Smriti Zubin Irani takes meeting of Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council

New Delhi, July 12, 2016: Minister of Textiles, Smt.Smriti Zubin Irani took a meeting of Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council on 11th July, in New Delhi to discuss problems being faced by the Indian Woollen Industry and steps needs to be taken for development of this sector at international as well as domestic levels.

Under the guidance of Shri Sushil Kaura, Chairman, Shri Rajneesh Ghai, Vice Chairman and Shri R. K. Gupta, Executive Director of the Council attended the meeting and given detailed presentation on export performance and other issues of the woollen sector to the Minister. The following major issues were brought to the notice of Minister: Exemption of Import duty on raw wool since India is fully dependent on import; Abolition of import duty on woollen textiles machinery; and Increase of duty drawback rates.

The Minister assured full support from the Government for solving the issues of the industry to boost the exports. The Minister also sought suggestions from the stakeholders for development of this sector so that more employment opportunities could be generated. Shri Ghai thanked the Hon’ble Minister for listening issues of the industry in a positive way.

The Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (W&WEPC) has been entrusted with the responsibilities to promote the exports of wool and wool blended products like woollen/acrylic knitwears, shawls, stoles, scarves, blankets, yarn, fabrics etc. Presently, the Council has more than 1000 members and it has been continuously undertaking various export promotional measures to project the considerable product range of wool and wool blended products, etc. in the major international markets. As a step to promote the exports, the Council is participating in international exhibitions in Kazakhstan, Australia, Germany and China during current financial year under Government scheme.