Vaghela calls for "Made in India" brand, quality products

Gurgaon, June 13 (UNI) Union Textiles Minister Shankersinh Vaghela today stressed the need for a strong Made in India brand, price parity for quality products and credibility in global markets for achieving the 50 billion US dollar export target by 2010.

Inaugurating the state-of-the-art auditorium at the Apparel House, Mr Vaghela said to give a push to the garment sector his ministry had extended the Textile Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) till March 2007, which provides loans at 5 per cent rate of interest.

''Indian exporter is our ambassador in the world, if he goes wrong it brings a bad name to the country,'' he said adding that Indian garment exports registered a 32 per cent growth last year clocking exports worth 8,200 million dollars.

He said ''our main competitor is China, but in many places India has overtaken it. Indian share in garment exports in the US is 26 per cent and in European Union 18 per cent at present.'' Mr Vaghela said, ''Apparel House will be the future venue for all overseas buyers and buying agents to source their merchandise as it will serve as a one-stop shop for all their requirements.'' The Minister also said that decisions on jute packaging order and textile cess will be taken soon.

The Apparel House, developed by Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), is spread over five acres of land and houses an Auditorium, Exhibition Area, an Art Gallery and 250 showrooms. The total cost of the project is Rs 63.62 crore. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 312 people.

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