1.   

Focus on manufacturing to boost exports: Anand Sharma

India will achieve the modest export target of $ 325 billion for the current fiscal but to enhance it substantially, the country needs to boost its manufacturing capability, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said.“India has to grow in manufacturing led exports because we are not a country very much endowed when it comes to some of the natural resources which need for our economic growth particularly energy.

2.   

FinMin economist suggests China cues to boost exports

As the commerce ministry gears up to present a new three-year export strategy, a senior finance ministry economist says India’s exports can grow by 30 per cent annually to take its share in world trade to 4 per cent in five years from 1.6 per cent today. “This is not impossible, China has done it,” the economist, H A C Prasad, told Financial Chronicle. What needs to be done is give a big push to electronics, electrical and engineering exports.

3.   

‘Reinstate export credit as a separate priority sector lending category’

Export credit can be revitalised if it were to be re-instated as a separate priority sector category for banks especially all foreign banks, a study supported by the UK Government has suggested. This could lead to foreign banks operating in India expand their credit to export sector, thereby having a positive impact on India’s export and national GDP, the study titled ‘Re-prioritising priority sector lending in India’ has said.

4.   

2016 will be International Year of Pulses

The United Nations has proclaimed 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. The UN General Assembly voted in New York on December 21 to declare 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, providing a shot in the arm for the world’s healthiest grain foods. “This is an extraordinary day for the global pulses industry”, declared Hakan Bahceci, President of CICILS, the Dubai headquartered apex body for the international pulses trade and industry.