| FROM
THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
 |
Dear Member,
As suggested by the Executive
Committee, we have constituted a special sub-committee
on Exports. A meeting of this Committee was held
recently and I would like to recount some of the
recommendations made by them. Many of these Recommendations
would take us back to ACMA’s thrust area
of the early and mid 1990s- The Focus on Exports.
The Sub-Committee in its deliberations
felt that Exports were still not receiving the
priority that it should. Over the last 10 years,our
exports have shown a steady growth of about 15%
- 20% per annum. |
However, given a similar rate of growth
in the total output of the industry, the percentage
of exports to total production has remained stagnant
at around 10%. This should be a matter of concern to
all of us.
ACMA is committed to achieving an export
target of US $ 1 billion by 2005. While this is a reasonable
target and quite achievable, it would be very difficult
to breast the tape at the current rate of growth. We
have to make a concerted effort to increase the ratio
of exports to total output from the existing 10% to
at least 30% by 2005. The Sub-Committee also observed
that "exports" could no longer be seen as
an "additional" business avenue that contributes
incremental revenues and foreign exchange. It is no
longer the "cake" for industry. It is what
will contribute the "bread" for survival of
the industry in days to come. I fully endorse this hard
truth, once again.
Each and every member should have a
target to export at least 30% of the production by 2005.
Companies must, allocate more resources for export marketing;
participate in more international shows to seek new
opportunities. Constant up-gradation of quality and
productivity is, of course, an imperative. If ACMA members
can reach their individual targets, I am sure that as
an industry sector, we shall certainly be able to meet
out export target of US $ 1 billion. This will, significantly,
enhance our image in India’s business landscape.
We will then, also, become a force to reckon with in
the country’s economic and industrial decision
making process.
L Ganesh
President |
