<h1>Commerce Minister Meets Export Councils to Tackle $191B Trade Deficit; Focus on Incentives, High-Tech Exports, SMEs.</h1> The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry chaired a meeting with Export Promotion Councils to address the rising trade deficit and explore ways to boost exports. With exports at US$ 300.2 billion and imports at US$ 491.9 billion, the deficit has widened to US$ 191 billion. Contributing factors include global demand decline, mining restrictions, and increased gold imports. Exporters requested expanded incentive schemes and streamlined clearances. The Minister emphasized high-tech and value-added product exports, aiming to reduce transaction costs through Electronic Data Exchange and 24/7 customs clearance. Focus was urged on SMEs, with further discussions planned with the Finance Minister and Prime Minister.