Pro-India Trade Policy – I

The first Trade Policy-2008-09 of the PPP government has been announced without mentioning import target. According to the policy, imports cannot be quantified due to continuous instability in the oil and food prices in international markets. This means all previous commerce ministers of Pakistan as well as world were fool to make import targets. However, the export target was fixed at $ 22.10 billion, representing an increase of 15 percent over the last year, the same rate achieved in 2007-08.

The policy said the government has tried to draw up a trade policy that has a new direction and vision and will have an impact on the lives of those who are the neediest. How it will impact positively the poor's lives was not indicated, presently it is impacting negatively.

Moreover, it seems that the government has unofficially given the status of 'Most Favoured Nation' (MFN) to India. Commerce Minister, Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar said India is our neighbour and we are gradually liberalising our bilateral trade. The composite dialogue process, especially on economic and commercial cooperation has been instrumental in addressing the bilateral issues. We are announcing to enlarge the list of importable items from India, which is based on the requests of our stakeholders, which stakeholder requested them was not mentioned. The whole business community, except a few, is opposing imports from India. They said commerce minister has announced a policy which only encouraged imports from India while exports to that country was totally ignored.

The policy said cheaper raw material sourced from India would make exports more competitive in international markets. Import of diesel and fuel oil from India allowed, because it will be cheaper due to the difference in transportation cost. This will also help us to address our global trade deficit. How it will reduce the global trade deficit is not known.

Customs duty on the import of CNG buses was already reduced from 15 percent to zero in the budget 2008-09. Moreover, in case any Indian manufacturer of CNG buses makes a firm commitment to establish manufacturing of such buses in Pakistan, the Ministry of Commerce may provide special dispensation for import of 10 buses via Wahga from each possible investor as test consignment.

The policy expanded the list of importable items from India, not expected to be reciprocated. The Indian import policy allowed only a small number of imports from Pakistan. The Commerce Minister also restricted trade with India to Wahga border and sea route; but it is expected that it may open trade through railways as well as along other border check posts.

The ministry of commerce notifies amendments in the trade policy and also issued a list of importable goods from India, in which 136 more tariff lines had been added, enhancing the list from 1802 to 1938. Pakistan has diverted its global trade worth $ 4.132 billion towards India following inclusion of 438 new importable items in the positive list during the past 10 months.

Ahmad Mukhtar also announced a new scheme designed to improve exports. The over and above three existing schemes, namely duty and tax remission and export scheme (DTREs) - allowed to even those Indian imports that are not included in the 1938 total tariff lines - to those items that are manufactured locally and then exported, temporary import scheme as well as manufacturing bond scheme.

It is to be noted that the DTREs have been considerably misused in the past and, over and above what is available under DTREs, raises duty drawback by one percent of the FOB value for 14 traditional products, including carpets, surgical instruments and sports goods. It is hoped that the loopholes for abuse would be well plugged in the new scheme.

Chaudhry Mukhtar has not mentioned of research and development (R&D) for export industry in general and the textile sector in particular. It was proposed that the government would make necessary adjustments for the textile sector's gas bills. Thus the policy ignored the textile sector at least for the time being. Due to persistent crisis in the sector and the high cost of doing business, the import of the textile machinery has declined by 13 percent. However, the government has extended the six percent R&D support programme for the apparel sector up to June 30, 2009.

Enumerating the factors on the external front he said the international oil prices have been doubled, from around $ 68 to $ 145 per barrel. The increase in the international prices of food items, especially wheat and edible oil, the depressed US economy and turmoil in the international financial markets has reduced external demand for our exports.

In spite of the challenges, on the internal and external fronts that made it difficult for exporters to fulfil their export orders on time and at competitive prices, the export sector has registered a growth of 13.23 percent during 2007-08.

On the internal front power shortages, resulted in load-shedding of electricity and gas impacted our economy. Monetary and exchange rate policies, rising costs of salary bills and raw material, were other factors. While the government itself has increased salaries for Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000, therefore, no one can be blamed for higher salary bills. Blaming increasing competition in export markets cannot be justified because it is not only for Pakistan but all countries are facing the same problem.

The large-scale manufacturing registered a growth of only 4.8 percent as compared to 8.6 percent last year. Last year the export target was $ 19.22 billion, which was $ 2.2 billion higher than the $ 17 billion achieved in 2006-07. During the year the exports of services were $ 2.9 billion and defence-related exports amounted to $ 63.9 million. Performance of textile group was not satisfactory as the exports were $ 9591.9 million i.e., $ 245.8 million or 2.5 percent less than last year. In spite of this decrease the overall exports growth was 13 percent.

