Apex exporter's body, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Monday applauded Anand Sharma, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry for historic WTO Bali trade package.

"Our countrymen, garment exporting community and the entire textile fraternity of India is proud of you for your frank and upright positioning of India’s concern in the area of food security to our people as well as support needed for Least Developing Countries (LDCs) for all round growth," said Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman AEPC, in a press statement.

"Your vision of having a strong India through fundamental rights to our people was well demonstrated and understood by the members of the Bali Ministerial meeting. It will be a game changer for the India's trade and will be a great facilitator and support to exporters in India," he added.

At the 9th Ministerial conference in Nusa Dua, Indonesia, WTO members Saturday approved a deal to liberalise the international trade norms. This is the first ever successful deal reached by the WTO since it was set up in 1995.

The new deal called "Bali Package" also allows developing countries like India to continue offering subsidies for their food procurement programme.

Dr Sakthivel, further said, "India's growing presence in the field of cotton manufacturing has been acknowledged worldwide and your support to some of the LDCs in the growing of this vital fiber would go in a long way in the positive image of country."

"The garment industry salutes you for your leadership role in the Bali Ministerial meeting," he added.