The Textiles Minister
Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain today received the performance of
various export promotion councils relating to the textiles sector.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Textiles
Shri Gingee N. Ramachandran, senior officials of the Ministry,
Chairpersons and Chief Executives of the export promotion councils.
In his opening remarks
the Minister said that during April and May this year, the exports
of textiles sector has gone down marginally by 1.1 percent,
although figures compiled informally suggest that the exports
have later picked up later registering a growth of 8 percent
during the first half of the year. Part of the decline in exports,
he said, is attributed to the strike by the power loom sector.
He hoped that during the next 6 months the exports are likely
to improve for the sector as a whole.
The Minister expressed
satisfaction that the cotton production this year is expected
to be very good which will benefit the sector. Shri Shahnawaz
Husain said in view of the ending of the quota system in 2004,
the export promotion councils should come up with new strategy
to increase exports from 2005 onwards. He said, to bring about
a better synergy between the manufacturers of yarn, fabric and
garments a 4 day event named ‘India Fashion Week’ is being organised
in March 2004. The event will bring together different players
in the entire chain of production of garments.
While expressing their
commitments to the targets fixed for them, the export promotion
councils expressed their concern over the rising value of rupee.
They pointed out that the rupee is still continuing to rise
making exports from the sector much more competitive in the
overseas markets compared to smaller countries and China. They
also brought to the notice of the Minister problems faced by
them in respect of customs and central excise.
