Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Commerce, has called for a greater focus on strengthening the employment intensive export sectors.
"While inaugurating a National Consultation on Poor Women's Role in Global Trade, Shri Ramesh said “while looking at exports, the challenge before us now is not so much the increase in foreign exchange reserves but it is the generation of employment”.
Shri Ramesh drew attention to the recent study conducted by RIS, a Delhi-based think-tank which estimated that in 2004-2005, the export sector accounted for 9 million direct jobs and 7 million indirect jobs, making a total of 16 million jobs. The study has further estimated that this level of employment could be doubled in the next 5 years.
While commenting on these numbers, the Minister pointed out the two facets, which somehow do not get enough attention in trade policy. First, about two-thirds of employment relating to exports is in the unorganized, informal sector. Second, over 60% of employment in the export sector is of women.
Shri Jairam Ramesh highlighted 4 major initiatives taken by Department of Commerce in the last few months to integrate employment, exports and women's issues.
First, greater priority is being given to employment intensive sectors like leather, handlooms, handicrafts, agriculture, gems & jewellery and shellac and minor forest produce in the ongoing MDA (Market Development Assistance) and MAI ( Market Access Initiative) of the Department of Commerce which involve a total outlay of Rs. 100 crores in 2006-2007 for export marketing.
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