I am directed to enclose a ropy of letter No.11 /9/2063-RMTR, dated 18.07.2003, received from the Commerce Secretary and letter dated 25.07.2003 received from Director, Department of Commerce on the subject above. During the recent Commerce-Secretary level talks under Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISLFTA) on 18th July 2003 at New Delhi, the surge in copper imports from Sri Lanka and consequent serious injury it is causing to the domestic industry in India come up for discussion. The Sri Lankan side was informed that this rise in exports of copper is not due to genuine value addition of 35% in Sri Lanka but due to the circumvention of the value addition norms by some unscrupulous traders.

2. The Sri Lankan side has been requested to put an end to the export of copper strips and profiles immediately, and other items of copper (other than copper strips and profiles) within a period of six weeks from 18th July, 2003. However, the Origin certificates issued by Sri Lankan authorities on these items will continue to be honored till the time further instructions are issued from the Board.
 

Sd/-
(N. J. KUMARESH)
Under SECRETARY TO THE GOVT. OF INDIA
F. No. 467/69/2002-Cus. V