(a) whether a task force has been constituted to suggest ways and means for improving exports;  (b) if so, the terms of reference and composition of the task force;  (c) whether the task force has submitted its report to the Government and if so, the details of suggestions/recommendations made by the task force;  (d) the follow-up action taken thereon; and  (e) the other steps being taken by the Government to reduce export costs and make Indian goods competitive in the global market including speedy clearance at major ports and reduction in port charges and freight rates? ANSWER MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI ANAND SHARMA)  a) to e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.  STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 160 FOR ANSWER ON 7TH MARCH 2011 REGARDING “TASK FORCE FOR EXPORT IMPROVEMENT”  (a) and (b) Yes, Madam. A Task Force on Transaction Cost was set up by Ministry of Commerce and Industry in October, 2009 to assess the procedural complexities affecting India’s exports and to suggest remedial measures to reduce transaction cost. The terms of reference and composition of the task force are given in Annexure –I.  (c) and (d) The report of the task force has been released on 08.02.2011. Task Force has made 44 recommendations concerning various Ministries / Departments. 21 recommendations have been implemented and two recommendations are likely to be implemented shortly. Remaining 21 recommendations are under consultation with the concerned Ministries /Departments for agreement / implementation. The details of 44 recommendations are provided in Annexure-II.  (e) The Government has announced a number of steps from time to time to reduce export costs and make Indian exports competitive in global market. This includes announcements made in Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2009-2014, on 27.8.2009, Annual Supplement to the Foreign Trade Policy 2010 -11 on 23.8.2010 and certain specific measures on 11.2.2011. Speedy clearance at major ports and reduction in port charges and freight rates have been included in the recommendations of the task force.