1.   

RBI extends interest subvention for exporters till Mar'14

With a view to encourage exports, the RBI Monday extended the 2 percent interest subsidy scheme for exporters in segments like handicrafts, carpets, SMEs and certain engineering goods, by one year till March 2014. The RBI's notification said that it has been "decided to extend the 2 percent Rupee Export Credit Interest Rate Subvention Scheme...W.E.F. April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014".

2.   

Indo-Pak trade needs a push

Instead of waiting, non-state actors should reinforce governmental efforts with their own and take advantage of opportunities of improved commercial relations. The last two years have witnessed a number of promising developments on commercial relations between India and Pakistan. And they have to be nurtured, as against just crying over Pakistan’s decision to postpone the grant of the most-favoured-nation (MFN) status to trade with India.

3.   

India, South Africa for early conclusion of trade pact

India and South Africa today vowed to conclude the ongoing talks for having a India-Southern African Custom Union (SACU) Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) the deadline for which was the first quarter of 2012. The agreement seeks to open up greater opportunities for professionals and liberalise each other’s markets. The agreement seeks to open up greater opportunities for professionals and liberalise each other’s markets.

4.   

Seventh round of India-Canada FTA talks likely in Feb

In a bid to fast track talks for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), India and Canada are likely to hold the seventh round of negotiations in February in New Delhi, a Canadian envoy said Monday. "Canada wants an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India. The seventh round of (FTA) negotiations is happening in February in New Delhi," Canadian High Commissioner in India Stewart Beck said here.