Trade with Neighbouring Countries

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

21-November-2016 16:57 IST

The details of total trade of India with the neighbouring countries, including Nepal, during the last three years and the current year (up to August, 2016) are given below:

Value in US$ Million

Source: DGCI&S Database

The Government continues to engage proactively with SAARC countries, including Nepal, to strengthen trade and economic relations. Issues impacting bilateral trade, raised by these countries, are taken up for an early resolution. Bilateral and multilateral trade discussions are held with these countries from time to time to explore mechanisms for enhancement of cross border trade.

Issues relating to improvement of trade infrastructure in the form of upgradation of Land Customs Stations are also coordinated.

Further, assistance is provided under Market Access Initiative(MAI) and Market Development Assistance(MDA) schemes to Indian exporters, Export Promotion Councils, Apex Trade Bodies etc. for participation in events in foreign countries, including Nepal.

The share of India’s exports to the SAARC countries vis-a-vis India’s total exports has increased from 5.57% in 2013-14 to6.42% in 2016-17(April-August) and the share of India’s imports from the SAARC countries vis-a-vis India’s total imports has increased from 0.55% in 2013-14 to 0.73% in 2016-17 (April-August), thereby strengthening India’s gains from trade.

This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister  Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today

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MJPS