I am happy to note that with the initiative of Hon'ble Union Minister of Textiles Thiru.Dayanidhi Maran, Ministry organized Indian Textile Young Entrepreneurs' Conference on development of SMEs through International JVs for the Young Entrepreneurs from Kongu Region in Tirupur on 14th December 2009. While addressing in the conference, the Hon'ble Minister was very positive, confident on the revival of exports and informed that the textile industry will have a boom time for next five years. He was optimistic will get doubled fron existing Rs.20,000 crores to Rs.40,000 crores by 2015. The Hon'ble Minister was ready to extend all the necessary help to the industry to regain its growth momentum and with this impetus, I am sure the exports from Tirupur and other regions will reach the envisaged export target.

In the first phase, the Minister had lead a delegation to Zurich in Switzerland,  Milan in Italy and Turkey. The leading Textile Machinery Manufacturer were invited to make investments in India. In the second phase, the Minister is leading a delegation to Frankfurt, Germany and Paris in France with a view to attract an investment in Technical Textiles. Consequently to all this promotional visit, with the initiative of our Hon'ble Minister, I hope the reverse meeting will also take place and that will result in JVs with SMEs, particularly Knitwear Sector.

On dyeing units issue, I thanked the Hon'ble Chief Minister for conceding our request and making announcement on releasing of grant of Rs.120 crore to CETPs constructed in Tirupur and also influencing Central Government for consideration of covering the interest paid amount of Rs.100 crore into bank loan, Rs.90 crore as Interest Subsidy and Rs.40 crore Capital Subsidy, Rs.30 crore under TUF Scheme and also for Moratorium in repayment of the Loan from 10 to 15 years. Subsequent to this announcement, I hope all sectors connected to the Knitwear garment sector will work together and see to that the knitwear exports from Tirupur will grow significantly.

I am happy to note that Knitwear Technology Mission (KTM) Building was inaugurated by AEPC Chairman Shri.Rakesh Vaid on 21st December 2009 in Tirupur. The KTM building houses a knitting Division, a Design Studio, Seminar Hall , Resources and Audiovisual Centre, and a wing to carry out research and development activities. The unique and first of its kind, KTM project was initiated last year by AEPC with the emphasis on developing new genre fabrics from man-made fibres and blends, active/functional apparel and also to promote technical textiles viz., medical textiles, home textiles and smart/intelligent . KTM would be a driving force for the growth of knitwear in the years to come since it would give adequate importance to product development using newer fabrics as well as  impart technical training to the businessmen in the sector. KTM will focus on engaging newer technology in manufacture, increasing the designing capability of knitwear sector aimed at higher value addition and also to bring round the year  business.

A.SAKTHIVEL
PRESIDENT