SUBSIDIES
replies to Questions[1]
from australia Regarding the
New and Full Notification of INDIA[2]
The following communication,
dated 24 October 2014, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of India.
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Marine Fisheries Infrastructure
Subsidies
India indicates that these are a
centrally sponsored schemes providing port infrastructure to state governments.
India
has previously indicated that these programs are implemented via state
governments and other agencies on the basis of project proposals.
Question 1
·
Could
India
clarify the types of infrastructure that is provided through the investment
grants; for example, does it extend to providing fisheries processing
facilities?
Reply
This is a Central Government
scheme, which is implemented through the concerned State Governments and Union Territories
(UTs). The scheme is largely intended to improve socio- economic conditions of
the marine fishing community. The scheme is for creation of infrastructure
facilities for safe landing and berthing
of fishing vessels lying along country’s coastline, processing and preservation
of quality fish, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring food safety.
Page 30, Sea Freight Assistance
for export of specified value added products
Australia understands that the rate
of assistance provided to India’s
exporters varies by its port of destination and value of the export.
Question 2
·
Could
India
therefore confirm that subsidies under this program increase with the volume of
export and are dependent on the level of value added?
Reply
The
Sea Freight Assistance Scheme is not linked to the volume of exports. Assistance under the scheme is linked to export of specified value added product
to specified market.
Question 3
·
Could
India
clarify whether there is a condition for receipt of sea freight assistance
which prohibits the trade from marketing imported fish products?
Reply
Assistance under the scheme is given for products that
are produced in the processing plants in India.
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