Surat, May 21 – The Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA) reviewed 2,750 trade-related complaints amounting to over ₹170 crore during a Board of Directors meeting held on Tuesday evening at the FOSTTA office. The complaints have been categorized into two sections: those filed by FOSTTA members and those from non-members. According to the association, priority will be given to resolving member-related complaints before addressing the concerns of non-members.
FOSTTA President Kailash Hakim emphasized that most disputes can be settled through discussion and mutual understanding. He stated that nearly 90 percent of cases are resolved amicably, often leading to the restoration of business ties between the involved parties.
Currently, FOSTTA is actively pursuing legal action under the Arbitration Act in approximately 200 cases. In instances where the accused party fails to respond even after three notices and follow-up phone calls, the committee issues a warning to Surat’s business community, declaring the trader as blacklisted.
To enhance efficiency in addressing complaints, FOSTTA's mobile application, “FOSTTA Forum,” has gained popularity among traders. The app allows textile merchants to lodge complaints and use a reference system to strengthen the credibility of transactions. Thousands of traders in Surat have already downloaded the app and provided positive feedback.
FOSTTA is also planning to introduce a new feature called “Savdhaan” within the app, which will list traders who have been blacklisted due to unethical business practices. The goal is to protect the business community from engaging in high-risk commercial relationships.
Additionally, FOSTTA will soon launch a monthly magazine dedicated to the textile trade. The publication will include updates on FOSTTA’s activities, industry trends, and a list of restricted traders. This initiative aims to increase transparency and create a safer trading environment in Surat’s vast textile market.
These proactive measures by FOSTTA are expected to accelerate dispute resolution and foster greater trust among traders, aligning with the association’s commitment to maintaining a secure and transparent business ecosystem in the city.
