FIEO wants export policy for TN

Chennai, June 13 (UNI) The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) today urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to announce a separate Export Policy for the State in line with the national Foreign Trade Policy and establish a 'Tamil Nadu Export Promotion Board', headed by the Chief Minister.

FIEO Southern Region Chairman A Sakthivel made this request when he called on Mr Karunanidhi at the Secretariat here.

Mr Sakthivel said a separate export policy for the State would help identifying thrust sectors and provide necessary inputs and policy measures, paving the way for boosting exports from the State.

He said FIEO, having assisted other States in bringing out a separate Export Policy for them, would prepare a draft Export Policy for Tamil Nadu by providing comprehensive inputs to accelerate growth of exports from the State.

On the Export Promotion Board, Mr Sakthivel said the Chief Secretary, Secretaries of Industry, Finance, and Chairman of FIEO Southern Region and Presidents of leading Trade Associations actively involved in export would be the members.

During the meeting, Mr Sakthivel submitted comprehensive statistics of export performance of the State and discussed various issues related to export promotion.

The export performance of the State had increased to Rs.66,856 crore during 2005-06 from Rs.54,791 crore in 2004-05, he said and added that there was vast scope to enhance exports by giving specific attention to various potential product and service sectors, as well as speedy development of infrastructure.

Mr Karunanidhi reacted positively to these suggestions and assured priority consideration to boost exports and generate more employment and GDP growth for the State.

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