Global Trading System Must Include Services Trade: Suresh Prabhu

Services trade is growing faster than merchandise and such dynamic changes need to be captured in the global trading system, stated Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation. He was speaking at the 6^th Growth Net Summit, being held in New Delhi.

Services trade requires movement of people, unlike merchandise trade, said the Minister. He stated that India is aiming at a $5 trillion economy by year 2026-27 and goods and services exports are targeted at $1 trillion of this. Over the last year, goods and services exports grew by over 12%, he noted.

The government is working on a comprehensive strategy to boost services exports and $1 billion will be spent to promote 12 champion services sectors. For the first time, a strategy of products in new markets is being developed. Exports are also being promoted in regions like Africa, Latin America and Central Asia, added the Minister.

Noting that the World Trade Organisation was created as part of a rules-based, multilateral, democratic and participatory institution for expanding global trade, he said that countries have recognized the value of global trade for fostering growth and creating jobs. India is working with other countries to ensure that WTO remains relevant, he said.