(a) the extent to which India has gained benefits in regard to market access in the developed countries after signing the WTO agreements;
(b) the present position of India in export market access; and
(c) the further steps being taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY )
(a ) & ( b ) : Following the Uruguay Round of negotiations developed countries reduced their average tariff on industrial goods from 6.3% to 3.8%. The proportion of industrial goods getting duty free treatment went up from 20% to 44%. For agricultural items developed countries reduced their simple average tariff by 37% on 12 groups of agricultural products and 43% on dutiable tropical goods. Further developed countries have a system of non-reciprocal tariff preferences called GSP ( Generalised System of Preferences ) whereby specific tariff relief is provided to developing countries for market access of products of their specific export interest. The exact extent of market access gained depends on various economic factors which change from time to time. India`s exports have risen from Rs.106353.35 Crores in 1995-96 to Rs.202509.76 crores in 2000-01.
( c ) : Tariff negotiations for industrial goods have been mandated by the Doha Ministerial Conference. During these negotiations India would try to increase its market access by further reduction of tariffs on products of India`s export interest in all export markets.