Pakistan exports a few categories such as cotton manufactures and synthetic textiles, leather, rice and sports goods, concentrating on seven products only to seven countries. They collectively accounted for around 72.4 percent of the total exports. In terms of markets also, traditionally 50 percent of exports go to seven countries namely the US, Germany, Japan, UK, Hong Kong, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The trend from 2003-04 to 2006-07 shows that the growth of exports during this period was around 114 percent in Latin America, 81 percent in Africa and 60 percent in the European group of countries.

The policy said it would help reduce costs of doing business, enhancing competitiveness of exports, but what measures are being taken was not indicated while gas, electricity and oil prices increase making products more costlier. The minister said in order to reduce cost of manufacturing and to make our exports more competitive, it has been decided that:

Plant, machinery and equipment imported to set up a unit in DTRE scheme will be exempted from duty and taxes. Inputs in DTRE will also be allowed to be imported from India.

Pakistani seafood is facing difficulty in exports, therefore it has been decided to undertake following measures to support the sea food sector:

Consultancy services will be arranged through FAO/INFOFISH for aquaculture; peeling shed at Karachi Fish Harbour will be set up in coordination with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Sindh government. Funding will be arranged through the Public Sector Development Programme. Training programme for fishermen in catching of fish will be arranged by the Sindh government. Initial programme of training for trainers will be arranged in collaboration with TDAP. It is expected that these steps will help the fishers sector to enhance exports.

Gems and jewellery is one of the non-traditional items and to encourage the exports and investment all anti-export biases, gold, silver, platinum, palladium, diamond and precious stones has been exempted from levy of customs duties and sales tax. Mining industry is facing serious problems of availability of good quality stones for further processing due to old style blasting which creates wastage of precious resources. It has been decided that the import of machinery/equipment for mining/quarrying and grinding of minerals (along with spares) would be allowed from India. However, it is difficult to hope that this industry would develop as a consequence of this policy.
Source-thepost.com.pk

Hundreds ‘dig in dirt’ at Herkimer Diamond Mines

HERKIMER —Hundreds of local and out-of-state residents looking for something to do over the weekend found their way to the Gems Festival at the Herkimer Diamond Mines.

Andy Hall, of Morgantown, W.Va., toured the mines’ museum Sunday with his children and girlfriend. He said he was impressed by the large display of Herkimer diamonds, and he was taken aback by how they can be found in the mines.

“It just kind of blows my mind – like how come we don’t have these back home?” he said.

The three-day Gems Festival wrapped up Sunday, after more than 500 people attended the primary day of the festival Saturday, Herkimer Diamond Mines associate Mike Hinman said.

“There were a lot of people,” he said. “Even though the weather was bad, it was still pretty good.”

Visitors Saturday were able to bring in gems to be appraised, participate in jewelry classes and hunt for gems. On Sunday, the museum and shop were busy, while people outside sifted through bags of rock and dirt in search of their own treasures.

Much can be found in a $10 bag, said Bill Bath and Jeanne Krull of Andover, N.J., as they added to their large collection that included Herkimer diamonds — quartz crystals that mimic diamonds — and an arrow head.

“I’m halfway through it, and I found all this,” Bath said.

Krull said they wanted to go camping, and the mines were a big draw that added to their decision to visit Herkimer.

“Who doesn’t like a little digging in the dirt or playing in the water every now and then?” she said.

Bath and Krull said they planned to buy souvenirs for their friends and pass along a good word about the area.

“It’s nice up here,” Bath said.

Michael Christian and his son, Judah, 10, also rummaged through rocks Sunday. They used a sluice box to hold the larger findings while water pushed away the dirt and smaller rocks.

They just moved to Skaneateles from Seattle in March, and Sunday was already their second visit to the mines, Michael Christian said.

“He’s pretty astute in it,” Michael Christian said of his son. “He can name the rocks; I can’t.”

Shortly after, it proved to be true.

“I found another one,” Judah Christian said as he grabbed a clear, pinkish gem. After his father asked what it was, Judah said he thought it was a rose quartz.

As they continued to look, Michael Christian raised his head and smiled.

“It’s just cool to do this kind of stuff with your kids,” he said.

Source-uticaod.com

Govt mulls ban on soda ash export to hold prices

NEW DELHI: Taking the war on inflation to new frontiers, the government is considering a proposal to ban exports of soda ash and encourage imports of the commodity that goes into construction material such as glass and bricks.

