New Delhi, Mar 28 (KNN) In a move which will improve trade relations with the Republic of Maldives, the Indian government has allowed the export of certain quantities of river sand; stone aggregate; and pulses with certain annual ceilings under the bi-lateral Trade Agreement between the two governments.

“Export of the quantities of Stone Aggregate with the annual ceiling of 5 lakh MTs in 2014-15; 5.5 lakh MTs in 2015-16; and 6 lakh MTs in 2016-17 has been permitted for export to the Republic of Maldives...,” Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

Construction aggregate is a broad category of coarse particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geo-synthetic aggregates. Aggregates are the most mined materials in the world.
 
Aggregates are a component of composite materials such as concrete and asphalt concrete; the aggregate serves as reinforcement to add strength to the overall composite material. 
 
Earlier, the export of stones aggregates to Maldives was restricted by the government, which was lifted recently.

Further, export of the River Sand also known as construction sand with the annual ceiling of 2 lakh MTs in 2014-15; 2.5 lakh MTs in 2015-16; 3 lakh MTs in 2016-17 has been permitted for export to the Republic of Maldives under Bi-lateral Trade Agreement between Government of India and Government of the Republic of Maldives, according to DGFT.
In another notification, DGFT said, “Export of pulses to the Republic of Maldives has been permitted for the years 2014-15 to 2016-17…”

In 2014-15 - 87.85 MT of pulses can be exported; in 2015-16 – 96.63 MT; while in 2016-17 - 106.29 MT of pulses can be exported to Maldives.  (KNN/SD)