Consultations were held with the developed countries in 1997-98, and an understanding was reached with all of them, excepting the US, the Survey says. The revised phase-out plan envisages the elimination of quantitative restrictions in the next six years, starting from April 1, 1997. This will be done in three consecutive phases of 3 years, two years and one year with phase out being achieved in a balanced manner within each phase.

Formal and informal discussions with the US are also continuing to resolve the dispute, the Survey adds. The Survey says that in the modified Exim policy notified on April 13 this year, a number of items were moved from the negative/restricted to the OGLlist.