC Cloud environment. v Upgradation of India's Trade related databases/ systems: The trade related databases on country v Maintenance of Trade related databases/ systems: export and import namely Monthly Export Import The trade related databases on country export and Data Bank (MEIDB) and Export Import Data Bank import are being maintained. It includes Export (EIDB) system based on 8-digit HS code classifica- Import Data Bank (EIDB) system based on 8-digit tion of Commodities and Foreign Trade of Principal HS code classification of Commodities and Foreign Commodities and Countries (FTSPCC) and Foreign Trade of Principal Commodities and Countries Trade Performance Analysis (FTPA) system based (FTSPCC) system based on principal commodity on principal commodity classification providing classification providing country wise and principal country wise and principal commodity wise commodity wise exports and imports of the exports and imports of the country are being country. The systems are being updated with latest upgraded with latest open source technology. data available from DGCI&S. The systems are These systems are under security audit clearance accessible on Internet from Department of Com- for implementation on cloud. merce website. v Dashboard for the Department of Commerce: To v The Intranet Portal of Department of commerce: monitor the various trade Statistics and other The Intranet Portal has various applications for the activities of the Department of Commerce, a Department users. dashboard has been created using Business t Conference Rooms Booking System (CRBS) Intelligence (BI) tools. The dashboard for public provides on-line booking of the conference viewing has been placed at Department's website rooms and equipments (Laptop, LCD projector while other version having the internal issues also, and overhead projector) for the meetings and is available at Intranet portal for viewing by the query on the availability of the room through officers in the Department. The dashboard is Intranet Portal. deployed at NIC Cloud environment. The URLs for the t Electronic Requisition System for Stationery dashboard are https://dashboard.commerce.gov.in Items (ERSSI) facilitates the users in the and https:// intradashboard.commerce.gov.in. Department in electronic submission of their v Trade Analytics Dashboard: To monitor and requisition for stationery items and query on present the country's trade details in better the status of their requests through Intranet presentable form, a dashboard on country's Portal. 193 DEPARTMENT
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t VIP Reference Monitoring System is imple- t Tea Board mented to monitor the timely processing and t STC action taken on the VIP reference received in t DGTR the Department through the Commerce Secretary Office. t GeM t System for Processing of Pre-Budget Proposal v Facility Management Service (FMS): Team of NIC is implemented to consolidate process and officers providing following Network Services over monitor the pre-budget proposals received NICNET: from different organizations/ agencies and t Email services trading communities through its commodity/ territorial divisions in the Department as an t Network Management annual exercise. t VC Services t A centralized portal for Dissemination of OM/ t Anti-Virus deployment Orders/Notices/Circular in the Department has t OS Patch Management been created to maintain and disseminate the Office Memorandum/ Office Orders / Notices / t VPN Services Circulars issued by the sections / divisions in the v Support on central Projects: Support on Central Department time to time. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) v Access to World trade Atlas: The Department of Projects such as: Commerce has an agreement with M/s IHS Global t E-office Limited, UK for providing access of trade database called World Trade Atlas of more than 80 countries t SPARROW in lieu of Indian Trade Data from DGCI&S. A secure t PFMS access control mechanism has been devised to t CPGRAMS provide access for the Global Trade Atlas (GTA) on Connect to the authorized users only. User t RTI-MIS creation on GTA system and coordination between t PRAGATI DGC&IS and IHS Global Limited for any issue/clarification related to transfer of trade data t Bhavishya- Online Pension and Payment is being done by NIC. tracking System v Coordination for NIC Cloud infrastructure alloca- t LIMBS tion for: t Anubhav t Spices Board t E-Visitor t Rubber Board t ACC vacancy Monitoring System. t Coffee Board 7. COMMERCIAL WINGS IN INDIAN MISSIONS/ t Export Promotion Councils of India POSTS ABROAD t Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Commercial Wings are part of 105 Indian Missions abroad for facilitating and promoting Indian Trade. t APEDA They serve as an extension of the Department of t MPEDA Commerce (DoC) to coordinate, disseminate t MMTC responses from the Government and report on the significant trade and economic developments in the t EIC mission country. The commercial representative in t ITPO the commercial wings is the first contact in the 194 DEPARTMENT
