| The lack of a proper airport and other infrastructure facilities is hampering Surat's growth as an export hub of India.
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| "Surat deserves to be on the international map, but it is not properly equipped to do so. This is mainly due to the lack of a proper airport, and other infrastructure," Union textiles minister Shankarsinh Vaghela said on Sunday.
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| The city is home to several industries that have a good market overseas. Surat is a big centre for diamonds, jari and textiles.
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| Vaghela was speaking at the 64th annual general meeting of The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Dilip Chasmawala and Pravin Nanavati were appointed the new president and vice-president, respectively, of the chamber.
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| "Surat has grown immensely in the last few years. The best part is that people have migrated from other states and accepted Surat as their karmabhoomi," Vaghela said.
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| Talking about the apparel park projects, the textiles minister said: "The central government is releasing a grant of Rs 35-40 crore for each apparel park project. However, due to lack of concerted efforts on the part of the executing agencies, only one such park has been completed."
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| Vaghela said the central government plans to open a centre of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) at Surat. "NIFT, which is likely to get the deemed university status soon, has a sub-centre at Surat. In view of a strong demand from the textile industry, we intend to open a full-fledged centre of NIFT in Surat," he said.
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| Talking about the perceived threat from Chinese textiles, the minister said: "The Indian textile industry was caught in recession, but has been doing well of late."
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| "There is nothing to worry about the Chinese textile industry. The day the Chinese economy becomes a bit decontrolled, it will not be able to compete with India," Vaghela claimed.
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| "The US has already stopped imports of Chinese textiles. Other western countries are likely to follow suit. So, instead of worrying about China, the Indian textile industry should concentrate on achieving higher exports," he explained. |
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