Question : PROMOTION OF FOREIGN TRADE

(a) the role of the Indian Missions abroad in the country`s foreign trade development;

(b) whether any review has been made by the Government to assess their performance in this regard;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the percentage by which country`s foreign trade rose due to the Indian Missions during 1999-2001 as compared to the previous year 1998-1999;

(e) the details of the Indian Missions which have been found lacking in promoting the country`s trade;

(f) whether any policy change is contemplated by the Government for greater involvement of the Indian Missions in promoting the country`s foreign trade; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SHRI JASWANT SINGH)


(a) Indian Missions abroad provide market intelligence and other inputs into policy formulation, besides providing support for various export promotion activities such as visits of commercial delegations, buyer-seller meets, promotional exhibitions, etc.

(b)&(c) Appraisal and review of the performance of Indian Missions overseas in promoting the country`s economic interests, including export promotion, is a continuous and ongoing process. As a result of a recent review, the Government are drawing up plans of action in different regions, to promote India`s economic interests, including, inter-alia, exports, investments, and technology transfers.

(d) India`s foreign trade increased by 17.78 % in 1999-2000 over 1998-1999, and by 14.59 % in 2000-2001, over 1999-2000. The growth in the country`s foreign trade is a result of a variety of factors, and cannot be ascribed to the promotional efforts of our Missions alone.

(e) Within the constraints of availability of staff and other resources, all Indian Missions abroad are found to be performing satisfactorily.

(f)&(g) The Government are strengthening the role of Indian Missions abroad in projection of the country`s economic interests. In the area of export promotion, a trade facilitation charter, laying down guidelines, has been drawn up for select Missions of major commercial interest.