India most active in initiating anti-dumping cases: WB

New Delhi, Mar 30 (PTI) Concerned over an increased level
of protectionism, the World Bank found India to be the most
active nation in initiating anti-dumping measures against
imports affecting 19 countries.

Setting an agenda for the London meeting of the leaders
of 20 developed and developing countries on April 2, the World
Bank report 'Trade Protection:Incipient but Worrisome Trends'
said both China and India have increased the rebate on duty
drawback system for exporters.

"...although the subsidy component is a matter of
discussion the timing of these measures raises questions," the
report said.

It said the developing countries initiated majority of
anti-dumping investigations with India accounting for 29 per
cent of such moves. However, the developed nations
accounted for the greatest number of duty impositions.

In December 2008, India had initiated anti-dumping
investigations, involving both hot and cold-rolled stainless
steel products, it said adding that in addition to Japan,
three developing countries -- China, South Africa and
Thailand -- were the target in both investigations.

The World Bank said the G-20 Summit on April 2 could
adopt additional measures to strengthen "the fragile consensus
against further protectionism. It could commit the greater
transparency by providing quarterly reports on new trade
restrictions and agricultural subsides to the WTO.

The G-20 could also agree to promote the use of standard
safeguard provisions in due of anti-dumping laws.

India has maintained that its anti-dumping measures
confirm to the WTO rules and it was not taking any
protectionist measures.

Commerce Secretary G K Pilai had said, "Those countries
which say that we are protectionists should realise that our
imports are growing at 19 per cent to USD 271 billion in the
period of great recession.".

India's imports during April-February grew by 19 per cent
to USD 271 billion compared to the same period last year. PTI
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