‘GOOD RESULT ON FTAs WILL BE SEEN SOON’

Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways Darshana Vikram Jardosh on the road ahead

► The government has set very ambitious export targets. Are these feasible and achievable?

These targets are very much feasible because they have not been decided unilaterally. We reached these numbers after consulting many stakeholders and industry people. We spoke to industry [players] irrespective of turnovers. We spoke to a company with over `100 crore of turnover and we spoke to a smaller company with less than `50 crore of turnover as well. These are not rosy targets, but reality.

► How do you see the potential of the textile sector?

The first basic change we have realised is [that we need a] change in strategy. Earlier, we were planning to boost exports on the basis of cotton because it constitutes a dominant share in textile exports. But the entire world is now using man-made fibre. So we thought if we want to catch the global market, we have to produce things keeping in mind global demand. There is huge demand for fabric, man-made textile and technical textile. We are exploring and trying to boost exports in every way.

► There is demand from the industry for free access to markets, FTAs and

“Textile export targets are very much feasible. We reached these numbers after consulting many stakeholders”

PTAs. What is happening on this front?

Lots. The ongoing discussions with various countries will yield results soon. We have also involved the National Institute of Fashion Technology for boosting exports of the textile sector. As far as FTAs are concerned, all I can say is that in the coming months, there would be a very good result.

► Integrated textile parks have been set up in the past as well. How will you ensure they succeed this time?

States would have to support these parks. They will have a 51 per cent stake in them. The Centre will provide financial support only. Wherever we will find a 1,000-acre stretch of land, we will work in collaboration with the state and industry to set up these textile parks.