Goyal pitches for FTAs, economic partnerships to boost textile sector

Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday advocated free trade agreements with different countries to increase India's textiles presence globally which is less polluting and promotes circular economy.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY

India has been actively considering the possibility of joining comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAS) and free trade agreements (FTAS) with the United States, the European Union and others. However, civil society organisations termed these FTAS as problematic and they believe such pacts can harm India.

For instance, India is discussing formally joining the US-led trade bloc Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. Critics say such a deal would impact India's domestic policy space on agriculture, labour environment, among others. The Minister said by entering into these agreements, India aims to tap into new markets, increase exports.