Stone sector told to gain competitive edge

In view of the changing economic policies of various countries, due to open market dynamics, the Indian stone industry has to collectively work hard to compete globally in terms of quality, A Uma Madhava Reddy, the minister for mines, said here on Monday.

Briefing the media persons on the ensuing Stone India 2004, to be jointly organised by Stone Association of India and Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation at Hitex International Centre from January 31 to February 2, she said that of the total exports, rough blocks contribute around 70-80 per cent, with the rest coming from processed stones.

She stressed the need to raise the share of processed stones in exports.

"Rs 700 crore worth granite exports are carried out from the state, and a 30 per cent growth can be achieved every year," she said, assuring that the government would provide all help to the industry.