Exports record 11.2 pc growth

The trade deficit was higher at 8.68 billion dollars April 1999 to February 2000 as compared to 8.17 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Imports during the 11 months of the last fiscal year were estimated at 42 billion which were 10.07 per cent higher than 38.15 billion during the same period in the previous year.

The imports in February this year were valued at 3.84billion representing a growth of 21.78 per cent over 3.15 billion achieved in February 1999.

Oil imports during April 1999 to February 2000 was put at 8.79 billion recording a growth of 66.37 per cent as compared to 5.28 billion during the 11 months of the previous year.

Non-oil imports during April-February 1999-2000 was estimated at 33.21 billion which was 1.02 per cent higher than 32.87 billion registered in the same period of 1998-99.