The ASEAN, with which India is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, has emerged as a leading destination for India's exports, which recorded a growth of 257 percent in the region for 2000-2006.

ASEAN is followed by Africa, West Asia and North Africa (WANA) and Latin America, where exports from India have increased manifold during the six-year period, an analysis by industry body ASSOCHAM on the region-wise exports from the country, shows.

ASSOCHAM President Venugopal Dhoot said an early conclusion of the proposed FTA with the Association of South-East Asian Nations would further boost bilateral trade.

Main items of export to the ASEAN region include precious and semi-precious stones, mineral fuels, mineral oils, boilers and electrical machineries.

During the six-year period, India's exports went up by 132 percent, while imports grew 195 percent.

India's exports to Africa grew by 198 percent during the period and included items like cotton, pharma, nuclear reactors, boilers, mechanical appliances, railway wagons and rolling stock.

Exports to South and North Asia grew by 183 percent and 158 percent respectively, followed by a 117 percent growth for European Union and 84 percent for North America, the chamber added.

Mr. Divya Aggarwal

Money Management Consultants Ltd

Senior Copy Editor, Money Management Consultants Ltd
New Delhi, India

Free Member, Joined :05/11/2007
No of Topics Posted : 113
Reply/Comments : 14