Plywood exporters seek govt backing to take on China

Tribune News Service

Yamunanagar, April 19

The plywood industry has sought the support from the government to beat China in the export of plywood and its products.

Manufacturers say Chinese plywood and products made of it, including furniture, dominate the international market. They, however, feel that this international market can become a huge market for Indian wood-based industry in the changed circumstances as after the Covid outbreak people’s preference for Chinese products may see a decline.

“India enjoys a good reputation internationally. Therefore, it is a better time to uplift the export of Indian plywood and its products,” said Devender Chawla, president, All India Plywood Manufacturers’ Association, in Jagadhri on Saturday.

He held a meeting with the association members residing across the country through videoconferencing to discuss about the steps needed to be taken for survival of this industry. The association has decided to seek financial help from the Centre.

He said so far, Indian plywood and its products were being supplied only in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

“If the Central Government supports the plywood industry financially and provides latest infra, we can capture the markets of Europe and Middle East, where the Chinese dominated before Covid outbreak,” he added.

Chawla said the annual turnover of the Indian plywood industry was Rs60 lakh crore, but it had tumbled due to limited resources and lockdown.

“The Indian plywood industry provides employment to 16 lakh people, therefore, the Centre as well as state government should come forward with a relief package, so that the industry can survive the losses suffered due to the lockdown,” Chawla added.