July 18, 2014
Bengal aims to double its exports
Bengal aims to double its share in thecountry`s exports. The economic survey has estimated the State`s shipments at $10.5 billion, or about 3.4 per cent of the total exports, in 2013-14. StateFinance and Industries Minister Dr Amit Mitra said the target was to touch $20billion. Emphasis will be on engineering, leather, jute and jute-basedproducts, rice, gems and jewellery, leather, textiles and marine products.
According to the Federation of IndianExport Organisation (FIEO), this target could be achieved by 2018-19. “Exportsat Rs 63,735 crore from Bengal is a big number indeed. We want more. Half ofthat amount is from the engineering industry at Rs 32,896 crore. Marine exportswere Rs 2,388 crore. We will have to move forward. Bengal is located in a strategicposition. We can take advantage of the free-trade agreement with ASEAN,” DrMitra said.
Bengal is strategically located to takeadvantage of the comprehensive economic partnership agreements with Singapore,Thailand and Malaysia. The Minister sought a clear strategy from FIEO toachieve the target. A similar study is expected for Bengal to help clear thehurdles through a joint effort between the industry and the state government.
