The Centre is planning to promote apparel exports from the country to touch $18 billion this year. Joint Secretary of Exports in the Textiles Ministry V Srinivas told this to media in Bangalore today.He was speaking after holding a brain storming session with the apparel exporters of the country.Apparel exports stood at $11.4 billion in 2010-11 and $13.6 billion in 2011-12. But neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam are having better growth in this sector.To provide a boost to apparel exports, the Government is planning to expand the market for Indian apparel to Japan, the European Union and the USA. The Government has announced interest subsidy ofRs 15,880 crore for the sector in the 12th Plan period. About 140 Apparel Training and Design Centres are being set up all over the country to train manpower.