Commerce Minister Arun Shourie has proposed setting up an implementation cell in the ministry to follow up on the implementation of policies.
In the first set of pre-Exim policy consultations, Shourie today met representatives from the Confederation of Export Units (CEU) and Chairmen of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Commodity Boards.
Asserting government's commitment to boost exports, he said that the ministry favoured continuation of export incentives like duty entitlement passbook scheme (DEPB) scheme but added that exporters must come out with comprehensive suggestions to overcome delays in export procedures.
"We are with you in continuance of DEPB. The issue has been examined by experts in the ministry who have concluded that it is WTO compatible. We have conveyed this view to the Kelkar committee," he said.
He also said that the ministry will come out with draft notifications of any policy amendments so as to reduce the possiblity of another ministry interpreting the changes in a different manner, he said, adding that delayed notifications, particularly those relating to special economic zones would be issued soon.
Among the specific issues raised by the the CEU was of the Kelkar Committee recommendation on scrapping Section 10A and 10B exemptions, need for a single notification in respect of customsm excise and regulations for export oriented units (EOUs).
The CEU also the 33 per cent limit on domestic sales from EOUs should be retained and that exemption from service tax granted to the Special Economic Zones should be extended to other EOUs also.
The Electronics and Software EPC said that there was need to rationalise duties in hardware sector in view of the immense potential to attract foreign direct investment.
The council said it would submit a detailed report on this issue to the ministry soon.
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations said that the provision of single window clearnance to both import and export related issues should be provided.
Fieo also favoured re-introduction of advance licences and sought government assistance to the tune of 50 per cent for participation in the global fairs.
The exporters community suggested that international banking facilities be made more widespread as has been done in the case of SEZs.
The Leather EPC favoured allowing duty free imports of embellishments to add value to leather exports while the gems and jewellery EPC said that the commerce ministry should expedite advance remittance to facilitate direct import of rough diamonds from Russia.
