‘We will yield in other sectors only if we gain in textiles’
New Delhi: Opposing moves from industrialised countries for a “sectoral” approach with zero tariff on industrial products, textiles secretary SB Mohapatra has requested them to address the issue of tariff peaks on textiles, apparel and leather products as part of a formula so that significant market access for Third World can come about from the negotiations currently underway in Geneva on the subject. The overall tariff rate on textiles in the European Union was 17 per cent whereas in the US it was in the range of 14.9 per and 32 per cent on clothing, he said while speaking at a conference on “The Future of Textiles and Clothing after 2005,” held in Brussels from May 5-6.
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Exports of perishables from AP dip 40 per cent
Hyderabad: The SARS virus scare has hit exports from Andhra Pradesh. Export of perishables to South East Asian countries, especially to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, have been reduced by over 40 per cent due to cancellation of direct flights to Singapore by Air-India from Hyderabad. “Export of perishables, of which mangoes form the majority of the consignment, is facing problems in the state as there are no direct flights for taking goods. Cancellation of direct flights to Singapore by A-I is a major roadblock for exporters,” according to a government official. Mango exports from the state, which has just started after a dull note due to drought followed by the truckers strike, is seeing another hurdle due to no connectivity, the official said.
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