2021 FTP Due by End Sept, New Directions

· Amnesty to Export Obligation Defaulters on the Cards

· SEZ may be relaunched

· Interest Subsidy sought Export

· Target of $400bn Set

The commerce department on Thursday promised to resolve several concerns of exporters — from relief for defaulters under some of the schemes to rising commodity prices and freight rates — while unveiling sectoral milestones as it chases a record $400-billion target this year.

The stiffest goal is for the engineering and project goods sectors, with a $107-billion export target set for the year, followed by gems and jewellery ($43 billion), pharma ($29 billion) and chemicals (see graphic).

If the plan works out, these five traditional heavyweights will account for $232 billion — or 58% of the target for the current financial year.

During a meeting convened by commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday, a detailed action plan was discussed, which entails a new Foreign Trade Policy before October, and fresh reform measures for special economic zones, sources said.

While a detailed plan on SEZs is expected in the next few weeks, focused on using surplus land and addressing other aspects, sources said the commerce department will approach the revenue department, seeking a one-time settlement for defaulters of advance authorisation and EPCG schemes.

Officials said the government is also looking to extend the facility of concessional credit under the Interest Equalisation Scheme beyond September. To address another concern of higher freight costs, the shipping ministry has begun talks with international shipping lines, although it may not translate into a reduction.

Similarly, the commerce ministry has asked some of the ministries to tackle higher commodity prices, which the government had earlier said was outside its purview.

At the meeting, Goyal also talked about pushing free trade agreements (FTAs) with the UK, European Union, Canada, Australia and the UAE — which have been in the pipeline for years — although it is unlikely that they can be clinched this year. During the last financial year, these five trading partners accounted for 28% of India’s exports.

“The US as of now has kind of indicated that they are not looking for new trade agreements, but we look at working with them for more market access issues on both sides and I think that would also be a big relief and a big opportunity opener for our export sector,” the minister said.