India's FY08 exports to be at $150 billion

New Delhi, Jan 23 (UNI) The government today said India will achieve 150 billion dollar worth of exports this fiscal that may go up to 155 billion dollars but fall short of the 160 billion dollar target.

''We are certain to reach 150 billion dollars in exports and hope to touch the 155 billion dollar mark,'' Mr Pillai said.

The country's exports touched 98 billion dollars for the April-November eight-month period showing a cumulative growth of over 22 per cent.

The government has set an export target of 160 billion dollars for 2007-08. However, an over 12 per cent rise in rupee value in calender 2007 impacted the export growth adversely of labour intensive sectors like textiles, handicrafts and leather.

He added that for the next fiscal (2008-2009) it is feasible to achieve 200 billion dollars in exports.

UNI MP PDT RN1903