Lower freight cost, develop MMLP infra: CII

Industry body, The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the government to lower freight and power costs for exporters and set up a shipping regulator, to promote outbound shipments, said reports.
CII also suggested to fast-track establishment of an export promotion body. “There is also a need to do an internal export promotion and marketing exercise to get more businesses on the export markets,” said CII. “Can we consider lower freight and power costs for exporters? It is not required to have subsidies but calibrated rates so that exporters are not cross subsidizing other consumers. In this regard, including electricity costs under GST could be a way out to lower tax incidence. The government can consider a carve-out under the national logistics policy for investments in trade-related infrastructure. States should be encouraged to work on industrial park infrastructure, connectivity modes and faster clearances. Last year, Indian exporters faced huge issues due to shortage of containers and high freights charges. With situation stable now, we should have our own shipping regulator and shipping line, which can protect Indian exporters during such turbulent times,” said CII spokesperson.