Federal Commerce Ministry addresses non-tariff barriers for enhanced trade with Sub-Saharan Africa and Gulf Nations.
Indian think-tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has said in a report that India needs to act in a fast-track manner for removal of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) being faced by domestic exporters in different countries to achieve one trillion dollar outbound shipment target for goods by 2030. Key Indian exports that face high barriers include ceramic tiles in Egypt; and microbiological regents in Saudi Arabia, the report added.
According to an informed official, India is proactively tackling non-tariff barriers and market access challenges to bolster exports, particularly with sub-Saharan African nations and key Gulf partners. The Federal Commerce Ministry has engaged in targeted discussions with Indian missions to streamline economic relations, address impediments, and boost overall export performance.
Navigating non-tariff trade barriers in Sub-Saharan Africa
The official also claimed that India’s Federal Commerce Ministry is actively collaborating with Indian missions in sub-Saharan Africa to pinpoint and resolve non-tariff barriers hindering bilateral trade. A virtual meeting in September scrutinized economic ties, export challenges, and potential solutions.
The major trading partners in Africa in 2022-23 were South Africa (total trade USD 18.9 billion, exports USD 8.5 billion); Nigeria (USD 11.85 billion, exports USD 5.15 billion); Togo (USD 6.6 billion, exports USD 6 billion), and Tanzania (USD 6.5 billion, exports USD 3.93 billion).
Strengthening trade ties with Gulf nations
Parallel efforts extend to GCC nations, strengthening India’s largest trading bloc. Meetings with Indian missions in key Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, emphasize collaborative strategies to surpass the USD 84.8 billion bilateral trade achieved in 2022-23.
Focus on key sectors and global exhibitions
To boost exports, the Commerce Ministry advises exporters to concentrate on pivotal sectors like food, electronics, and engineering. Additionally, the promotion of international fairs and exhibitions emerges as a strategic recommendation, aligning with India’s trade expansion objectives.
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