MITI To Discuss Batik
Industry Development With Information Ministry
KOTA BAHARU, March 21 (Bernama) -- International Trade and Industry
Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed will soon meet Information, Communication
and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim for detail discussions on various
issues plaguing the batik industry and its foray overseas.
"The batik industry
needs serious attention and a strategic development plan come 2020," he
said, adding that issues like pricing of raw materials such as plain white
cloth, colours and chemicals, marketing and environment problems would be given
upmost attention.
"We realise that our batik exports are negligible at around RM160
million, annually, due to stiff competition from other batik producing
countries," he told reporters after a dialogue with batik manufacturers in
Kelantan last night.
There are more than 400 batik manufacturers in Kelantan but only 150
are actively involved in the business.
Mustapa was concerned if
the problem was left unresolved, the batik industry could end up becoming a
sunset industry with many manufacturers folding up their business.
Source: Bernama
Date: 21 March 2013
Afternoon Highlight (21/03//13/46/744)
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