IGI Logo

Southern India Mills' Association (SIMA) Chairman S K Sundararaman has said that textile and clothing sectors must have a holistic approach with a long-term vision not only to grab the space vacated by China in the textile trade but also to achieve a sustained growth rate. He noted that textiles and clothing industries are the second largest employment provider after agriculture generating Rs 30,000 crore as Goods and Services Tax revenue and $44 billion foreign exchange earnings.

Sundararaman said the Association would strive to address structural issues and enhance global competitiveness. He also said the NDA government has been giving major thrust for enhancing the global competitiveness of the textiles and clothing industry and addressed several issues. However, he said the policy pitfalls in certain areas and delay in strengthening the raw material base, refunding government dues have been affecting the industry to achieve a sustained growth rate. He also said though several States provide attractive incentives, there is an undue delay in disbursing the committed benefits on time resulting in several financial stress for the new investments made. 

SIMA Chairman urged the Union Minister of Textiles Piyush Goyal to exempt VSF (viscose staple fibre) imported under the Advance Authorisation scheme and all the special and value-added fibres and filaments are not manufactured in the country immediately. He expressed hope the free trade agreement with the United Kingdom and the European Union would enable the country to double its exports.