Gupta said that the fabrics constituted nearly 50 per cent of the exports, yarns 30 per cent and made ups 17 per cent of the total exports. The share of the European Countries (EC) in exports was as high as 39 per cent while that of middle east was around 29 per cent. Exports during the period was directed to 153 countries around the world.

Dwelling on the current export scenario, the SRTEPC chairman pointed out that growth during the first five months of the current year (April-August 1999) was over five per cent over the comparable period of 1998 and was around Rs 1,819 crore. He admitted that the percentage of growth of exports was less than what had been anticipated, but expressed hope that in the coming months exports would register a smart recovery and achieve the target of Rs 4,687 crore for the current year.

Elaborating on the global scenario, Gupta pointed out that the Indian exporters would have to face challenging times ahead in view of the regional trade blocks, protectionist trade policies, quota restrictions and tough competition from new entrants.

The focus in coming years in the man-made fibre sector would be on polyester, as it was expected to become the single largest type of fibre by the textile industry worldwide.

The chairman called upon the Indian exporters to upgrade their technology, modernise their plants, keep abreast of the latest trends and produce sophisticated and value added products in order to remain competitive and successful.

He stressed the need to focus on long term goals with clear cut strategies instead of resorting to inter-se competition which might be profitable in the short run but would be ruinous in the long term, he added.

Gupta, while admitting that the various export assistance schemes of the government have helped exporters in boosting trade, pointed out various deficiencies and problems at the grass root level in the smooth working of the schemes. In this connection he drew attention to one of the major grievances namely denial of refund of yarn stage duty ever since the authorities changed the excise duty structure from ad valorem to compounded levy on stenter basis from December 16, 1998. He added that despite many representations the matter has not not been resolved yet. He also expressed concern about complaints being received from exporters regarding procedural delays in the grand of licences, DEPB benefits, refund of rebate on exports, Gupta added.