There is a concerted move by China to subvert Indian economy through underhand dealings, according to international shipping magnates and experts.
This came to light on Friday as persons privy to logistics, exports and container business told The Pioneer that the knitwear industry in Tirupur has been targeted by their counterparts in China.
“We are doubling the production with the active help of Centre and State Governments to meet the increase in demand from USA and Europe. Buyers in these countries are impressed with the casual apparels manufactured in Tirupur which commands a premium because of the quality maintained by us. But all of a sudden there has been a severe shortage of containers in ports in South India,” said Raja M Shanmugham, president, Tirupur Exporters Association, an organisation, the constituents of which earn the country Rs 25,000 crore per year through exports. The TEA in its mission to generate three lakh additional jobs is making use of the concessions in lock down and working full time to meet the export orders. “But all in a sadden we are faced with severe shortage of containers. A 40 ft long container which used to cost us $1800 dollars a few months ago now cost $4,500. If it is emergency, we have to shell out another $1,500/,” said Sakthivel executive secretary, TEA.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Shipping and Ports, is faced with a major challenge which he alone would be able to resolve the issue to sustain the export and economic growth of Tirupur and Tamil Nadu, said TEA members. Raja Shanmugham has written to Sonowal highlighting the issue and requesting the intervention of the minister to help TEA tide over the issue.
China, in its mission to demolish India’s advantage in the knitwear sector is deploying all tricks in the game, according to shipping agents and port authorities. “We do not find any reason for the sudden shortage of ships as well as containers. If the TEA decides to send the consignment through air cargo, it would lose the advantage of competitiveness it enjoys in the global casual wear market,” said Shanmugham.
Published On : 17-07-2021
Source : Daily Pioneer
