BoT to discuss steps to contain non-essential imports, FTA related issues
New Delhi: External trade advisory body Board of Trade is holding a meeting on September 12 to seek views of various stakeholders on boosting merchandise and services exports of the country.
States, various government departments, leading exporters and industry representatives would take part in the meeting.
According to an official, issues about free trade agreements and steps to contain non-essential imports too would figure in the meeting, the official said.
The commerce ministry is looking at ways to push exports as shipments of some key sectors recorded negative growth in July.
Gems and jewellery exports dropped 6.82 per cent, engineering goods by 1.69 per cent and petroleum products by 5 per cent in July, according to the commerce ministry data.
During April-July 2019, exports dipped 0.37 per cent to USD 107.41 billion, while imports contracted by 3.63 per cent to USD 166.8 billion.
The Board of Trade is a top advisory body on external trade which is chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
The government has merged the Council of Trade Development and Promotion with the Board of Trade to bring greater coherence in the consultation process with all stakeholders for promoting exports and imports.