Question : TRADE WITH CIS



(a) whether there is a vast scope to promote the country`s trade with Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS); and

(b) if so, the initiative taken by the Government with the CIS in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a): Yes Sir

(b): With a view to enhance India`s trade with countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a programme `Focus: CIS` was launched on 31st March 2003 at the time of announcement of EXIM Policy for the year 2003-2004. In the first phase, emphasis of the Programme was on seven countries, viz. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan & Ukraine. The scope of the Programme has been extended w.e.f. April 2004, to cover all the 12 CIS countries i.e. Russian Federation, Armenia, Georgia, Belarus & Moldova alongwith Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan & Ukraine. Details of the programme are available on Department`s website, www.commerce.nic.in under the head `Trade Promotion Programme`.

Other steps taken by Government of India inter-alia include;

# Promotion of dialogue including discussions at the highest level;

# Constant review of bilateral trade at the Government Level through Joint Commission/Sub-Group meetings.

# Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 6th February 2006 for further enhancing Indo-Russian bilateral trade and economic relations.