Speaking on the sidelines of ‘Massmerize 2009’, a FICCI conference on fast moving consumer goods, Sharma said, “It is gratifying to note that the core sector industries have recorded growth during the last three months. The 6.5 per cent growth in June has been powered by improved production in cement, coal, crude oil and electricity. This is a clear indication that the economic stimulus packages are yielding results.”

In this context, Sharma also announced that a exporter friendly Foreign Trade policy would be unveiled in the second half of August. “We are moving ahead in consultation with the Finance Ministry to address the problems faced by the exporting community,” he pointed out.

Sharma said, the withdrawal of the wheat export order, okayed by the Group of Ministers this February, was his “considered decision” in view of the bad monsoon.

Dr Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI urged the government to implement GST as per current timelines; thorough enforcement of Trade Mark and Copyright Laws to reduce counterfeits, and protect the rights of the consumers and FMCG companies; reform labour laws to enable Indian manufacturers to improve efficiencies, serve Indian consumers better and also grow exports from India; take a re-look at the Legal Metrology Bill, various provisions of which are of concern to the industry and accord Industry status to modern retail and reconsider FDI norms in Multi Brand Retailing.

The inaugural session of the conference was addressed by Shantanu Khosla, chairman, FICCI FMCG Committee.