The council is also planning to sponsor trade delegations to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Until now there have been no concerted efforts to tap the export potential of the neighbouring countries. But at present, the council feels that the time is conducive, as both the economic and political political and economic environment has improved considerably.

According to the exporters, SAARC countries are likely to be better integrated in trade in coming years leading to mutually advantageous trade. Moreover, there is an expectation that Pakistan is likely to bestow its mostfavoured nation (MFN) status to India shortly, which would improve India's exports to that country.

Bangladesh is 12th and Sri Lanka is the 14th largest market for Indian fabrics and exports to these countries has immense potential especially after the Free Trade Agreement. Moreover, both the countries have strong garment sectors which import fabrics and yarns.

SRTEPC's promotional thrust during the current financial year will be to penetrate deeper into the existing markets and enter vigorously into new and emerging markets. The promotional campaigns include, focussing attention on the Latin American countries and to build a positive image of the country, apart from positioning India as a reliable supplier of quality synthetic textiles at competitive prices. India currently exports to 153 countries around the globe. The country's 84 per cent of exports are to non-quota countries while only 16 per cent exports account to quota countries. Quota trade is directed to the European Union covering twocategories -- 3/3A and 23. Exports to the US are also under quota.

India's nearly 45 per cent exports are directed to sophisticated markets of Europe, while the middle east and Gulf accounts for 25 per cent. Fabrics account for nearly 50 per cent of total synthetic and rayon textiles exports followed by yarn at 31 per cent. Grey fabrics account for only 17 per cent of fabric exports.

Exports of synthetic and rayon textile from India to countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has increased from Rs 21.10 crores and Rs 53.70 crores respectively in 1995-96 to Rs 66.24 crores and Rs 75.61 crores respectively during 1998-99.