This is in addition to the proposals currently under consideration of the chemicals and fertilisers ministry. The ministry is examining slashing excise duty on major petrochemical inputs.

The idea is also to ease the raw material constraint faced by small manufacturers of glass and magnesium carbonate. Soda ash or sodium carbonate is also used by the brick industry as a wetting agent to reduce the amount of water needed to process clay.

According to the user industry, prices have moved up by at least a third in the last eight months. Prices are on an upward spiral globally too. The world’s largest soda ash maker Brussels-based Solvay SA said on Thursday it is considering to raise prices by 50%, according to overseas news reports.

In the domestic market, the material which used to cost Rs 10,000 a metric tonne in March last year, is sold at about Rs 14,750 a metric tonne now. Chemical companies are contemplating further increase in prices now. They claim that banning exports and pressurising producing companies to lower prices would address their raw material shortage. The government is likely to take a call on the issue shortly. It has asked industry associations like Alkali Manufacturers Association of India to give its feedback on the issue.

Inflation based on wholesale prices is now at an alarmingly high level of 11.98%. With polls in six states later this year and general elections early next year, the government is determined not to leave any possible measure in its efforts to cool prices.
Source-indiatimes.com

Mid-Atlantic Animal Import Center Feasibility Study Released

The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Maryland Horse Industry Board today released the Mid-Atlantic Animal Import Center Feasibility Study, which identified the Midfield Cargo Complex of the Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport as the best potential site for the Center.

"The time it takes to ship a horse overseas begins from the time that animal leaves the barn to the time it plants its hoof in the soil of its new home. Adding a five to 15 hour van ride on top of the time in flight is not cost effective and causes additional stress on the animals being shipped," said Agriculture Secretary Roger Richardson. "A permanent Mid-Atlantic Animal Import and Export Center could reduce the cost of shipment for horse owners and buyers, and reduce the stress on transported horses thereby increasing the overall condition and productivity of animals shipped overseas."

The study also detailed the process of importing and exporting live equine to and from the United States. Currently, only three permanent centers accept horses for importation in the United States.

The center was deemed feasible if coupled with another entity such as a state laboratory or animal health center. Due to the seasonality of the shipment of horses, with the strongest peaks occurring between the months of December and January operating the facility jointly with another entity could better utilize staff, optimize operations, and create new jobs and economic impact for the region.

The study was funded by a combination of public and private, federal, and state entities, including the USDA through the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Maryland Horse Industry Board, the Maryland Horse Industry Foundation, and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

The study was conducted by the private firm Owl Creek Consulting of Berlin, Md., in cooperation with the Business, Economic, and Community Outreach Network of the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University.

India's Gems & Jewellery Exports Likely To Grow By 15%-20%

India's gems and jewellery exports are expected to grow by 15%-20% in the current financial year, according to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council's-GJEPC estimates, reported the media.

The overall exports of gems and jewellery for the first quarter ended June 30, 2008 rose 22.7% to Rs. 21,602 crores, from Rs.18, 050 crores in the year ago period. The overall exports of cut and polished diamonds was Rs.15, 402 crores for the June quarter, revealing a 31% growth from the comparable period last year. Imports of rough diamonds were up 27.6% at Rs.13, 172 crores.

Data from GJEPC however, showed that trade in cut and polished diamonds has declined 5.5%. This is because the imports of polished diamonds have grown much faster than exports. Gold jewellery exports decreased 4.1% in the first quarter ended June 30, 2008.

The Chairman of GJEPC, Sanjay Kothari reportedly attributed the high commodity prices and global economic slowdown to the sluggish business and said that he expects the international trade show in India would help boost interest, added the report.
Source-rttnews.com

Dubai to Host Diamond & Jewellery Summit

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) announced Tuesday that it will organise the first Dubai Diamond and Jewellery Summit, with the objective of providing the international jewellery trade with a forum to initiate relationships in the Middle East - the fastest growing market for diamonds.

The inaugural two-day summit will focus on Middle East-China diamond and jewellery trade, and will be held from November 8 - 9, 2008 at the Atlantis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah.

The summit builds on a visit to China by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, and reinforces ongoing efforts to further strengthen trade relations between both countries. It also follows two strategic agreements signed earlier this year by DMCC with the Government of Panyu, China and with the Gems & Jewellery Trade Association of China, for increased cooperation towards mutual growth and promotion of diamond and jewellery trade.

