Jaya-PM meet: Issue of textile and garment sector on agenda

Coimbatore, Jun 12: Knitwear and garment manufacturers have urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalaithaa to take up the issue of textile and garment sector, especially relating to cotton and cotton yarn exports, during her meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi on Monday, June 13.

In a letter to Jayalalithaa, Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA) president A Shaktivel said Tamil Nadu has been occupying an enviable position in textile and garment production in a total value of Rs.75,000 crore in the Country.

The issue relating to permitting cotton and cotton yarn exports has to be addressed in clear policy to protect value added textile sector like handloom, powerloom, made-ups, woven and knitwear garments, in domestic and export front, he said.

Availability of bank credit in Rupee terms at seven per cent was needed to increase the competitiveness and exporting units preferred to have credit in Foreign Currency loan.

Besides, the industry wanted to draw Singh's attention to 10 per cent excise duty imposed on branded readymade garment, by which small-scale and low value garments manufacturers are facing difficulty, which has to be exempted for them,he said.

As the Prime Minister had assured he would take up the problem of Tirupur Dyeing units over pollution during recent electioneering,the issue which had been discussed by concerned State ministers and higher officials immediately after AIADMK government assumed office should be brought to his notice again, Shaktivel said.

PTI