DGFT Invites Comments on Structure of 2023 Foreign Trade Policy

Proposed Structuring of Chapters

Chapter 1 Evolving Global System	Covers and provide understanding on evolving global trends in economy, geopolitics, environment and food security that may shape or have an impact on GVCs and exports growth from India
Chapter 2 Setting the Domestic Context	Highlights the key steps undertaken by the GOI in response to evolving trends and infrastructural gaps and barriers identified within the domestic context to support exports growth across all sectors holistically and inclusively, with special attention to MSMEs requirements
Chapter 3 Detailing Trade Strategy	Outline the GOI strategy for further integrating with global markets and the blueprint to achieve it through efforts like tariff rationalization, strengthening trade infrastructure, trade promotion, boosting e-commerce, building further on Brand India, increasing participation and reinforce standards and quality parameters
Chapter 4 MSMEs for Exports	MSME for Exports recognizes the role played by the MSMEs in India’s socio-economic growth, it values the contribution made by MSMEs to the Country’s GDP and Exports. MSMEs are at the forefront and prime focus for the Government as they account for 45% of all industrial output, 45% of all exports and 30% of India’s GDP. They are also one of the biggest employment generators. The fifth chapter lists the efforts to handhold the MSMEs, new initiatives undertaken to build financial capabilities and further recommendations to reduce the barriers and increase their involvement and competitiveness in international trade.
Chapter 5 Innovation and Start UP Ecosystem	Innovation and Start-Up Ecosystem highlights the emerging role being played by the startups especially in newer technologies driven by innovations. Some of these innovations are disruptive enough to alter the consumer behaviour and have major impact on services, for example in Agri-tech, Fin-tech, Edu-tech and Health- Tech etc. Many of the startups are altering the modes of delivery resulting in shortening the production and logistic lifecycle, thereby brining better efficiencies, reducing costs, offering better security and services.
Chapter 6 Integrating Nari Shakti into international Trade and Value Chains	Integrating Nari Shakti into International trade and Value Chains briefly outlines initiatives that the Government intendeds to introduce to encourage women into export oriented business. For women in India achieving parity and equality in workforce. It is estimated that India can add about 18% (around US$ 770 billion) to its GDP. Women are responsible for running about 20% of businesses in India, over 90% of which are micro-enterprises. Women owned enterprises in India employ around 25 million people. Thus, integrating India’s 675 million-strong female population into the workforce s the next big step to make India truly Aatmanirbhar. The chapter highlights gender biases and barriers that are more pronounced for women to get engaged in international trade.
Chapter 7 Product & Country Strategy	Identifies opportunities and distinguish the international markets, sectors and product segments for Indian stakeholders to take advantage through effective marketing, diversification and moving up the value chain to capture those prospective markets.
Chapter 8 Services Sector	Emphasizes the importance of services sector export growth for India and multipronged approach undertaken by the GoI to become global leaders in Services exports. The emergence of new evolving business models (Fifth Mode of Service Exports) and harnessing it through technology development in ITC, AI, IoT etc., capacity build-up and strong IP regimen.
Chapter 9 Cooperative Federalism and Improving Institutions	Highlights the role and position of States in exports and the “Whole of Government” approach through developing “Districts as Export Hubs” to integrate entrepreneurs from grassroot level to international trade with cooperation and engagement of the State Governments and District level administration in exports growth. Special attention on the North East region and Tapping the non-traditional areas of state.
Chapter 10 Improving Trade Resilience: Black Swan Events	The world recognised India’s contribution in combating pandemic and its humanitarian assistance to the world during this period. However, the pandemic is not yet over and many such unanticipated event can occur. It will require preparedness at all level on the patterns of disaster management. This chapter attempts to recognise India’s role and highlights setting up of a robust system to deal with such unforeseen eventualities.