NEW DELHI: The government on Monday assured exporters that it was ready to offer flexibility and support them through trade facilitation measures, amid uncertainty caused by conflict in West Asia.At a meeting in the Commerce Ministry held by Special Secretary Suchendra Misra and DGFT Lav Agarwal, exporters pointed out potential pressure points: goods that are highly perishable in transit, higher freight rates, demurrage, longer shipping routes, import component in exports, and impact on bank payments.While there is a 24/7 monitoring cell or war room to improve inter-agency coordination and problem solving, an official statement said the government “affirmed its readiness to facilitate business operations” and indicated its readiness to consider issues related to procedural flexibility in cases of genuine disruption, coordination with customs authorities for smooth clearance and communication with banks and insurance agencies.
He added: “The discussions addressed the need to maintain predictability in the movement of goods, reduce avoidable delays, and ensure smooth documentation and payment processes for exporters and importers.”
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Mechanisms to facilitate time-sensitive export sectors, such as perishable products, pharmaceuticals and high-value manufactured exports, were also discussed. The statement stated that the meeting emphasized enhancing facilities at ports and ICD centers and ensuring the smooth evacuation of goods to avoid congestion and lengthen stay periods.
The Ministry of Commerce assured companies that the government will prioritize ensuring continuity of EXIM’s logistics services and mitigate any disruptions through a “facilitative and coordinated” approach so that essential imports required for domestic production and consumption are not adversely affected.“India has successfully weathered several global disruptions in recent years and continues to enhance supply chain resilience.
The government remains committed to ensuring that India remains a stable and reliable trading partner, the Commerce Ministry statement said.Meanwhile, AEPC contacted the Ministry of Civil Aviation to address problems arising from the prevailing situation in West Asia due to the ongoing Iran-US conflict. The agency requested waiver of delay fines on export goods due to flight disruption.
