Extension of interest subsidy scheme to boost exports: Prabhu


Chennai: Extension of three per cent interest subsidy scheme to merchant exporters will help them promote outbound shipments, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said.

“Inclusion of merchant exporters in the scheme is expected to make them more competitive, encouraging them to export more products manufactured by MSMEs adding to country’s exports,” Prabhu said in a tweet.

The government on Wednesday decided to provide three per cent interest subsidy to merchant exporters, entailing an expenditure of Rs 600 crore, to enhance liquidity with a view to boosting outbound shipments.

Sectors that will be benefited from the decision include agriculture, textiles, leather, handicraft and machinery. The interest equalisation or subsidy scheme for pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit started on 1 April, 2015. The scheme will end in March 2020.