1.   

Anand Sharma Expresses Optimism for Economy in 2014

The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma expressed optimism for the economy in 2014. In a statement, Shri Sharma said: In 2013, India was rated as the most favoured investment destination globally. The bold decisions of the UPA Government for liberalizing Foreign Direct Investment Policy in key sectors such as civil aviation, retail and telecom have resonated with the global community and we have seen results in the last few months.

2.   

Three cheers for Indian agriculture

The year 2013 is something to cheer about the performance of Indian agriculture. Given the good rainfall, agricultural GDP in the 2013-14 agri-year (July-June) is likely to grow between 5.1% and 5.7%, almost three times higher than last year. New records in production and trade are being achieved. Take these: Horticultural production is likely to touch 269 million tonnes (mt) and perhaps for the first time going to surpass the foodgrain production (of 260 mt or so) in 2013-14.

3.   

For trade talks, Pakistan should first remove restrictions: India

India today made it clear that resumption of talks with Pakistan on normalisation of commercial ties can only happen after it fulfils its commitment of removing trade restrictions. There is a "sequential road map" and it was decided during the last meeting of Indo-Pak commerce secretaries that Pakistan will remove all restrictions pertaining to trade and commerce, the spokesperson in External Affairs Ministry said. The next round of talks can only take place when the first step is completed, he said.

4.   

India's STC offers 160,000 T wheat via export tender

India's State Trading Corp has issued a global tender to export 160,000 tonnes of wheat for shipment between Jan. 18 and Feb. 18, a company statement showed on Monday. The state-run trader is offering wheat at Mundra port on the west coast. The deadline for submission of bids is Jan. 8. Earlier, another state-run trader, PEC, offered 190,000 tonnes of wheat in two global tenders. These tenders are part of the South Asian nation's move to sell 2 million tonnes of the grain from overflowing government warehouses.