Priorities for Mr Prabhu

Mr Prabhu has a big challenge ahead in implementing trade reforms to regain the lost export momentum

Suresh Prabhu has become the Minister of Commerce and Industry at a critical juncture when the gross domestic product growth has dipped to 5.7 per cent and most economists are belatedly acknowledging that the steady decline of exports is a principal cause of the falling growth rate. Policymakers are also grappling with growth without jobs. Even for jobs, export promotion through labour-intensive activities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a proven solution. Hence for sustaining a high job-rich growth trade policy is crucial, and Mr Prabhu has a very important role to play. 

Mr Prabhu must push for trade liberalisation