The textile and clothing export sector generated 43 per cent of the total employment in 2014. Even though overall export of cotton textiles declined by 0.1 per cent compared to fiscal 2013-2014, exports of cotton fabrics and made-ups registered a growth of 11 per cent and five per cent. Exports of value added products in the long run will lead to greater employment and higher level of investments.

The emergence of mega trade agreements being promoted by the US and the European Union among themselves, and other key trading partners like Korea, Vietnam and Japan, poses fresh challenges to countries like India. Therefore, it would be best if India takes an integrated approach rather than an ad hoc one while negotiating new FTAs or re-negotiating old ones.

Government policies need to ensure that all fibers are available at par or below international prices. Considering the infrastructural disabilities, cascading effect of un-rebated taxes, high cost of inputs and preferential benefits granted to competitors, the government has to play an important role by continuing export benefits for some more time.

The industry needs to accept that greater use of technology is not only shrinking markets, product cycles, deadlines, but is also simultaneously providing the industry with newer platforms for reaching out to its customers worldwide.