1.   

SAARC nations to work together to remove non-tariff barriers

India has said it is working to resolve all matters related to non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to boost trade among South Asian countries and has said there is a need for greater awareness on such measures. “Lack of awareness about NTBs is creating lot of problems. Stakeholders like business associations should organise seminars to make traders aware of the procedures followed by each countries.

2.   

India, Pakistan seek to untangle trade knots

In recent months, India and Pakistan have enjoyed a significant increase in trade flows, boosting the still tentative rapprochement between the two neighbours. Between April 2012 and February 2013, India's exports to Pakistan reached $1.6 billion, up from $1.4 billion in the corresponding period the year before, Indian Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Jatin Kochar told Khabar South Asia.

3.   

India-Belgium trade may go up soon: envoy

Belgium is hopeful that the bilateral trade with India will go up soon after it declined in 2012 due to the euro zone crisis. In 2012, the trade between the two countries had dipped to 12.2 billion euros compared to 13 billion euros in 2011. "The decline in trade is due to the contraction of Indian exports to Belgium while the exports from Belgium remained stable," said Pierre Vaesen, the ambassador of Belgium to India at an interaction session with members of Utkal Chamber of Commerce of Industry(UCCI) .

4.   

Softening global commodity prices to benefit India: Rangarajan

The recent softening in global commodity prices bodes well for Indian economy and may lead improving the balance of payments situation this fiscal, a top policymaker has said. “There are several factors that are operating. The commodity prices are somewhat softening. The world economy is also slightly better than last year. All of these factors should contribute to pick up in exports and reduction in rate of growth in imports.