New response needed: Nath

The government on Thursday ruled out scaling down the export target of 160 billion for 2007-08, despite admitting that the unabated rise in the value of rupee against the dollar was a matter of concern.

8220;Rupee appreciation is a concern. We are going to look at it steps to help exporters,8221; commerce and industry minister Kamal Nath told reporters.

He said that while it was a new situation requiring 8220;a new response, there is no change in the export target8221;.

The government would review the target only in November after taking inputs from the exporters. 8220;Exports are an engine of growth and we have to ensure that growth is not affected,8221; he said.