Exporters should make use of the several incentives and simplified procedures announced recently by the Union Government under the export policy (2015-20) and double the export earnings, according to R.R Padmanabhan, Director of Exim Academy, Chennai.

He was delivering a lecture at the one-day awareness programme organised here on Friday by the local office of the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

He said two schemes were introduced - the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme and the Services Exports from India Scheme - making it mcuch easier for the exporters. For the first time, a clear policy had been laid down for defence exports. "Most countries are exporting arms. India too should enter the market," he said.

He advised the exporters to familiarise themselves with the new rules and regulations and make extra proft of at least 5-10 per cent. SEZs are also eligible for the incentives and e-commerce has also been included.

Radha Raghuramapatruni, associate professor, Gitam University, said exports from India were suffering on two counts - pricing and quality. The cost of production was high in India due to various reasons and on the quality side too there were complaints.

The new export policy was intended to address these issues and it should be the aim of exporters to export zero-defect products.

N. Pardhasaradhi, Director of Kripa Exim Consultants, Hyderabad, said it was unfortunate that even star export houses did not pay heed to Exim documentation and procedures. Indian exports were also suffering on that count, he added.

Earlier, C. Rajendiran, Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, who inaugurated the programme, said exporters should grab the opportunity and capture the overseas markets.

P K Ghosh, the Joint Director-General of Foreign Trade, gave the keynote address.

sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in