Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman has said, the Centre is taking steps to boost exports. Talking to reporters at Tiruchirapali in Tamil Nadu yesterday, she said that decline in exports is because of fall in global economy. She said, no licence is given for importing firecrackers and hence entry of foreign made firecrackers is illegal. The Minister said, the drive against foreign firecrackers will continue this year too.Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd Small and Medium Industry Association has appealed to Ms Sitharaman to intervene to bring changes in BHEL procurement policy. The 500 engineering ancilliary units in Tiruchirapalli is suffering because of recession and lack of orders.