A statement released by AEPC citing the apex body’s reaction to Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, states that the announcement of Foreign Trade Policy has brought the speculation to rest and has laid down clear road-map for exporters for medium to long term planning. The statement further stresses that though FTP 2015-2020, does strongly advocate concessions for labor intensive sectors, especially the ones favoring women workers, the incentives /concessions for apparel manufacturing industry, however, are missing in the policy announcements. While AEPC had recommended for announcement of 5 per cent Duty Credit Script for major market of US and the EU and a flat rate of 2 per cent for other countries, the sector has received 2 per cent reward only on 240 HS lines out of 398 lines. “Needless to say, if India misses a second opportunity now (the last one was immediately after Textile Quota phase-outs in 2005), it would be a body blow to Indian apparel exporters as rivals countries would occupy much larger share of traditional and non-traditional Global markets in next 3-4 years,” the report says referring to the existing incentives/concession and “ease of doing business” index. The Council’s demands for fixation of export obligation without over and above average has not been met. While the announcement of the continuation of 3% Interest Subvention Scheme to garment export industry has also not been announced although budget allocation for identified sector has been done for 2015-16. The statement also alerted that the Government has not given any indication about the finalization of pending of trade agreements like India-EU FTA, CEPA with Canada.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
