In order to enhance India’s exports, the central government has asked states to appoint export commissioners to expedite efforts to boost country’s overseas shipments. The government is of the view that export commissioner would help in ensuring easing of bottlenecks and development of infrastructure through appropriate allocation of plan resources.
Over the past few months, Commerce Ministry has been taking various measures to involve state governments to boost country's exports. States’ nodal officers have been asked to develop export strategy, work with the state governments to implement such strategies and also prepare a list of infrastructure projects which will ensure full potential of exports growth. In last month, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had written to the Chief Ministers of 15 states regarding their involvement in expansion of exports to help contain the current account deficit.
During April-July’FY15, the value of India’s overseas shipments increased by 8.62% to $107.84 billion from $99.28 billion in the same period of previous financial year. India’s export is likely to continue this growing trend given the improving global trade scenario with positive developments in the EU, US and emerging economies. Further, the government will announce new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) for the period 2014-19 by end of September, which is expected to abolish conventional method of exports and promote exports of specific products in specific geographies.