ASSOCHAM favours ban on mineral exports

Panaji, Mar 7 (UNI) The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has favoured imposition of ban on export of minerals in all parts of the country except in Goa.

Speaking to mediapersons here today, ASSOCHAM President Venugopal N Dhoot said, ''If it is not possible to ban mineral exports, the government should impose a heavy export duty, especially 35 per cent ad valorem tax on Free On Board prices of iron ore.'' Mr Dhoot said that the economy of the state depends heavily on mineral exports.

With no steel industry in the the state, it should be exempted from the ban and the duty, he added.

UNI BM RN BJR DB1832