Published
Dec 2, 2019
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Textiles Minister Smriti Irani: Indian apparel exporters face disadvantage

Published
Dec 2, 2019

Indian apparel exporters are at a duty disadvantage in the European Union to exporters from countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, Union Government Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani told the Lok Sabha.

Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani - Modi Followers- Facebook


"Apparel exports from competing countries enjoy zero/ preferential access to European Union whereas India faces a duty disadvantage,” Irani wrote in a reply to the Lok Sabha (Parliament) in New Delhi on November 29, the Press Trust of India reported. “Besides Bangladesh and Vietnam have a large and productive labour force."

Irani listed Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as India’s main apparel export competitors in the EU. “India's exports of textile and apparel sector (including handicrafts) have increased from $39.3 billion (Rs 2.6 lakh crore) in 2017-18 to $40.4 billion in 2018-19," wrote Irani. Despite the increase in exports, Irani believes that the growth has been dampened by un-preferential trade deals. 

The Indian government has focused on textiles and apparel in its drive to increase domestic production and exports as part of its “Make in India” campaign. The initiative aims to reduce India’s trade deficit, create employment opportunities in the country, and help to preserve heritage crafts. 

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