Act as facilitator for businesses: Prez tells trade officials

Comparing India's two per cent share in global trade with China's 12 per cent, President Pranab Mukherjee today asked the trade officials to act as facilitators to promote country's businesses and not confine themselves to a regulatory role.
Addressing probationers of Indian Trade Service (ITS), the President said they are entering a very challenging field. They have to constantly update themselves and get equipped with the latest digital and information technology.
"India's share in global trade today is around 2 per cent compared to China which has reached more than 12 per cent," Mukherjee said.
He said that the role of Indian trade probationers in shaping the economic conditions of the country is going to be very significant.

"They are going to be involved in formulation and implementation of the Indian foreign trade policy with the focus on promoting exports.
"The President advised them to keep in mind that in the globalised world of today, their role has been transformed from being a trade regulator to trade facilitator," a press release quoted Mukherjee as having said.

He said that they will have to play a very important role in the advancement, promotion and facilitation of trade.
The President said that "more than ever, in the globalised world of today, we realise the importance of trade.
"The composition of the trade has also undergone significant change. Export of services from our country has become significant now. However, there is a long way to go," Mukherjee said.