Diamond trade in the UAE alone witnessed record growth in 2007, crossing the stellar $10 billion mark. Dubai's rough diamond trade alone witnessed a 32 percent growth in the first quarter of 2008 as compared witho 2007, standing at a total of $1.5 billion while polished diamond trade reached $2.7 billion. The Chinese jewellery industry has also achieved record sales in 2007, with a growth of 11 percent compared to 2006, to reach $26 billion.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, DMCC said: "Emerging economies such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are all set to become the centre of the fast-growing jewellery business in the next three years, with Dubai being the natural gateway for the wider region. In fact, the UAE and Hong Kong are among the prominent markets experiencing exponential growth. This summit will focus on the growing business potential between China and the Middle East, two major global trading blocs."

According to Peter Meeus, executive director - Diamonds, DMCC, the summit will serve as a platform for the manufacturing, trading and retail jewellery communities between both countries to mutually grow trade opportunities. He added that the event is poised to further boost the diamond trade industry, promote Dubai as a major diamond hub and present DMCC as the facilitator of the growing diamond trade in the region.

Many businesses in the area of precious metals and colored stones and gems are turning their attention to the Middle East which has become one of the fastest growing consumer markets. This is reflected in the exponential increase of polished diamond imports to Dubai by 69 percent in the first quarter of this year," said Meeus.

Commenting on the opportunities for the diamond industry, Meeus said: "Although diamonds are relatively new in the Chinese and Middle Eastern markets, leading retail jewellery companies have witnessed phenomenal growth in the past decade. DMCC's strategic objective in hosting this summit is to bring these companies together and create opportunities for them to further grow their business."
Source-diamonds.net

Banning sugar export, allowing imports can hurt industry, farmers: PSMA

The government’s decision of banning sugar export and allowing import will destroy the local industry and this will make the farmers prone to become the victims of the sugar-mafia, industry stakeholders told Daily Times Monday.

They lamented that it seems the decision is aimed to provide relief to Indian farmers at the expense of local industry and farmers.

Industry sources observed that the local stocks are already in surplus and there was no need of importing the commodity. They said that the decision would ultimately help the Indian farmers and the local farmers would be at losing end, as the sugar mills have already not paid the farmers for sugarcane.

“When imported sugar will land in the country, the stocks of sugar mills would not be sold and the millers would cut the payments of sugarcane growers,” the sources said. In the past India sent sugar to Afghanistan through transit trade but majority of stocks were dumped illegally in Pakistan. They said that around 200,000 tonnes of sugar landed in Peshawar market and it pushed the sugar industry towards crisis while the payments to sugarcane growers were delayed and in many cases no payment was made to the growers.

Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) Vice Chairman, Iskandar M Khan said that the government should have allowed import of raw sugar only, as it would have been more beneficial. “The raw sugar is cheaper in the international market while the refined sugar is expensive,” Khan said. Currently refined sugar costs $400 (freightage cost inclusive) while raw sugar is available for $200 only. He said calculating all the taxes one would find that imported sugar will be prices at Rs 30to Rs 31 per Kg. “There would be no price parity of local and imported sugar but it would create problems for the millers, who already have surplus sugar stocks,” he said.

“The refining of raw sugar also creates employment opportunities while having a downward impact on prices thereby providing much-needed relief for the consumers,” Khan said.

He decried that the decision would have negative impacts on the economy. He accused that India will send its “injurious to health” sugar to Pakistan.

He said that the PSMA has assured the government for selling the sugar at Rs 30 per Kg but no one paid any attention.

Farmers Association Pakistan Coordinator, Muhammad Idrees Khokhar, said that the sugarcane payments of farmers were already delayed and the decision would be a major set back for them. “The government, before taking any decision, should take all the stakeholders into confidence,” he demanded.

Source-dailytimes.com.pk

Indian imports to flood Pak markets New trade policy sets $22.10bn exports target

The new trade policy sets the export target at $22.10 billion and limits the country’s imports bill to $30 billion as compared with the last year’s $39.97 billion. At the same time, the policy eases restrictions on import of various items from India.

Federal Commerce Minister, Ch Ahmed Mukhtar announcing the trade policy on the state TV said, “Cheaper raw material from India will make Pakistan’s exports more competitive in the international market. The trade policy will allow the import of diesel and fuel oil from India to also help address the growing trade deficit.”

The government has decided to allow the import of machinery or equipment for mining, quarrying and grinding of minerals from India, he said. In the new trade policy, importable items like CNG buses, stainless steel, cotton yarn, academic, scientific and professional books, specialised printers, laminators and rollers would be allowed from India.

The import of these items from India would also help address the trade deficit, said the policy. In order to enhance exports of minerals and rice, the new trade policy will also allow imports of mining and paddy machinery from India.

