INDIA: Export promotion activities have doubled: AEPC.

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) organised a meet of exporters from western region in Mumbai on August 12 in which textile secretary Rita Menon was the chief guest. It was attended by over 120 leading garment exportes.

Council's chairman for export promotion Ashok Rajani said that export promotion activities have doubled this year by way of participation in foreign trade fairs. This is in tune with the government's guidelines.

Secretary general Vimal Kirti Singh said the textile ministry has responded proactively to AEPC's recommendations on financial assistance for social compliance, factory improvement programme, the Knitwear Technology Mission and skill development initiatives.

Chairman Premal Udani said the council made 16 presentations in the past two months on various issues like the Common Compliance Code, the Knitwear Technology Mission, restructuring of the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme, the National Fibre Policy, the Foreign Trade Policy, the proposed Indo-EU free trade agreement, AEPC's annual action plan and duty drawback rates.

Participating exporters raised the issues of high yarn prices, calibrated exports of cotton, high freight charges by certain airlines and round-the-clock operations for custom clearances.

Ms Menon complimented the AEPC for its administrative structure and proactive approach. She said the textile ministry helped in restoration of two per cent interest subsidy beyoing April 1, 2010.

The ministry has provided adequate ground for training of workers. It was sensitive to the council's recommendations on cotton exports which were suspended.

Referring to the Common Compliance Code, Ms Menon said the government will strive to counter by barriers from importing countries. She said the ministry is also restructuring the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme for the benefit of garment exporters.

The secretary appealed to exporters for providing information on their joint ventures so that constructive data on foreign direct investments can be collected. She said the government will support initiatives on brand creation and image building.

The Indo-EU FTA is on track and pending issues are being sorted out, she added.

Source : bharattextile.com