Govt Plans To Focus On Cis To Boost Exports

The government is planning to extend its Focus-Africa programme to 17 more countries with effect from April 1.

A Focus-Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) programme to boost exports to the region is also likely to be announced in the Exim Policy for 2003-04.

The Focus-Africa programme, which was launched in the Exim Policy for 2002-03, was originally designed to cover only 7 countries in the sub-Saharan region having potential for trade.

The scope of the programme is now being extended to cover all African countries with Indian missions. Twenty-four countries, including 18 in the sub-Saharan region and six in North Africa, will be covered.