Letters: Change attitude

Apropos the report, "Exporters worried as orders plummet" (August 8), Indian exporters have overlooked the fact that the modern market environment needs to be closely monitored for conducting international trade successfully. It is obvious that quality products at cheaper prices will be in greater demand. The advantages of geographical location or being a global power does not guarantee commercial safety.

Indian exporters are trying to draw comfort from the past when our foreign trade was next only to China's while overlooking the competitive aptitude of smaller countries. Any commercial activity is risk-oriented, but closing down units and dispensing with labour to minimise costs is not a practical solution; this exposes the unwillingness of exporters to face the market. Instead, labour should be made incentive-oriented. This will create enthusiasm among the workforce and ensure their loyalty.

Import trade in raw material should be channellised to produce quality products for the export market. Products should be priced so as to cut profit margins for export trade and thus remain competitive in the international market. Exporters should not rely too much on government subsidy.

C Gopinath Nair Bengaluru

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