Earnest Attempt Being Made for Implementing GST: Commerce Minister

The government has been doing "enough work" on much expected Goods and Services Tax (GST) and every "earnest attempt" is being made for implementing it, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday.

At the interactive session with industrialists, organised by industry body FICCI in Chennai, she said, "We have started enough work on GST. Earnest attempt has been taken (for the implementation)."

"I cannot fix a time-frame now. GST will come. Sooner than later...," Ms Sitharaman said after hearing suggestions and requests made by several industrialists during the meeting.

Responding to a query about the free-trade agreements (FTAs) India had signed with several countries, she said the government would review all the pacts that have been signed. (Read more)

http://profit.ndtv.com/news/economy/article-government-to-review-foreign-trade-agreements-special-economic-zones-commerce-minister-504964

"All the FTAs are being reviewed essentially to find out what it has given. Mainly we are doing on whether FTAs are benefiting India or the other party," she said on her maiden visit to the state after assuming charge as the minister.

After meeting senior state BJP unit leaders, she chaired the marathon interactive session with industry officials later in the evening.