The Union Minister of Commerce, Industry & Textiles Shri Anand Sharma today reviewed industry-related issues with the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, in Kovalam, Kerala. Senior officers from the Department of Commerce and Industry, Government of India made presentations on National Manufacturing Policy, recent changes in Foreign Direct Investment regime, new guidelines for Special Economic Zone Policy, handloom and plantation sector, and eBiz Project.

On the issue of National Manufacturing Policy, Shri Sharma informed that three National Manufacturing and Investment Zones (Tumkur, Karnataka; Chittoor and Medak in Andhra Pradesh) have been given in-principle approval. “In-principle approval has been given to three NMIZs. I urge the state governments to speed up the process of establishing these investment hubs,” said Shri Sharma. The State Governments sought clarifications and expressed appreciation for changes in SEZ policy.

Representatives from Tamil Nadu raised the issue of the problems faced by Tirupur textile industry in the wake of the Supreme Court judgement. Shri Sharma assured the Tamil Nadu state government full support from the Centre to meet the requirements of the textile workers. Shri Sharma also informed that recent announcement of 21 new Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks has taken the total number of such Parks to 61. “A large number of these parks are in the Southern states of India. They need to take full advantage of the Scheme,” added Shri Sharma.

The Andhra Pradesh delegation was informed about the upcoming National Institute of Design and a branch of Footwear Design and Development Institute in the State.

All the State governments raised issues related to plantation and sought support for the sector. Shri Sharma assured them complete assistance for the same.

DS/RK

(Release ID :95095)

Support to textiles assured with investment zones approved and central assistance for plantation and manufacturing encouraged. Minister assured central support for textiles, plantation and manufacturing after reviews covering the National Manufacturing Policy, FDI regime changes, SEZ policy revisions and related initiatives. He announced in principle approval for three National Manufacturing and Investment Zones and urged states to expedite their establishment. The Centre committed assistance to the Tirupur textile industry and textile workers, noted expansion of the Integrated Textile Parks Scheme to 61 parks, informed Andhra Pradesh of upcoming design and footwear institutes, and promised full assistance for plantation sector concerns.