The Centre had kicked off the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to mark the 75th year of the Indian Independence, and as part of the drive, the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry was organising a ‘Vanijya Saptah’ from September 20 to 26.
The Theme for Vanijya Utsav was ‘Showcasing India a Rising Economic Force’. It was organised at Ahmedabad Management Association on Tuesday morning. IAS Shyamal Misra of Department of Commerce; Vice-chairman of Texprocil Sunil Patwari; Chairman of Chemexcil SG Mokashi, Minister of State for industries Jadgish Vishwakarma and Minister of State for Railways and Textile Darshana Jardosh were the panelists at the event.
Darshana Jardosh, Minister of State for Railways and Textile Industry said “The event is being planned with a target to enhance the State’s share of exports from the present 4 % to 10 % by 2030. The focus will be on the development of industries by attracting investments and promoting large-scale trade and commerce activities. The idea is to promote the export of the farm produce after value-addition. Plans are afoot to establish a processing park in every Parliamentary constituency in the State.”
Gujarat Cabinet minister for cottage industries and co-operation Jagdish Vishwakarma (Panchal) said, “To promote exports Make In India will be focused on. Challenges of exporters, producers, and all stakeholders of the export industry will be discussed and addressed through this event. This will also lead to collaboration, networking and more employment opportunities for people in Gujarat.”
Jardosh also addressed the concerns of traders on the proposed plan of increasing GST on textile from 5% to 12%. She said, “We will address the issue in the council and make best efforts to revive and support exporters and traders. The question on increased GST will be adhered to.” The GST Council recently effected several long-pending tweaks in tax rates including an increase in the GST levied on footwear costing less than ₹1,000 as well as readymade garments and fabrics to 12% from 5%.
Emphasising the promotion of exports she mentioned the traders’ funds stuck in exports due to Taliban conflict. She said, “The traders have not incurred a loss. The funds are stuck and we are hopeful that it will be procured at the earliest.” As a railway minister, she also reassured that the long-pending work of bullet train in the city will be done irrespective of support by the Maharashtra government.
