• PAGE ONE
• INDEX
• HOME

`Measures soon to help industry meet WTO norms'

Our Bureau

KOLKATA, Feb. 25

THE anti-dumping mechanism was not a substitute for competitiveness, but only an instrument against unfair trade practices, according to Mr Prabir Sengupta, Commerce Secretary.

Speaking to reporters after an interactive session organised here by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr Sengupta said that sections of domestic industry which needed more time to adjust to competition even after QRs were removed, may apply to the Safeguard Directorate under the Ministry for suitable action.

Under the scheme, a provisional duty is levied on the relevant product while the industry is given three years to restructure. The duty is phased out to zero at the end of three years.

In case the particular sector feels it may need an extension of the scheme, it is provided with proportionate benefits for the foreign exporter.

Mr Sengupta said a few other WTO-compatible measures, which may fall in the category of a NTB, are also being contemplated to help the domestic sector. A level playing field would be provided for domestic players, and the foreign suppliers would be requ ired to comply with the same mandatory practices imposed on the industry, like in the area of standards.

The new Export Infrastructure Development Scheme for States would be finetuned to make it more effective. For an industry in the North-East, a sum of Rs 5 crore was being provided for infrastructure development, in addition to the provision under the Cri tical Infrastructure Balancing Scheme, he said.

Meanwhile, the Bengal chamber has suggested that the Centre should strengthen the anti-dumping mechanism so that procedural delays could be eliminated and the consequent levy of anti-dumping duty expedited.

According to Mr S.B. Ganguly, President of the chamber, this should be carried out within a strict time-frame. The Union Government should, in consultation with the industry, compile a detailed case study of denial of market access by developed countries (to Indian products) by invoking anti-dumping action, and take them up at the WTO ministerial meeting to be held in Qatar in November.

The chamber also wanted the Centre to set up an advisory cell consisting of legal and other experts conversant with international trade policies and procedures. The cell should guide Indian exporters in fighting legal battles abroad.