Govt is ready to help, says Amit Mitra to garment manufacturers in bid to boost quality of products

Kolkata: State Finance minister Amit Mitra has proposed to set up a Common Facility Centre (CFC) to uplift the garments industry of the state to international levels.

On Monday, during the 47th Garment Buyers and Sellers Meet organised at New Town, he asked the the authorities of West Bengal Garment Manufacturers and Dealers Association (WBGMDA) to join hands with the state government to make the garment manufacturing sector more advanced.

On Monday, Mitra said: "I came to know that you are exporting garments, especially children's garments to the Middle Eastern countries. Why not export it to USA or Europe? Please provide us with suggestions on how to make our products more advanced. The state government is ready to help."

Mitra also informed that within a short period of time, he, along with officials from Finance department will sit together and discuss how to develop the garments manufacturing system in the state.

He suggested that the manufacturers should use modern software based machinery to manufacture better products. The design and branding part should not be overlooked as well. He also suggested to train people working in the sector for better production of garments.

According to the minister and WBGMDA, Kolkata has emerged as the hub for children's garments. Several chain stores and retailers depend on the city for supply of 'kids' wear'.

In this regard, Mitra suggested to arrange a 'kids' garment exhibition' as there is no concept of such an event till date. Later, the minister informed that the state government is mulling to set up a CFC to uplift the training skills of the labourers working in the sector, as well as knowledge of designing and branding.

Private organisations or manufacturers can also take advantage of the CFC to uplift their business in Bengal, which will encourage them to invest more here, he said.