Now, China fakes Indian textile labels in Africa
25 Jun 2009
Textile exports from India to Nigeria fell 50 per cent in 2007-08, but Indian textile brands continue to sell in Africa thanks to Chinese exporters.
Textile exports from India to Africa and elsewhere have been on the decline amidst the global economic slump, but Indian textile labels still have a huge market in Africa thanks to Chinese exporters.
India's textile exports to Nigeria have fallen to around Rs119 crore in 2007-08, from Rs224 crore in 2006-07, but reports point to huge import of India-made textiles into the African country.
The report of seizure of textiles in Nigeria carrying 'Made in India' labels manufactured in China, come close on the heels of an earlier case of fake drugs bearing `Made in India' label sold in Africa.
The textile ministry has asked the commerce ministry to take up the issue with relevant authorities in Nigeria and China through diplomatic channels.
"We have informed the commerce ministry," textile secretary Rita Menon said. "We are aware of the unfair and unjust practices," she added, but she did not elaborate.
She also did not say what specific action the government proposes to take.