Following Indo-American bilateral agreement signed on 28th December 1999 and subsequent visit of Mr. Clinton, Union Commerce Minister Mr. Murasoli Maran on 31st March has announced new Exim Policy of the NDA Government. All sorts of restrictions have been withdrawn on import of 714 new items.
Unrestricted import of a wide range of consumer goods including agro and dairy products bound to hit our domestic industry. Most of the products are manufactured in cottage and small-scale industries. Many of such industries are already facing problem in marketing their products and have fallen sick. They are going to loose further our domestic market even and are going to be closed.
Already we are facing with the problem of dumping of certain major items like coal, steel etc. Lifting of quantitative restriction on import will aggravate the situation further and destroy our domestic industries throwing a large number of workers and employees out of employment.
But USA has not withdrawn restriction on import of Indian products in their market. Over and above they are insisting on us to agree to include labour standard and environment with trade agreement. They have not agreed to transfer of technology, which is vital to us.
One can easily understand that Mr. Clinton has bagged a lot from us keeping our bag empty. Can Indians be happy in such friendship?

3rd April, 2000.