India plans to double exports by 2025. In view of the challenges like uncertainty of global trade, rigid approach of banks which affects availability of credit, high logistics cost and productivity standards and qualities, exports can create jobs, bring in foreign exchange and validate India's international competitiveness.

The focus will be on 12 identified sectors for promoting their development, and realizing their potential. A special strategy is being prepared for the services sector to achieve broad-based growth instead of the existing pre-dominance of IT. New structures, policies and action plans will be formulated for the services sector. India will be promoted as a services hub.

Attention will be given to gems and jewelry, leather, textile and apparel, engineering sector, electronics, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharma, agri and allied products and marine products. Apart from traditional markets the country will look at boosting trade with smaller countries and explore new territories like Africa, which has 54 countries but accounts for only eight per cent of exports from India. Needless to say, a massive opportunity is presented by China's consumer market.

India has acceded to the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. An action plan containing specific activities to further ease bottlenecks to trade has been prepared.