1.   

Exports may grow by 10% in FY14 as US mkt improving: Com Secy

India's exports are likely to register a growth of at least 10% in the current financial year on account of improving demand situation in major developed markets like the US. "We are hoping for at least 10% (export) growth...US has already started improving. PMEAC in its report has clearly stated that US has started growing. So, that is good news. We also believe that Europe has also stabilised," Commerce Secretary S R Rao told PTI.

2.   

India FM seeks to build China ties after border row

Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid began a two-day trip to China Thursday, as the Asian giants seek to repair the damage from a border flare-up that highlighted long-rumbling tensions. The world's two most populous countries have in recent years seen relations improve and trade boom, and both sides had sought to stay low-key over the latest row, which lasted several weeks.

3.   

Govt moves to examine agri price panel's mandate

With some major states slated to go to the Assembly polls this year, the government has initiated a move to examine the mandate of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), for the first time since 2005, and revisit its methodology to calculate the minimum support price (MSP). The move follows complaints that MSPs of farm produce, especially foodgrain, are inadequate to cover production costs.

4.   

India tells China to speed up action on bridging widening trade deficit

India has raised strong concerns with China over rising bilateral trade deficit that has crossed $40 billion in 2012-13 despite promises by Beijing of initiating steps to contain it and has demanded early action. Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce Chen Jian is scheduled to meet Commerce Secretary S.R. Rao next week in New Delhi to discuss how to move forward on proposals flagged by India last year including greater market access in pharmaceuticals, agriculture and the IT sector to bridge the trade gap.