Exports likely to grow over 18 per cent in 2000-01
Mumbai: Commerce minister Mr. Murasoli Maran has said that country’s exports were expected to exceed the targeted growth of 18 per cent in the current fiscal year ending March 31, but cautioned that a slowdown in the US could affect the outlook for next year.

India's merchandise exports grew 20.7 per cent to $35.65 billion in April-January from $29.54 billion a year earlier, but foreign trade analysts anticipate that a slowdown in the country's largest export market will have an impact on growth next year. The US accounts for 23 per cent of India's total exports and a slowdown could pull down export growth to less than 10 per cent.

Mr. Maran has said that said a bill will be introduced in parliament to protect the domestic industry from a surge in imports and a level playing will be created for industry through the Exim Policy for 2001-02.
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Garment units observe one-day strike
Mumbai: The garment industry observed a one-day strike on Wednesday to protest against the levy of a 16 per cent excise duty on readymade garments in the recent Budget. The action group for the removal of excise on the garment industry called the strike, which is expected to meet the finance minister later this week with a memorandum seeking withdrawal of excise duty hike.

The one-day strike, which paralysed the industry in all major cities and towns was observed by more than 50 lakh units, which include both manufacturing and ancillary units. The strike has resulted in an estimated Rs 60 crore loss to the exchequer. According to industry estimates, while the government would earn Rs 200 crore by imposing the excise duty, it would spend Rs 180 crore in collecting this amount. The industry consists of 2.5 million units and employs 5 million people.
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Centurion Bank to offer net banking
Bangalore: Centurion Bank has announced that it would offer Internet banking, mobile banking and a payment gateway to its customers from next month and is set to open 12 more branches in the country. The bank has entered into a strategic technology alliance with the UK-based Logica to implement various Web-based projects. The three banking products would enable the bank’s customers to undertake their daily banking requirements without having to visit the branch.
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