NEW DELHI, March 3: Different technology-based services should have either individual or joint export promotion councils (EPCs) for the promotion of capabilities and export opportunities,, according to a study conducted by HAC Prasad and Vijaya Katti of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT).Besides, automatic approval should be given for export-oriented technology-intensive services units in export promotion zones, according to the study sponsored by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
The study on "Capabilities and export opportunities in select non-conventional technology-based services" has covered a wide range of subjects including satellite mapping, standardisation and quality assurance services, printing, maintenance, technology-intensive educational services and super specialty hospitals and related services. It suggested that a separate chapter on services should be included in the export-import policy of the country.
For services like healthcare and education, thereshould be lower export obligations. Besides, under the export promotion credit guarantee scheme, services like healthcare and education should be covered under a domestic supply obligation, the IIFT study has suggested. Export finance based on actual orders and market development assistance depending on the scope for exports of particular services should be made available.
On various matters, including cross-border supply of services, restrictions like economic needs test, accreditation rules, movement of natural persons under the World Trade Organisation, instead of piecemeal negotiations, the study suggests a general round of WTO negotiations.
It suggests that Indian super speciality hospitals should start tie-ups with health insurance firms of developed countries. There is also a need for focus on the US market besides neighbouring countries of south Asia, south-east Asia, Gulf countries and Africa for supply of super speciality services. Mexico and Jamaica can be used as platforms to capture the USmarket.
There is a need to relax foreign exchange controls in SAARC and Indian Ocean Rim countries for medical expenditure overseas.
The study has mainly examined two issues: The supply base and external market opportunities. This was done for the six sectors--super speciality hospitals and related services, satellite mapping services, standardisation and quality assurance services, printing services, maintenance services and technology-intensive educational services.
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