SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN ASKS GARMENT INDUSTRY
TO PREPARE FOR THE POST QUOTA REGIME
INDIA
INTERNATIONAL GARMENT FAIR OPENS
The Minister for
Textiles Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain has said that the Government
is taking steps to increase the competitiveness of textiles in
the global market in the post quota regime. He was speaking after
inaugurating the India International Garment Fair 2003 here today.
He said, as per the WTO, the world clothing trade is about 200
billion US dollars, while the Indian textile exports during the
last year is 11.8 billion US dollars. Therefore, there is immense
potential for the Indian garment exporters. He asked the garment
manufacturers and exporters to gear up for bigger pie in the world
market after the quota regime ends in 2004.
He said, the Government
is taking measures necessary for attracting requisite investments
and growth in the textile sector. The Minister said, the Government
is constantly monitoring and reviewing export scenario and identifying
measures to enhance the export competitiveness of Indian textiles.
He said, some of the important steps taken by the Government include
putting in place a growth oriented fiscal duty structure, broadening
of tax net, overall reduction of excise duty and establishment
of CENVAT chain through out the production chain. Shri Syed Shahnawaz
Hussain said, the import of a large number of textile machinery
items has been permitted under concessional customs duty to reduce
the capital cost of manufacture.
He said, a scheme
for setting up of integrated apparel parks has been launched.
This will enable the de-reserved readymade garment industry to
set up modern units with the best infrastructure. So far nine
project proposals have been sanctioned for setting up of apparel
parks. While unnecessary controls and restrictions have been removed,
technological upgradation is sought to be achieved through providing
funds through Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS). A grant
of Rs.15 crore has been released for construction work of Apparel
International Mart (AIM) at Gurgaon. The AIM, when fully commissioned
in the next few months, will provide a world class facility to
the apparel exporters to showcase their products and will serve
as a one stop shop for reputed international buyers.
The India International
Garment Fair has attracted over 200 participants from home and
abroad in various segments.