The minister said if we look at the performance of various export sectors in comparison with the available detailed figures for 11 months from July 2007 to May 2008 during the same period of the previous year, there was an overall increase of $1.755 billion.

The minister had earlier postponed his press briefing scheduled for Saturday on the direction of the prime minister in view of the prime minister’s first TV address to the nation. However, he asked the media men to attend the briefing soon after the PM’s address. Later, briefing the journalists at the Prime Minister Secretariat, the minister emphasized the need for effective measures to arrest the growing gap in trade deficit affecting the economy. He attributed a number of unavoidable factors, which contributed to the deficit gap to rise to $20.7 billion.

“We inherited a very difficult economic situation where the public is facing more hardships than it has in the recent history,” he said. This was due to external and internal factors of the past year, he added. Moreover, the commerce minister said the doubling of international oil prices from around $68 per barrel to $145 per barrel during the year and increase in international prices of food items Pakistan needed to import during the year, especially wheat and edible oil, enhanced the import bill.

“The total imports during the year 2007-08 amounted to $39.97 billion, raising the trade deficit of $20.7 billion”, he added. He emphasised the need for promotion of regional trade, which according to him, was the only way to reduce freight and trade deficit.

The new trade policy for 2008-09 enlarges the list of importable items from India, which is based on the requests of stakeholders. The list will be issued separately later. About giving Most Favour Nation (MFN) status to India, he said it did not suit Pakistan as India had technical and other trade barriers whereas Pakistan did not have such restrictions.

When asked about R&D scheme for textile, the minister who also has additional charge of commerce & textile ministries said that he would hold a meeting with the prime minister today (Saturday) and hopefully, the issue would be settled.

Imports measures: To any Indian manufacturer of CNG buses who makes a firm commitment to establish manufacturing unit of such buses in Pakistan, the commerce ministry may provide special dispensation for import of 10 buses by road via Wagah from each possible investor as test consignment.

Under TR scheme, import of buses not more than 10 years old are allowed. This facility will help the returning overseas Pakistanis with limited means to create an economic opportunity for themselves as well as ease the shortage of such buses on inter-city routes.

Imports of used cryogenic containers/cylinders by industrial consumers, cement trailers, without prime movers in second-hand/used condition, prime movers with age limit of 5 yeas and minimum fleet requirement of 5 prime movers were also allowed.

In order to reduce the cost of raw material imports and thereby make the country’s indigenous export products more competitive, the import of job lots and stock lots of raw material, which attracts duty up to 5pc would now be allowed.

Similarly, imports of old/used waste disposal trucks of municipal bodies (the imported trucks shall not be older than 10 years) will also be allowed. Stainless steel and cotton yarn is importable from India by train. In order to further reduce the cost of doing business, it has been decided to allow their import by trucks through Wagah as well.

Import of academic, scientific and reference books, specialised printers, laminators and laminator rolls used for printing visa stickers and passports by Nadra would be allowed from India. Only recognised manufacturers would be allowed to import crude palm oil for further processing and refining. Furthermore, manufacturers who import palm oil in crude form will not be allowed to sell it to non-manufacturers. However, commercial importers who have invested in large bulk storages will be allowed to continue importing crude palm oil subject to a safeguard mechanism to be drawn up by FBR.

Import of CFC-based compressors remains banned. The imports of rollers would be allowed, but not more than 10 years old, and the capacity should not exceed 12 tons. Export measures: As export enhancing measures, the new trade policy suggests the intensification of market intelligence, trade promotion, enhancing competitiveness, coordination with other public departments, improving physical infrastructure, discouraging subsidies, diversification and encouraging quality.

Plant, machinery and equipment imported to set up a unit in DTRE scheme will be exempt from duty and taxes. Import of inputs for DTRE will also be allowed from India, even if these are not included in the importable items from India, or manufactured locally.

To increase the exports of gem and jewellery and to encourage investment and remove all anti-export biases, gold, silver, platinum, palladium, diamond and precious stones would be exempted from levy of customs duties and sales tax.

Exporters are allowed to send $25,000 worth of samples to foreign buyers. Since automobiles have higher unit value therefore it has now been decided to increase the limit to $50,000 in the case of automobiles.

The TDAP with its revamping would also establish new clusters of surgical instruments, gloves and personal protective equipment, sports wear, leather & leather products in Sialkot and Charsadda, weaving and textile processing sector in Faisalabad, light engineering sector in Gujranwala, auto parts in Lahore, ceramics in Multan and Halla, ajrak and bangles in Hyderabad/Halla and embroidery in Balochistan.

