Gujarat on forefront in exports: DGFT

Urging exporters, especially in the textile sector, not to depend only on stimulus announced by the government, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) asked them to find a way out of the current slump in global demand.

Speaking at an open house organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) in association with Greater Rajkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GRCCI) in Rajkot, Shailesh Singh, zonal joint director general of foreign trade said that Gujarat had been on the forefront as far as exports were concerned.

Singh further stated that it has always been a policy of the government to encourage exports of finished product and not raw materials and urged the exporters to strive hard to earn foreign exchange by exporting value added goods.

Apart from officials from DGFT and members of FIEO, around 75 exporters were also present during the open house.

Talking about the meltdown, Vishal Chiripal, convenor of Gujarat chapter of FIEO said that despite recessionary pressure, the state has been able to resist the slowdown and is trying hard to maintain its economic growth and exports.

"There is tremendous potential in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, however it needs to be supported by Government policies," he added. Chiripal also urged the government to bring faster solutions to resolve exporter’s problems.

Dhansukbhai Vora, secretary of GRCCI informed that Rajkot is engaged in exports of engineering goods while Morbi is known for ceramic products while Porbander for bauxite exports which has made the state a formidable player.

"Around 14 industrial clusters have been declared by the government; many of which are in the southern region of India and just one cluster is in Gujarat. There is a huge potential in Saurashtra region, especially in Rajkot, to be declared as industrial cluster since it contributes more than Rs 1,000 crore of exports," said. Virendra Singh, joing director general of foreign trade, Rajkot.