Streamlining exporters’ effort
In a bid to boost international trade, an Inter-State Trade Council was recently formed with Commerce Minister Mr Kamal Nath as its chairman.

Indeed, this will ensure a continuous dialogue with state governments and union territories on international trade. Till recently, each state had its own rules and means of pursuing trade which was most haphazard and helped nobody - neither the exporter nor the government.

I would say that the council needs to act immediately towards creating a conducive environment to evolve uniform practices across different states in respect of trade facilitation and in identifying issues relating to state governments in regard to WTO capacity building.

Infrastructure development and creating an overall supporting policy and fiscal environment for international trade is another area where the council needs to work ASAP.

It will also have to create a framework for the states to become partners in India's export efforts if India is to excel in the competitive global market.

All in all, the council needs to identify impediments that affect exports adversely - be it poor infrastructure facilities, bureaucratic bottlenecks or corruption in respective departments. The idea is good; the execution is awaited.