APP adds: Earlier, the federal cabinet in a special meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in chair approved the Export Policy 2008-09 emphasising increase in country’s exports.

The cabinet also approved in principle the establishment of NFC University of Engineering and Technology in Multan to cater for ever-increasing demand for higher education of students of Southern Punjab.

The prime minister had announced the up-gradation of the Institute of Engineering and Technology Multan in May. Presently the Institute of Engineering and Technology Multan is affiliated with Bahauddin Zakriya University and is conducting B.Sc courses in the disciplines of Chemical Engineering and Computer Engineering. The Higher Education Commission recommended the up-gradation of the institute to the status of university level as a degree awarding institution.

Source-paktribune.com

Import tax concession on Ceylon tea likely to continue despite tax hike-The Daily News

Ceylon tea exports to India under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement are likely to continue to enjoy a concessionary import duty, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said, quoting a Tea Board communique.

It is projected that Ceylon tea exports to India under the free trade pact will enjoy a concessionary import duty of 7.5 per cent for the allocated quota of 15 million kilos a year, they said. The Government of India has increased the import duty on tea from 35 per cent to 70 per cent in the budget proposals for 2000/2001 presented to the Indian parliament last month.

Accordingly the Finance Ministry in India announced on March 1 that the import duty on tea among some other items have been hiked from 35 per cent to 70 per cent with immediate effect.

Moreover the Finance Minister of India also announced the raising of the investment limit qualifying for tax exemptions for the tea industry (development allowance on profits) from 20 per cent to 40 per cent. This additional allowance will be used only for re-plantation, rejuvenation and modernisation of tea plantations as well as processing facilities.

According to the agreement with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) India was compelled to lift the restrictions of tea imports to its domestic market from March 1. Therefore the Finance Minister of India Yaswant Singha has formulated a protective measure to domestic tea producers by raising the import duty on tea from 35% to 70%.

Source : www.teainfo.ru

Trade Europe Global: Providing Buyers with Import-Export Goods

If you are in search of a B2B market place within Europe which sells a wide array of product selections, the best site to check out is Trade Europe Global. This is an open market which provides its buyers with thousands of product choices. The items that are sold at Trade Europe Global are not limited to household items or office supplies. If you are looking for machineries, you can find these at the market. You can also choose to purchase livestock, agricultural products, and electrical appliances here. If you are searching for a property or a home, you can look into the real estate category of the site. On the other hand, you can also opt to avail of the services that are being offered by the sellers and suppliers of Trade Europe Global.

Considered as Europe’s largest B2B market place, Trade Europe Global offers its consumers with a wide range of product categories. Under these categories are several products which are supplied by local and foreign suppliers. Some of these suppliers come from countries like China, Malaysia, Germany, Italy, and India. Because of the huge number of manufacturers and companies selling their products and services at Trade Europe Global, you can expect to take a pick from thousands of different items.

Trade Europe Global is a Europe import export market place. This is where you can find products which come from various parts of the world. When you are interested in items from India, you can go for brass or wooden phones. Or else, you can opt for the country’s candlestick telephones. On the other hand, a supplier from China offers buyers with sealant products which are derived from an organic silicon’s macromolecule polymer. These sealants are available in 3 different types which are the super sealant, the acidity sealant, and the neutral sealant which is fit for weather proofing. European manufacturers are also offering their own products here at Trade Europe Global. One best-selling product of the market which has been manufactured by a European country is the Rolls Royce from Germany.

If you are not particular with the manufacturer of a certain product, you can choose from specific categories such as apparels and accessories or outdoor and home furniture. When you go for the former, your choices include sleepwear and robes. You can also purchase outdoor garments like shorts, skirts, and trousers. Dresses, tops, and shirts are also available. On the other hand, you can buy lingerie and underwear. You can also find footwear at Trade Europe Global. If you are into jewelries and accessories, there are several options for you. When you are thinking of sewing draperies and curtains, you can buy textile at this market.

If you want to buy outdoor and home furniture, your choices involve sets which are made from plastic, metal, and wood. You can purchase tables, chairs, and accessories for your furniture. These might include throw pillows, cushions, and divans. Other than furniture sets for your lawn and home, this European market place also offers its buyers with office furniture. If you are looking for items for your office, you might want to throw in some supplies, too. Trade Europe Global also sells stationery, office papers, instruments for writing and drawing, presentation equipments, and other supplies for office or business use.

