Centre assures funds for coir industry from India Brand Equity Fund

Alappuzha, Jul 24 (UNI) The Central Government will positively consider release of funds from the 'India Brand Equity Fund' for coir exporters to develop a unique brand, union Commerce Secretary Gopal Krishna Pillai said today.

Addressing a gathering here after handing over the prestigious 'Geographical Indications Certificate' for 'Alleppey Coir' to Coir Board Chairman A C Jose, Mr Pillai stressed the need for the coir industry to opt for a branding exercise to secure a decent value in the global as well as domestic markets.

Commenting on the importance of quality and design, he exhorted the coir exporters to develop specific designs to meet the taste of the discerning buyers.

He assured the exporters that the commerce ministry would keep their problems in mind while negotiating trade pacts at multilateral and bilateral fora.

Earlier, Mr Jose detailed the action taken by the Coir Board to redress the problems of the exporters.

The meeting was followed by a technical workshop on 'Fast Changing Scenario of Coir Export Realm'.

UNI