Curtain raiser of 5th Global Exhibition on Services launched

Commerce and Industry & Railways Minister has launched the curtain raiser of 5th Global Exhibition on Services (GES) in New Delhi on 5th November 2019. The curtain raiser will be a prelude to the main GES which will be held in Bengaluru from 26th-28th November 2019 and showcase the planned activities over the span of three days of GES 2019 and the expected outcomes of the exhibition. This initiative will enhance the competitiveness of India's service sectors through the implementation of focused and monitored Action Plans.

Report of the High-Level Advisory Group (HLAG) released

Commerce and Industry & Railways Minister released the High Level Advisory Group (HLAG) report on 30th October 2019 in New Delhi. The report shows the way forward for India to become an attractive investment destination by grasping all the opportunities available so that India is able to achieve the target of exports contributing one trillion USD to the GDP. During an interaction with the audience after the release of the report the Minister assured that India will always protect its strategic and economic interests while engaging in multilateral talks.

India's marine exports to China heading for USD 1 billion mark

India's exports of marine products to China has tripled and touched almost USD 800 million, in the first nine months of 2019, as per the data released by China's customs authority recently. India's marine exports are expected to cross USD 1 billion mark by the end of this year. In order to pitch for India's strength in this sector, the Embassy of India organized a promotional event and buyer seller meet on marine products in collaboration with MPEDA on the side lines of China Fisheries and Seafood expo in the coastal city of Qingdao, which is also a major port of imports

GeM partners with Indian Bank and Canara Bank for payment related services

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has signed MoU with Indian Bank and Canara Bank. The MoU will facilitate a cashless, paperless and transparent payment system on the portal and would create an efficient procurement system for government entities. Through this partnership, both the banks will be able to offer an array of services including transfer of funds through GeM Pool Accounts (GPA), advising of Performance Bank Guarantees (e-PBG), Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and Payment Gateway to the registered users on the portal.

Invest India Special Desk for North East States

While addressing a State Consultation Workshop for Make in India on 30th October 2019, Commerce and Industry & Railways Minister informed that Invest India is setting us a dedicated desk for the states of the North East Region that will look into investment targeting, promotion of investments for the North East States, facilitation of investments and development of websites for the States of the North East Region of India. He also said that India will not enter into any free trade agreements (FTAs) or economic partnerships in a rush as any free trade agreement has to be a two-way benefit arrangement and a win-win for all sides.

Increased demand for Agarbatti during Diwali

Restrictions on imports of agarbatti and other similar items have brought good fortune for the indigenous manufacturers who witnessed an increase in demand for such products during Diwali. It had also opened the doors to employment opportunities.