Textile industry stakeholders in Tamil Nadu have impressed upon the government the need for setting up a Textile Board in the state and a separate export policy in line with the foreign trade policy of the Centre. These were among the 10-point suggestions put forth by knitwear exporters of Tirupur for possible incorporation in the new Textile Policy of Tamil Nadu.

Exporters feel the establishment of a Textile Board with government and industry association as representatives would strengthen focus towards the development of textile industry in the state and a separate export policy in line with the policy of the Centre would help boost Tamil Nadu’s exports. The garment sector in Tirupur contributes to 11 per cent of the state’s export turnover. The industry feels there is potential to double this with friendly policy interventions.

The textile industry in Tamil Nadu also wants a Technology Upgradation Fund scheme providing 5 per cent interest subsidy or 10 per cent capital subsidy; a special package for the textile sector as in other states; capital subsidy for investment in effluent treatment plants; power subsidy to reduce the cost of treatment and processing charges; strengthening of infrastructure amenities; and incentives for setting up technical textile units in Tamil Nadu.