'Mid-term foreign trade policy to be out before GST roll out'

New Delhi: Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said the revised mid-term foreign trade policy (FTP) is to be announced few days ahead of July 1, the scheduled date for the Goods and Services Tax roll out.

After holding a meeting with various stakeholders, including exporters as part mid-term review of FTP (2015-20) here, the minister also said that no suggestions were made to scale down the 2020 export target of USD 900 billion, including services.

Given the current economic and geopolitical situations globally there are concerns that international trade may be impacted. Sitharaman said suggestions were made that the review should be concluded by July 1 so that it is aligned with the GST implementation.

"We found merit in the suggestion that the review of the policy should be well in time to go along with the roll out of the GST. It means I have to announce it well in time for July 1," she said.

She further said that there were certain specific suggestions and questions for the GST Council comprising state finance ministers, and headed by the Union Finance Minister. A team including the Commerce Secretary to seek time from GST Council on the specific issue, including one related to duty refunds of exporters.

Exporters, especially from the SME sector, have expressed concerns that their funds would be locked up for several months As per the GST norms, 90 per cent of the refund will be given in 7 days and remaining 10 per cent will be given in 4-5 months. SME exporters expressed concerns that their funds could remain locked for long time.

During the meeting suggestions were also made to explore rupee denominated trade especially in the south east Asian nations and those in the middle east. Suggestions were also made that the FTP should not focus only on exports but on imports as well.