(a) the total quantum of India''s exports to Africa during the last five years;
(b) whether India''s exports to Africa have declined considerably over the years;
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken/strategy devised by the Government to increase exports to African Nations including engineering and agricultural exports?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) to (c):India’s total exports to Africa increased from US$24.65 billion in 2011-12 to US$ 29.11 billion in 2012-13, US$ 31.19 billion in 2013-14 and US$ 32.80 billion in 2014-15. However, it declined to US$ 25.01 billion in 2015-16 due to various reasons including, inter-alia,global economic slowdown, slump in crude oil prices, etc.
(d) Various steps have been taken by the Government to increase exports to African Nations, including for engineering and agricultural products. The trade between India and African countries are reviewed regularly,including through bilateral mechanisms like Joint Commission Meetings and Joint Trade Committee Meetings. The 4th India-Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting was organized in New Delhi on 23rd October, 2015 to boost the India-Africa trade. Promotional events like Trade fairs / Buyers Sellers Meet are also organized regularly in African countries under Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme with a view to diversify and boost exports to Africa.
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