In his address Mr. S. K Jain, Foreign Trade Consultant, stated that the annual supplement of the foreign trade policy for 2004-09 has offered sops to exporters which are needed because of rupee’s appreciation against the US dollar. The real surprise in the policy is the extension of the duty benefit schemes for exports to special economic zones (SEZs). The new amendments have now expanded the FMS to include 16 countries, of which 10 countries belong to the CIS region. Mr. Jain further said that the amendments have also brought about a semblance of accountability in the tax system by stating that efforts will be made to provide timely disbursement of CST, Duty Drawback and Terminal Excise duty and in case of delay, interest will be paid for the period of delay.