Economic Survey 2011-12: Growth to pick up; rates to come down

Following are the highlights of the Economy Survey 2011-12, a report card of the Indian economic scenario for current fiscal, presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in Lok Sabha today:

* The country's economic growth estimated at 6.9 per cent in the current fiscal; growth momentum to pick up in next two fiscals to 7.6 per cent 2012-13 and 8.6 per cent in 2013-14.

* RBI expected to lower policy interest rates, as inflationary pressures expected to ease in coming months; A low interest rate regime to encourage investment activity and push forward economic growth.

* Steps required for deepening of domestic financial markets, especially corporate bond market and attracting longer-term inflows from abroad; Efforts at attracting dedicated infrastructure funds have begun.

* The growth rate of investment in the economy is estimated to have declined significantly; borrowing costs up due to a sharp increase in interest rates.

* High borrowing costs and increase in other costs affecting profitability and internal accruals.

* Slowdown in Indian economy largely due to global factors, as also because of domestic factors like tightening of monetary policy, high inflation and slower investment and industrial activities.

* Inflation high, but showing clear signs of slowdown by the year-end; Whole-sale food inflation down to 1.6 per cent in January 2012 from 20.2 per cent in February 2010.

* India remains one of the fastest growing economies of the world; Country's sovereign credit rating rose by a substantial 2.98 per cent 2007-12.

* Exports grew by 40.5 per cent in the first half of this fiscal and imports grew by 30.4 per cent; Foreign trade performance to remain key driver of growth.

* Forex reserves expanded further, covering almost the entire external debt stock to the country.

* Foodgrains production likely to cross 250.42 million tonnes; largely on back of increase in rice production.

* Agriculture and Services sectors expected to perform well; Industrial growth pegged at 4-5 per cent and improve further as economic recovery resumes.

* Global economy remains fragile and concerted efforts needed to restore stability and renewed growth; Steps needed for sovereign debt crisis, financial regulation, growth and job creation efforts and energy security, globally.

* India much more closely integrated with world economy' share of trade to GDP of goods and services has tripled between 1990-2010.

* A progressive deregulation of interest rates on savings accounts to help raise financial savings and improve transmission of monetary policy.

* Sustainable development and climate change becoming central areas of global concern and India too is equally concerned and engaged constructively in global negotiations.