AEPC plans 24 Export Promotion Events in 2013-14 for boosting exports

India is expected to fetch additional business of US $ 3 billion- Chairman AEPC

Textiles Minister inaugurates 51^st India International Garment Fair

New Delhi, 15^th July 2013

Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao, Union Minister for Textiles inaugurates 51^st India International Garment Fair, here today. Secretary Textiles, Smt. Zohra Chatterj and Chairman AEPC, Dr. A Sakthivel also addressed the gathering. After the successful Golden Jubilee of India international Garment Fair (IIGF), 51^st IIGF spring/summer- 2014 opens up in New Delhi at ITPO Paragti Maidan. The 51^st IIGF will be from 15 -17 July’2013 at Halls Nos. 7D, 8 to 12 & 12A, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Dr A. Sakthivel, Chairman AEPC, commenting on the 51^st IIGF inauguration remarked, “We are very hopeful that 51^th IIGF will serve as a much needed platform and an opportunity for a large number of exhibitors and buyers from across the globe to interact under one roof. Response to the earlier IIGF had been commendable and this time too it will definitely provide the much needed fillip to the Indian Textile industry.”  IIGF is unique fair that brings together the best in Indian Apparel & Accessories, Fabrics– all under one roof.  The associations like AEMA, GEA, CMAI and GEAR are also participating in the 51^th IIGF.

“As Chairman, Export Promotion, Ministry of Textiles and my Board expect me to strive hard.  To achieve targets and meet our goal, we have targeted non-traditional markets like Chile, Uruguay, Columbia, Panama, Israel, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Denmark, Croatia, Estonia and Japan.  We are putting energies in making garment collection, fabric shows and BSM in India. 24 Export Promotion Events planned for FY 2013-14, including participating in 7 International Fairs, organizing 6 overseas Buyer Seller Meets, and 11 domestic export promotion events. July month has several important participations: Fatex Fair in Paris, France, Hong Kong Fashion Week Hong Kong and International Fashion Fair (IFF), Tokyo, Japan.  In August we are participating in the Sourcing at Magic, Las Vegas USA. BSM New York & Spain will follow.    Chairman AEPC informed.  

Dr A Sakthivel stated that, “Apparel exports touched of US $ 1240 million in June 2013-14 with increase of 12.13 per cent against the corresponding month of last financial year. Factory compliant manufacturing in India has surged with new and unprecedented export orders in the current season.  World renounced chain stores and international brands have preferred expanding their sourcing of the merchandise from India.  The flow of expansion of orders in India is expected to fetch additional US $ 3 billion business in the country!    India has been chosen as the best place due to the persistent improvement in factory capacity building through ambitious programme AEPC Common Code of Conduct – DISHA, an initiative of Ministry of Textiles. 

“As Chairman, Export Promotion, Ministry of Textiles and my Board expect me to strive hard.  To achieve targets and meet our goal, we have targeted non-traditional markets like Chile, Uruguay, Columbia, Panama, Israel, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Denmark, Croatia, Estonia and Japan.  We are putting energies in making garment collection, fabric shows and BSM in India. 24 Export Promotion Events planned for FY 2013-14, including participating in 7 International Fairs, organizing 6 overseas Buyer Seller Meets, and 11 domestic export promotion events. July month has several important participations: Fatex Fair in Paris, France, Hong Kong Fashion Week Hong Kong and International Fashion Fair (IFF), Tokyo, Japan.  In August we are participating in the Sourcing at Magic, Las Vegas USA. BSM New York & Spain will follow, Chairman AEPC informed.  

Another good news is, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India has approved AEPC as an Independent Agency for assessment and certification modules for non- MES courses under Component II of Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS).  AEPC has set a target of 4.84 lac assessments. AEPC is now setting up office, manpower and infrastructure to assess 4.84 lacs workers within 12^th five year plan. The Govt. of India has already approved the ATDC’s proposal to set up about 100 SMART centres to train over 40,000 youth and women in the next 2 years and 1.7 lakhs over the next 5 years.

Chairman AEPC, Dr. A Sakthivel, has welcomed the government supportive policy and expressed his happiness over meeting of demands of garment Industry. In his statement Chairman expressed optimism and hoped that it will help in boosting garment exports. “Measure like expansion of zero duty EPCG scheme, extension of TUFs benefits to EPCG, announcements on promotion of incremental exports and winding the ambit of market and product focus scheme, and extension of interest subvention till March 2014, etc will help in promotion of garment exports from India 

To enhance the garment export, I request the Hon’ble Minister for the following issues to be taken up:-

a)           Enlargement of the garment export basket by manufacturing garments (Knitted and woven) from fabrics which are not widely available in India – Issuance of duty credit scrip (offsetting custom duties) on import of specialty fabrics at the rate of 5% for the export performance in the year 2012-13 and in the entire 12th five year plan.

b)           To increase synthetic knitwear exports from India under the integrated skill development scheme (ISDS) by setting up of innovative research / resource centre.

c)           Policy intervention for overcoming major non-compliance in garment factories through two amendments in the factories act, 1948.

d)           Higher and assured three years direct financing to Apparel Export Promotion Council under market access scheme (Under chapter 3 of the foreign trade policy 2009-14 (Promotional measures in department of commerce).

e) The diesel for using in the Gen sets should be provided to the garment exporters at international prices.

f)             Calibrated exports of Cotton Yarn

g)           24x7 clearance of drawback shipping bills

h)           Separate chapter for getting export credit at fixed 7.5%, as done in the past

i)             15% Investment Allowance is now available for Project of Rs. 100 cores and above. It is requested that for the apparel sector, the threshold limit may removed. 

j)             Waiving of Service Tax on taxable service to in sub clause (zzze)  of clause (105)  of Section 65 of Finance Act on services to specified associations under (zzze) of Finance Act)  for the period viz. 16.06.2005  to 06.07.2009.   

Shri Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman Exports Promotion of AEPC, stated that, “ IIGF presents a blend of the traditional and the modern is the biggest ever event on Indian textiles featuring over 375 exhibitors and 2000 global buyers displaying diverse range of products from the entire length and breadth of the country. This fair will truly be a showcase of the strengths of the entire Indian textile industry. IIGF aims to provide the biggest platform in Asia to the exporters and the buyers. The event will showcase India’s huge potential as an exporting country and will offer a great variety for its global buyers.”

Many companies and buyers from across the world have come this time for the event. The one to one meeting and matching of buyers will be organized on the spot for the business generation. Every day there will be fashion shows for the promotion of products displayed. The list of products to be displayed includes in category of casual wear & city wear, high fashion & occasional wear, lingerie, specialty and sportswear.

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Regards,

 

Sameer Pushp

Senior Public Relations Officer