Even as the global exports of Indian textile continues to decline, representatives of nearly 20 associations met in Coimbatore and prepared a list of issues plaguing the industry. The list will be submitted to the prime minister.

Members of the meeting included representatives of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, Tirupur Exporters Association, Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council, Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills Association, and South India Spinners Association. They presented the requirements to economist and corporate advisor, S. Gurumurthy, to take them up with the Prime Minister and the PMO and advise them to implement policies to help the industry recover and take a major share in the global textile industry as projected by various international studies, including the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF).

Naushad Parikh, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, said that raw material supply and implementation of direct transfer of cotton subsidy to the farmers are some of their most important demands. He also said that India should negotiate and conclude various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to get better market access.

Shaktiveli, the President of Tirupur Exporters Association, said that FTAs with the European Union will double the export of garments. He urged the government to expedite the announcement of interest subvention.

Globally, textile industry has been passing through severe recession since April 2014. The speakers said that despite being the second largest employer in India after agriculture, textile industry does was yet to be given proper weightage.

Gurumurthy, after listening to the speakers, advised the experts to present more facts and figures, and analytical reports explaining their demands.