In spite of APEC Chairman Ashok G Rajani’s claims of fruitful outcome to the Council’s Iran visit, which saw eight members of AEPC’s executive committee (EC) accompanying the high-level delegation to the country, a complaint relating to the size and composition of the delegation, as well as the money spent on this tour, has been filed before the Ministry of Textile.
In spite of several attempts by Apparel Resources through mail and phone, AEPC’s PR agency could not be reached for comment. A total of Rs 60 lakh was reportedly spent by the delegation in the course of this tour.
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In a press release, the AEPC chairman stated that the warmth and positive attitude towards India, among the members of the trade associations and government representatives, augurs well for trade promotion between the two countries. Although, the economy and trade are still recovering from the impact of the sanctions, there is market for simple but stylish apparel products, which AEPC plans to tap.
In his compliant, one of the garment exporters maintained that holidaying at the cost of AEPC by select group of Executive Committee (EC) members is a glaring misuse of the Council’s funds. He went on to state that it was unnecessary for eight EC members to go on this trip, when a maximum of two to three members are required for such visits.
“It is beyond comprehension as to why such a huge delegation (of eight members, comprising four former and present Chairmen) needed to go at AEPC’s expense. The delegation members included those from the Northern Region as well as the Head Office,” the complainant stated.
