India-South Asia trade reaches $19.21 bn in April-January period

The same stood at USD 20 billion in 2013-14.

New Delhi: India's merchandise trade with seven South Asian countries has reached USD 19.21 billion during April-January period of the current fiscal.

The same stood at USD 20 billion in 2013-14.

"During the five-year period of 2009-10 to 2013-14, Indian exports to SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries grew at a compounded annual growth rate of 20.18 percent, while imports grew at 10.52 percent," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

SAARC members are - India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In 2012-13, India's two-way trade with the countries stood at USD 17.78 billion.

The main products traded between these countries include agri goods, electronics, textiles, dairy products and metals.

Replying to another question on anti-dumping, she said during April 2011 and February this year, 114 anti-dumping investigations have been initiated in respect of imports of various products including 12 electronic items.

"Based on the recommendations of Directorate General of Anti-dumping & Allied Duties (DGAD) for imposition of anti-dumping duties, Department of Revenue has imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of 93 numbers of products," she added.

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