ECONOMIC PROFILE

GDP at current prices: US $ 294.55 billion (1997-98); 343.06 billion (1998-99), 377.06 billion (1999-2000)

Exports: US $ 32.44 billion (1997-98); US$ 33.2 billion(1998-99, provisional); US $ 37.6 billion (1999-2000)

Principal Exports: Traditional exports include cotton yarn and textiles, ready-made garments, leather goods, gems and jewellery and agricultural products. However, computer software, electronic goods and machinery constitute the most rapidly growing export segments.

Principal Markets: United States, Japan, UAE, Hong Kong and the EC countries.

Imports: US $ 41.48 billion(1997-98); US $ 42.4 billion(1998-99);  US $ 47.2 billion (1999-2000)

Principal imports: Capital goods, petroleum, oil and lubricants, chemicals, precious and semi-precious stones, fertilizers, iron and steel and non-ferrous metals

Foreign Exchange Reserve: US $ 42.198 billion (March 2001)

Foreign Direct Investment approved: US $ 49.84 billion (from 1/8/91 to 30/06/2000)

Per capita GNP (at 1993-94):  US $ 450.00 approx.

Balance of Trade:  US $ -9.613