Source : jeromesimpson.wordpress.com

Using Online B2b Marketplaces To Expand Your Importexport Business

The international trade business is growing increasingly popular. Innovative new technology and improved foreign relations have changed the manner in which companies operate and market their businesses. Importing and exporting is easier and more effective than ever before. Almost any imaginable product can now be sent or received from countries spanning the entire globe.

Online B2B Marketplaces
One of the main reasons for the change in the import/export industry is the increase in the number of worldwide individuals using computers. Many more individuals and companies now enjoy regular access to the internet. Consequently, advanced online marketing techniques are continuously being created to address the current needs of consumers and retailers worldwide.

Online business-to-business (B2B) marketplaces are becoming much more prevalent. E-commerce allows international trade companies to expand much faster and locate a wider variety of wholesale products than using traditional methods. Basically, if you have a product you wish to find or sell, there is most likely an individual or company who is more than willing to help.

Advantages
Websites such as Import-Export-Guide facilitate the process by providing online B2B marketplaces for wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, buyers and suppliers alike. Online B2B marketplaces bring all of these people together in one virtual place so they can quickly and easily locate the exact items they require. No valuable time is wasted driving to different companies, visiting various wholesale suppliers or making long-distance phone calls. Online B2B marketplaces are open 24/7 so companies can maximize their productivity. They also allow international trade companies to access wholesale products and contacts from anywhere in the world. This can open up an entire new world, especially for smaller businesses that may have a limited budget for advertising and marketing. They dont need to spend valuable time or resources trying to locate wholesale suppliers or wholesale products.

Trade Leads
If you are looking to purchase goods, sell stock or form new business partnerships, you should consider using one of the many online B2B marketplaces. These online sites provide a great opportunity to locate a large number of trade leads in a relatively short period of time. Trade leads can be acquired from the convenience of your home and on your own schedule. You never have to be concerned about showing up to find a business closed or products no longer available. They also companies and individuals to locate the products, contacts or information they require in a significantly shorter period of time than traditional contact methods.

Source : uptocomputer.blogspot.com

Pak gem traders want open border

NEW DELHI: Jewellers and gem traders from across the border have asked the governments of India and Pakistan to open up border to facilitate trade.

"At present, whatever jewellery trade is done between the two countries is via Dubai. As the jewellery market is unorganised and most of them are small jwellers or merchents, a lot of business between the two country is illegal," Gold Art Promotion Council-Pakistan Pakistan President Muhammad Azghar, who is here to attend a jewellery exhibition 'JCK New Delhi 2008', told media.

"We want political establishment of both the countries to open up the borders to facilitate our trade," he added.

Karachi is the main commercial hub of gems and jewellery supplying 60 per cent of the total demand to the other parts of the country.

"The Madras Jewellery is quite popular in our country, but due to the trade restrictions, we are not able to take it our market readily," GAPC General Secretary Syed Masood Ali said, adding Bangles from across the border is equally popular in India.

Pakistan is eager to import Indian machines and buy Indian designs apart from the regular trade in the precious metal. The gold market in India is at USD 13.5 billion at present, slated to reach USD 20 billion by 2010 and jump to USD 23.5 Bn by 2012, said, COO of Reed Exhibitions India, the organiser of the event, Mandeep Singh.

Jewellers and gem traders from Pakistan, along with their counterparts from Dubai and Italy are participating a jewellery exhibition.

Source by economictimes.indiatimes.com

Flawless Diamond Opens exclusive retail outlet at Lokhandwala Complex

Flawless Diamond India Ltd has announced that the Company is opening up its 21st retail outlet at Premises No.16, Embassy Apartment, Apana Char Co.Op. Housing Society, Unit No.6, Lokhandwala Complex. Andheri (West), Mumbai-400 053. This is very prime location of western suburb in the Mumbai city for this kind of retail business. Company will introduce its newly innovated exclusive designs of its Diamond Studded Jewellery. Company is confident to achieve better retail sale from this outlet. This is the part of the Company's retail expansion programme of opening up 100 outlets. Flawless Diamond India Ltd is 19 years old Company initially engaged in Diamond export-import business. Promoter has a 25 years experience of Jewellery business. Two years before the Company has decided to enter in to the branded and non branded designers Jewellery business. After having success in this area then decided to entering in to the retailing of branded and non branded designer Jewellery. Then Company introduced and well established its brand "AUM". The Company has already introduced several series of its brand "AUM" like AUM Elegant, Aum Signature, AUM Ethereal, AUM Solitaire, AUM Star, AUM Galaxy, AUM Bridal, AUM Classic etc. To innovate time to time new exclusive Designs and introduced that in to the market, the Company has its own three state of Art Designers studios and many numbers of artists. The Company has its own R & D Department for this. To sell this designers Jewellery Company has own 21 retail outlets and number of franchises across India. Mr. Bhawar U Jain, M D of the Company says "We at Flawless put in every possible effort to meet the expectations of our customers and established value added retail business. Because of total satisfaction of our customers and our commitment towards successfully established chain of retail outlets across the India. We are confident for opening up 100 outlets very soon".

