1.   

Exporters likely to get Rs 2k-cr stimulus package today

Exporters are expected to get a hefty stimulus package tomorrow when the government unveils the annual supplement to the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-2014. The package, expected to be worth Rs 1,500–2,000 crore, will have special incentives for engineering, textiles, leather exports and special economic zones, among others. During the first 11 months of FY13, merchandise exports declined four per cent at $265.94 billion, against $277.12 billion in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

2.   

Fine balance needed on market access for FTA: India-EU

India and the EU have agreed that a "fine balance" needs to be arrived at on market access on both the sides, an issue that is bogging progress in the tortuous negotiations for a free trade agreement. Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht concluded another round of talks yesterday at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, which the Commission said "provided a renewed momentum to bring the negotiations forward".

3.   

India, Tajikistan working on an easy route for trade: Hamid Ansari

India and Tajikistan are working on finding an easy route for enhanced bilateral trade, Vice President Hamid Ansari said today. "We are going to further increase trade. There is a great scope for micro, small and medium industries where Indian expertise and experience can come in handy. There are specific areas where trade can be furthered. The problem everywhere is one of connectivity. "The present approach route for trade are complex, time- consuming and difficult.

4.   

India, Costa Rica sign MoU to enhance trade ties

India and Costa Rica have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhancing trade and commerce ties between the two countries. Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr. D. Purandeswari, held three bilateral meetings and signed one important MoU in Costa Rica yesterday. The MoU aims at establishing an institutional mechanism for enhancing trade and commerce ties between both the countries to next level.