Govt assures on free trade policy for marble sector: Dealers

The government has assured the marble industry representatives that it will consider formulating a free trade policy for the sector, Delhi marble dealers associations said today.
The representatives of association yesterday met Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and and sought changes in the marble import policy.
The stakeholders discussed various issues relating marble industry prominently licence system and import policy, it said adding the representative urged for abolition of license system and requested to formulate free trade policy.
"The Commerce and Industry Minister has assured to consider for formulating a free trade policy for marble industry," it said.
It said that the license system in marble industry has been a real barrier for the small scale industries.

Out of over 5,000 marble stakeholders, only 472 big players are availing license quota of 8 Lakh tonne, the statement said adding the marble industry has been suffering because of misuse of license system.

"It is better to open the industry so that finance, new technology and new market will help to grow the industry," it added.
They have also suggested to remove the minimum import price as the rupee is depreciating and to check over invoicing by importers and create barrier on illegal route of money laundering.
In a joint memorandum submitted to the Minister, the association said these changes would assure easy availability of raw materials and provide opportunity for reopening of close and sick marble processing units.