(a) the details of India’s trade with Gulf and SAARC countries during the last three years and the current year;
(b) whether India’s trade with Gulf and SAARC countries has increased during the said period and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for boosting trade with neighbouring countries including Gulf and SAARC countries?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) to (c): The details of India’s trade with Gulf countries (viz. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) and SAARC Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) during the last three years and the current year are at Annex- I, II & III. As per available DGCIS data, India’s trade with Gulf countries has witnessed a decline during the current year, except in the case of Oman and UAE. In 2013-14, total trade of India with other SAARC countries stood at US$ 19,976.89 million. With reference to 2013-14, this has increased during 2014-15 to US$ 23,411.00 million and during 2015-16 to US$ 21,595.33 million. During the period for April-2016 to January, 2017(Provisional) the total trade of India with other SAARC Countries stood at US$ 17,535.96 million.
The Government continues to engage pro-actively with Gulf and SAARC countries to strengthen trade and economic relations. Issues impacting bilateral trade, raised by these countries, are taken up for an early resolution. Discussions are held at bilateral/multilateral level from time to time, to explore mechanisms for enhancement of cross border trade. Issues relating to improvement of trade infrastructure at Land Custom Stations/Integrated Check Posts are also being coordinated in consultation with the concerned states and the neighbouring countries. Trade Fairs/buyers sellers meets are regularly organized under Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme of Department of Commerce with a view to diversify/boost exports and enhance trade with Gulf Co-operation Council Countries and SAARC Countries.
***