Source: Equity Bulls

Importers, exporters get tips on global markets

Wambuzi admires brochures on display during the tour of the importers and exporters exhibition at the UMA Hall By Mark Owor THE Private Sector Foundation and MTN on Friday held an international trade exhibition for importers and exporters. Dubbed, ‘Making it Easier to Trade Locally and Across Borders,’ the fair was meant to reinforce the traders’ relationships with their service providers with a long-term view of obtaining-mutually beneficial partnerships. “As a ministry, we want to underscore the importance of working together with the private sector so that they can achieve their goal-trading out of poverty, into wealth and prosperity,” Gagawala Wambuzi, the state minister for trade, told the exhibitors at the UMA Main Exhibition Hall, Lugogo. He added: “My ministry, which is responsible for trade, is fully committed to eliminating barriers to trade, providing an enabling environment in which the private sector can thrive and building capacity to produce quality goods and services in a manner that is competitive, reliable, and sustainable.” The minister disclosed that the Government was aware of the non-tariff barriers that hindered trade. “These affect the way we do business because they increase the cost of doing business and in some cases, make it extremely difficult or completely impossible to do business at all,” Wambuzi said. Exporters and importers complained that many financial institutions had not developed products to address their needs. They said micro-finance institutions, which lend over 25% to the exporters and importers, do not offer letters of credit, telegraphic transfers, collections, guarantees and bid bonds. They argued that this had caused many exporters to be denied visas into the export markets.

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Rising input costs weigh on producers, exporters

VietNamNet Bridge – The volatility in prices of raw materials could be even more serious in the second quarter, warned Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Bui Xuan Khu, and he urged industry to take swift measure to rein in costs while ensuring quality products.

Khu made the statement at a meeting last week of a ministry working group with local authorities to devise solutions to ease the burdens on domestic manufacturers caused by raging materials prices, both domestically and internationally.

Nguyen Thu Uyen, director of the Garment Company No 2, based in the northern city of Hai Phong, said input costs have skyrocketed, with the costs of some imported goods soaring by 30%, along with fuel prices that have risen 3-5%.

Sao Vang Co Ltd deputy director Nguyen Dinh Long said higher oil prices had pushed up the costs of transportating a single container of goods by VND300-400,000 (US$19-25).

Meanwhile, it was nearly impossible for garment exporters to renegotiate prices with customers based on these new, higher costs, Uyen said.

Tran Xuan Bai, director of the Department of Industry in the northern province of Hai Duong, said some food products exporters in the north have been unable to purchase sufficient quantities of raw materials and have had to turn to suppliers in the south, further driving up costs and cutting profit margins on already-signed export contracts.

Reports from Hai Phong and the northern provinces of Hai Duong, Ha Tay, and Hung Yen suggest enterprises are being hit by higher costs on all fronts. Late last year, the Government raised the minimum wage, driving up the costs of employing workers who have contractual protection from being laid off. The costs of construction materials were also rising, slowing the progress of construction in industrial zones and negatively impacting business expansion plans of enterprises.

Year-on-year growth in industrial output in Hung Yen alone in the first quarter of this year remained at 23.7%, lower than the anticipated growth of 26%.

Khu urged local authorities at last week’s meeting to commit to supporting local enterprises and to ease administrative burdens on them.

In response, officials of Hai Duong Province pledged to set up a fund to finance enterprises as needed to help them guarantee stable business operations.

Khu also said his ministry has requested Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) to ensure sufficient power for producers and that the Government was committed to developing infrastructure such as roads and water supplies, as well as telecommunications capacity.

Administrative procedures have been streamlined to ease costs for enterprises, but companies still complain of being regularly audited by authorities. Many businesses also felt confused and uncertain over recent and expected changes in tax policies, said Ngo Van Thong, a representative of the Hai Phong-based International Co Ltd.

High productions costs are passed directly through to consumers and are a major factor in Vietnam’s rampant inflation. The consumer price index in March rose at its highest pace over a two decades, hitting 19.39% year-on-year, according to preliminary statistics from the General Statistics Office.

(Source: Viet Nam News)