The other difficulty was the fluctuating prices of essential commodities in the world market - oil, wheat flour, rice and sugar. I was able to show in Parliament that between the last year and this year there has sometimes been an increase of about 58 per cent. However, President Kumaratunga has ascertained the principal points of strength in our economy. Phasing out of the multi fibre agreement is expected at the end of Year 2004. We will have to compete on our own merits.
Quotas are an artificial means of protection.
But I don't think there is any reason for us to feel apprehensive because our strength is our human resources. We therefore have to do only two things. We have to make provision for structured programmes of training for those in the garment and apparel industry. We also have to make provision for infusion of modern technology into the industry. That's why the government imposed a cess.