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mission for economic operators from the private and v A modified proforma to capture matters related to public sectors. Out of the 105 commercial wings, 2 tourism, trade, technology, resolution of non-tariff Missions have a special commercial orientation - the barriers has been shared with missions for keeping Permanent Mission of India to the World Trade track of action taken and providing regular feed- Organization, Geneva and the Department's Mission back. at Brussels. v Guidance notes in consultation with the Ministry of The budget for the commercial wings is provided by Tourism and Department of Science and Technol- the Department of Commerce. However, the adminis- ogy, highlighting various actionable areas under trative control over these posts is with the Ministry of tourism and technology have been prepared and External Affairs (MEA). Most of these posts are filled circulated among Missions/ Commercial Represen- up by the MEA through Foreign Services Board tatives for compliance. process. In order to strengthen the Commercial Other initiatives towards streamlining the work of the Wings and increase their activities, budgetary alloca- Commercial wings include: tion for these offices has been augmented from time v Web based reporting: The Department of Com- to time. The budget provisions have been enhanced merce is in the process of stabilizing a portal to from Rs. 179.59 crore in BE 2018-19 to Rs. 230.12 crore enable submissions on the revised proforma in BE 2022-23. (capturing all the three aspects of trade, technol- The Commercial Wings of our Missions abroad focus ogy and tourism) online. The test portal is already on various tasks relating to India's trade with the operational and the missions have been conveyed concerned host country. It involves: the details for accessing it. The online dashboard is v Collection and transmission of trade, economic expected to markedly improve the reporting, data and investment information. management and performance evaluation of the commercial wings. v Monitoring of economic, commercial and trade v Reporting trade opportunities in real time: policy developments; monitoring of bilateral Missions have been advised to pro-actively focus economic and commercial relations, both at the their efforts in alerting Export Promotion Coun- Government-level as well as at the level of business cils/Exporters to export opportunities in their communities of the two countries. respective countries on real time basis. Missions v Market research, surveys and critical analysis of have been asked to post export opportunities ongoing trade. especially those based on public tenders on the v Trade and investment promotion including the India Trade portal serviced by FIEO. Some Missions handling of trade and investment enquiries, have commendably supported these objectives promotion of merchandise & services trade, through regular submissions. promotion of investment & joint ventures and 8. SPECIAL CAMPAIGN assistance in resolution of trade disputes. In accordance with the vision of Swachh Bharat of v Analysis of emerging trends relating to multilateral Hon'ble Prime Minister, a Special Campaign for and regional institutions with a focus on India's Disposal of Pending Matters was organized in the trade and investment etc. Department of Commerce from 2nd to 31st October In pursuant to the directions given by the Hon'ble 2022. The Campaign was implemented in the Depart- Commerce & Industry Minister and the Hon'ble ment of Commerce and its organizations. The main External Affairs Minister through Video Conferences focus areas of the Campaign included effective held in the years 2020 and 2021, Missions have been disposal of public grievances, references from the advised to actively work on/continue their efforts on Members of Parliament, Parliament Assurances, Cleanliness drive, disposal of scrap and weeding out the following: of files. 195 DEPARTMENT
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During the Campaign Period (2nd to 31st October campaign 81419 physical files were reviewed and 2022), all out efforts were made by the Department 49959 files were weeded out. 1000 physical files were and its Subordinate Office/autonomous organiza- transferred to National Archive for preservation. tions to dispose of all references identified during the Scraps have been auctioned generating revenue of Preparatory Phase. Progress is uploaded on SCDPM Rs. 50,33,534/- and freeing space of 17786 Sq. Ft. Also Portal on daily basis. out of 64249 electronic files, 29170 have been reviewed and 27790 e-files were closed. The Department of Commerce and its organizations have organized 138 Swachhata campaign. During the 196 DEPARTMENT
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ANNEXURE-A Attached Offices/ Subordinate Offices/ Autonomous Bangalore – 560001, Karnataka. Bodies/ Public Sector Undertakings/ Export Promo- 2. Rubber Board, Sub-Jail Road, P.B. No.1122, tion Councils/Other Organizations under the Depart- Kottayam – 686002, Kerala. ment of Commerce 3. Tea Board, 14, BTM Sarani, Brabourne Road, P.B. (A) Attached Offices No. 2172, Kolkata – 700001, West Bengal. 1. Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Vanijya 4. Tobacco Board, P.B.No.322, Guntur – 522004, Bhawan, New Delhi – 110011. Andhra Pradesh. 2. Directorate General of Trade Remedies, Jeevan 5. Spices Board, Sugandha Bhawan, N.H. Bypass, PB- Tara Building, 4th Floor, 5, Parliament Street, New 2277, Palarivattom P.O. Kochi – 682025, Kerala. Delhi-110001. Ph.:011-23348653, 23348654 6. Marine Products Export Development Authority, (B) Subordinate Offices MPEDA House, Panampilly Avenue, Kochi – 1. Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence 682036, Kerala. and Statistics, 565, Anandapur, Ward No. 108, 7. Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Sector– 1, Plot No. 22, ECADP Kolkata – 700107 Development Authority, NCUI Building, Siri Phone: 91.33.24434055(4 lines) Fax: Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi – +91.33.24434051 110016. 2. Cochin Special Economic Zone, Administrative 8. Export Inspection Council of India, 3rd Floor, Building, Kakkanad, Kochi – 600030, Kerala. NDYMCA Cultural Centre Building, 1, Jai Singh 3. Falta Special Economic Zone, IInd MSO Building, Road, New DelhI-110001. 4th Floor, R.No. 44, Nizam Palace Complex, 234/4, 9. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, B-21, Institutional AIC Bose Road, Kolkata – 700020, West Bengal. Area, South of IIT, New Delhi – 110016. 4. MEPZ Special Economic Zone, National Highway 10.Indian Institute of Packaging, B-2, MIDC Area, 45, Administrative Office Building, Tambaram, P.B.No. 9432, Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400096, Chennai – 600045, Tamil Nadu. Maharashtra. 5. Kandla Special Economic Zone, Gandhidham, (D) Public Sector Undertakings Kutch-370230, Gujarat. 1. State Trading Corporation of India, Jawahar Vyapar 6. SEEPZ Special Economic Zone, Andheri (East), Bhawan, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi - 110001. Mumbai – 400096, Maharashtra. Subsidiary of STC 7. Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone, Adminis- STCL Ltd., No. 7A, "STC Trade Centre", 3rd Floor, trative Building, Duvvada, Visakhapatnam – Nandini Layout, Bengaluru – 560096, Karnataka. 530046, Andhra Pradesh. 2. MMTC Ltd., Scope Complex, 7, Institutional Area, 8. Noida Special Economic Zone, Noida Dabri Road, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003. Phase-II, Noida – 201305, Distt. Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. 3. PEC Ltd, “Hansalaya”, 15, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi - 110001. 9. Pay and Accounts Office (Commerce), Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi - 110107. 4. Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd., 10th Floor, Express Towers, P.B. No. 373, Nariman 10.Pay and Accounts Office (Supply Division), 16-A, Point, Mumbai - 400021, Maharashtra. Akbar Road Hutments, New Delhi – 110011. 5. India Trade Promotion Organization, Pragati (C) Autonomous Bodies Maidan, Mathura Road, New Delhi – 110001. 1. Coffee Board, 1, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi, 198 DEPARTMENT
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(E) Special Purpose Vehicle 9. Shellac & Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL), Vanijya Bhawan, International 1. Government e Marketplace SPV (GeM SPV), Jeevan Trade Facilitation Centre, 2nd Floor, 1/1 Wood Bharti Building, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110 001 Street, Kolkata-700016, West Bengal (F) List of the EPCs under the Department of Com- 10.Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of merce India (Pharmexcil), 101, Aditya Trade Centre, 1. Chemexcil, Jhansi Castle (4th Floor), 7-Cooperage Ameerpet, Hyderabad — 500038, Andhra Pradesh Road, Mumbai-400039, Maharashtra 11. Services Export Promotion Council, DPT-417, 4th 2. CAPEXIL, Vanijya Bhawan, International Trade Floor, Prime Towers, Plot No.79 & 80, Pocket-F, Facilitation Centre, 3rd Floor, 1/1 Wood Street, Okhla Industrial Area Phase – I, New Delhi – 110020 Kolkata-700016, West Bengal 12.Project Export Promotion Council of India, 411, 3. Council for Leather Exports, No.1, CMDA Tower II, Surya Kiran Building (4th Floor), 19, Kasturba 3rd Floor, Gandhi Irwin Road, Egmore, Chennai- Gandhi Marg, New Delhi – 110001 600008. Tamil Nadu 13.Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion 4. EEPC India, Vanijya Bhawan, International Trade Council, 78-79 Bajaj Bhawan, Nariman Point, Facilitation Centre, 1st Floor, 1/1 Wood Street, Mumbai-400021, Maharashtra Kolkata-700016, West Bengal (G) Other Organizations 5. Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZs 1. Federation of Indian Export Organizations, Niryat (EPCES), 8-G, Hansalaya, 15, Barakhamba Road, Bhawan, Rao Tula Ram Marg, Opp. Army Hospital New Delhi-110001 (Research& Referral), New Delhi-110057. 6. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, 2. Indian Diamond Institute, Katargam, GIDC, Sumul Office No. AW — 1010, Tower — A, G- Block, Bharat Dairy Road, P.B. No. 508, Surat-395008, Gujarat. Diamond Bourse, next to ICICI Bank, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400051 3. National Centre for Trade Information, NCTI Complex, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi – 7. The Plastics Export Promotion Council, Dynasty Business Park, Ground Floor, B-Wing, Office No.2, 4. Price Stabilisation Fund Trust, Room No.2003. 20th Chakala, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra – Floor, Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Tolstoy Marg, 400059 Connaught Place. New Delhi - 110001. 8. The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council, 1-E/6, 5. India Brand Equity Foundation, 20th Floor, Jawahar Swami Ram Tirth Nagar, Jhandewalan Extension, Vyapar Bhawan, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi-110001 New Delhi- 110055 199 DEPARTMENT
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