Export target for coming years difficult,say traders

A 37 per cent growth in the export sector in the previous financial year is apparently not a thing to cheer about. Last year,spiralling prices of steel and cotton were instrumental in the growth of exports to the international market. Based on the stellar performance,the foreign trade department has set huge targets for exporters this year.

Regional chairman of Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) S C Ralhan said: “Due to the 2008-09 recession,our export figures dwindled,but later on it picked up because the stocks in the international market had crashed. The total export in 2008-09 financial year was $51bn. The target for the current year is $72.31bn. For the year 2013-14,it is $125bn. The foreign trade office needs to revise these impossible targets.” Exporters demanded a ban on future trading of steel. They aired grievances before Director General,Foreign Trade,A K Pujari in an open house meet organised by EEPC last evening. More than 250 exporters from across the state attended the meeting.