'Analyse options for creating more business opportunities'

The Centre today asked industries to analyse various options for creating more business opportunities both in domestic and foreign countries.     

Stating that the "focus" has now been shifted from "blanket earmarking" (of funds) to concentrate on "towns" which has the potential of doing more business opportunities, Union Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullarji said, "in the last three months, there has been a "mood shift" on the exporters to take some initiative by way of increasing exports from the area they work in".     

"They may be in any sector. Suppose if they are scouting an area in Kerala and if they think it would be of highly beneficial to them, then the Ministry may offer its help (to them)," he told reporters.

"Develop a project, identify its potential. Then come back to me. Let me see what can I do (for it)," he said.     

In the wake of economic slowdown, he said, the government had asked exporters to focus more on newer markets like Brazil, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Mexico.     

"Apart from the US and European countries, these are very large markets. Exporters can explore these areas for trade opportunities. We want the exporter to go there, study the market before commencing operations," he said. Stating that there has been a signs of "recovery" on the prevailing market conditions, Khullarji said exports from sectors like Gems and Jewellery, Textiles, Tea, Tobacco have been on the "rise" and were performing "better". 

"Four months ago, the exports growth were -20 per cent, but today it is -5 per cent," he said and hoped that by 2011 the country could be in a "much better position".     

When asked about the country's proposed export target of $200 bn by 2010, he was of the view that compared to last year figures of $169 bn, it would be difficult to reach that target. But he hoped that it could be achieved. 

Khullarji was here to participate in the annual "Open House Meet" with exporters on Foreign Trade Policy organised by Federation of Indian Export Organisations.