In the backdrop of declining trend in the exports from the country, Commerce Secretary Rita A. Teaotia held detailed consultations and deliberations with around 27 Export Promotion Councils to seek their views and suggestions on ways to promote exports. Export Promotion Councils for Apparel, Carpet, Cotton, Leather, Handicrafts, Handloom, Indian Silk, Powerloom, Synthethic & Rayon Textiles, Wool & Woollen, EOUs & SEZ, etc. participated in the meeting.
The major issues highlighted by the Export Promotion Councils related to early refund of the duty drawback amounts, credit of interest subvention, increase in the incentives given in the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), governance issues relating to delays in clearances, addition of more items under the MEIS, request for increase in MEIS incentives for certain items, agreements with specific countries to promote exports of certain items.
Addressing the Export Promotion Councils, the Commerce Secretary informed that the allocations for export incentive schemes in the current financial year has been increased from the earlier Rs. 18,000 crore to Rs. 21,000 crore and this amount was likely to be available for allocations in the coming week. However, she advised the exporters to ensure timely submission of bills to get this credit. Highlighting that the SEZs could be made as a fulcrum of ‘Make in India’, the Commerce Secretary said that the Government is concentrating on agreements in multi-lateral forums for wider benefits to the exporters.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
