Border Trade With Neighbouring Countries



In order to improve commercial relations with neighbouring countries, the Government of India has signed the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). India also provides preferential trade exchange to the neighbouring countries under Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) as well as under Duty Free Tariff Preferential (DFTP) Scheme. Besides, GOI has a number of bilateral agreement and discussions which helps deliberating upon and resolving certain vexed issues relating to trade and nontrade barriers. Several other initiatives for facilitating trade such as exchange of trade delegations, participation in fairs and exhibitions, organisation of buyers sellers meets are also organized/facilitated from time to time.



Fish, Agriculture Products, Sports Goods, Toys, Medical Equipments and Electrical Goods etc. are the main items being traded. The details of import and export to the neighbouring countries during the last three years is given below:-


(Rs. In Crores)

S.

NO.
Country
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010(April 09 –September 09)


Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import

1.
Bangladesh
7365.96
1033.90
11743.21
1034.68
11317.21
1418.46
5105.81
521.70

2.
Bhutan
260.18
640.00
348.85
782.60
509.27
687.86
235.19
314.36

3.
China
37529.78
79008.60
43597.41
109116.06
42661.33
147605.59
19061.33
72444.37

4.
Myanmar
633.74
3540.94
746.19
3259.28
1017.76
4240.76
458.05
2872.02

5.
Nepal
4201.38
1384.51
6063.48
2527.25
7155.57
2255.67
2856.28
1020.97


(Source DGCI&S)



This information was given by Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.



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RJ/MRS