NEW DELHI, Mar 31:
The Government on Wednesday extended the existing foreign trade policy (FTP) for six more months up to September 30 this year, according to a notification. FTP provide guidelines for enhancing exports to push economic growth and create jobs. On March 31, 2020, the government had extended the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 for one year till March 31, 2021, amid the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown. “The existing FTP 2015-20, which is valid up to March 31, 2021 is extended up to September 30, 2021,” the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notification. Exports during April-February this fiscal dipped by 12.23 per cent to USD 256 billion. Imports during the period too declined by 23.11 per cent to USD 340.8 billion, leaving a trade deficit of USD 84.62 billion. (PTI)