(a) whether sector specific packages for exports of different categories of items have been evolved;
(b) if so, the details of the packages and the categories of items for which they are applied; and
(c) the criteria adopted for identifying and selecting these items?
MINISTER OFCOMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)
(a) to (c) Export promotion is a continuous measure. Sector specific packages have been formulated from time to time to promote exports, on the basis of requirements of various sectors. Apart from others, some of the important sector specific measures undertaken in Exim Policy 2000-2001 are :-
Gems & Jewellery : Diamond Dollar Account Scheme introduced ; EPZ & SEZ units allowed to import studded jewellery for repairs, re-make and re-export. Personal carriage of import parcels of Gems & Jewellery allowed.; Replenishment licence, for duty free import of consumables required for Gems & Jewellery items introduced
Silk : Input-output norms rationalised ; Central Silk Board inspection dispensed with ; Import of Silk allowed under SIL
Leather, Handicrafts & Garments : Entitlement for duty free import of trimmings, embellishments and other items increased from 2 to 3% of FOB value of exports.
Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Agro Chemical and Bio-technology exports : manufacturing firms allowed to import laboratory equipment, chemicals and reagents for R&D purposes upto 1% of the fob value of exports duty free. ; Procedure simplified for export of non-prohibited and non-CITES Indian herbs and formulation.