1.   

Commerce ministry likely to incentivize key export sectors

The commerce ministry will start reviewing the performance of key export sectors on Tuesday to evaluate whether they need additional incentives to stem sagging overseas sales. India’s merchandise exports have contracted 6.8% to $143.7 billion in the six months since April on waning demand from the traditional markets such as the US and Europe. Exports have been shrinking for five consecutive months.

2.   

Israel, Punjab come together for agricultural cooperation

Israel will take part in Punjab’s efforts to diversify its agricultural crops and to improve production. These issues were discussed between the Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal and the Ambassador of Israel Alon Ushpiz when they met recently in Chandigarh. The cooperation between Israel and Punjab in agriculture, part of the India-Israel joint work plan, will be implemented in two Centres of Excellence that are being set up in the State, one for vegetables in Khatarpur, and one for fruits in Khanaura.

3.   

India, China renew push to bridge deficit ahead of trade talks

With India and China set to hold their annual Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in New Delhi in the last week of November, both countries this week launched a renewed push to address a ballooning trade deficit which, officials say, is beginning to increasingly strain the trade relationship. China indicated its willingness to provide better market access by promoting India as a partner-country at a major automobile components’ fair held here on Friday.

4.   

'Harper visit to boost economic ties to triple trade by 2015'

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's upcoming visit to India will focus on efforts to triple bilateral trade to USD 15 billion in three years and will for the first time see the two nations talk cooperation in the sports sector, a top minister has said. Harper is heading to India on November 3 for a week-long visit to the country during which he will be accompanied by five ministers and a delegation of business leaders.