Nath bats for GAP's Indian suppliers
Commerce and Industry minister Kamal Nath has said that the Indian suppliers to GAP, which has been accused by a UK journal of employing children, has informed that they are not using child labour.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: Commerce and Industry minister Kamal Nath has said that the Indian suppliers to GAP, a US apparel supply chain, which has been accused by a UK journal of employing children, has informed the ministry that they are not using child labour and their plant has been inspected by the company.
Speaking to the media at a Global Forum on Tuesday, the minister said: “The biggest suppliers have informed us that GAP officials have seen their plants and applauded their manufacturing practices.”
GAP has withdrawn garments sourced from Indian vendors from its European and American stores following reports that child labour is employed in the manufacturing of the products. Denying these charges, the Indian government has warned Europe of possible retaliatory steps.
He said that such accusations could be a form of non-tariff barrier being imposed by the developed countries on India. "I am seriously concerned over these reports. There would be pressure on the Indian government to take retaliatory measures," Mr Nath said. The minister also reiterated that while India wanted to be part of the solution to the present deadlock in the trade talks, it will not compromise the interests of its poor farmers to strike a deal.
"Where we are today, it is closer than ever before to closing the Doha Round. In the next two months, I hope we will be able to find some convergence in it," the minister told industry leaders at the conference by US business magazine Fortune here.
He said India’s main concern was on the issue of agriculture and unless its sensitivities were taken on board, it would not be able to exercise flexibility in other areas. Mr Nath said he was willing to negotiate commerce but not willing to negotiate subsistence farmers and livelihood security.
Speaking to the media at a Global Forum on Tuesday, the minister said: “The biggest suppliers have informed us that GAP officials have seen their plants and applauded their manufacturing practices.”
GAP has withdrawn garments sourced from Indian vendors from its European and American stores following reports that child labour is employed in the manufacturing of the products. Denying these charges, the Indian government has warned Europe of possible retaliatory steps.
He said that such accusations could be a form of non-tariff barrier being imposed by the developed countries on India. "I am seriously concerned over these reports. There would be pressure on the Indian government to take retaliatory measures," Mr Nath said. The minister also reiterated that while India wanted to be part of the solution to the present deadlock in the trade talks, it will not compromise the interests of its poor farmers to strike a deal.
"Where we are today, it is closer than ever before to closing the Doha Round. In the next two months, I hope we will be able to find some convergence in it," the minister told industry leaders at the conference by US business magazine Fortune here.
He said India’s main concern was on the issue of agriculture and unless its sensitivities were taken on board, it would not be able to exercise flexibility in other areas. Mr Nath said he was willing to negotiate commerce but not willing to negotiate subsistence farmers and livelihood security.
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