Editor & Publisher
Anurag Swarup Agarwal
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The weather has slightly been unkind, which makes the uncertain position of Indian garment exports somewhat unhappier. 2011, the Year that was has seen roller coaster ride though we had thought the tempo of garment exports would be achieved. Our hopes of maintaining a pace that could help us achieve the export target for the fiscal 2011-12 have dimmed as acknowledged by person no less than Chairman, AEPC, who expects the year to end with 15% lower than our annual target. A number of factors have gone into this. We have, as usual, reviewed the events during calendar year 2011, month by month, in our Cover Story, recording all important events, both national and international, impacting our garment exporting community.
The goof-up by the Government on the export figures being reeled out by different agencies has caused considerable confusion, even amusement. This subject has been discussed in a separate feature. Another feature on falling rupee sinking to new lows, and yet failing to cheer up our garment exporting community could not be more timely. A study warning of risks posed by chemicals in textile products is another danger lurking in the horizon, which should be better taken care of, suggests another feature.
A number of important international trade fairs are coming up, including Hong Kong Fashion Week and World Boutique, which proposes to promote exciting new design concepts. Tex-Trends India – 2012 is coming up at New Delhi from 19 through 21 January, 2012, in which 600 exhibitors are likely to participate. Previews of both these important events should be of interest to our readers.
The SME sector is indeed very important, but it needs badly the management inputs. TBM Consultancy Group has offered focused assistance which can help it to develop a competitive edge, so necessary for their survival. An interaction between Dileep Kulkarni of TBM Consulting Group and The Stitch Times explores the possibility of SME sector being assisted how and how much. This would be of interest to SMEs in garment export sector.
With our January 2012 issue, we have stepped in the 10th year of our being with you. It has been an interesting and challenging journey so far. It is our privilege to have been appreciated by you for our hard work and for speaking up on issues sensitive to the growth of the apparel industry and even survival. On this occasion, it is only befitting that we show to you - our valued readers - that we at The Stitch Times want to give you the best, in content terms as also in presentation. To further enhance your reading pleasure, we have made some path-breaking changes in the magazine's layout to give it a more international feel and appeal, in sync with your growing expectations of us. I am sure you would like our new look. Since this is your magazine, I would be delighted to incorporate your suggestions in making it even better. Do write in.
Notwithstanding the uncertain global economic outlook, my gut feeling is that we would sail through the difficult patch of low hope.
I join my colleagues in The Stitch Times to convey our Very Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year to our valued readers and advertisers.
Awaiting your feedback and suggestions.
Anurag Swarup Agarwal |
