AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Garment Manufacturers Association (GGMA) wants the state's only garment SEZ set up on the land of closed mills to make room for an apparel park in the wake of sluggish demand in the international market. Two years ago some 30 garment manufacturers were ready to set up units at the SEZ on 1.25 lakh square metres of land belonging to the closed Ambica Mill and Sarangpur Mill in the city. However, export was hit hard in the recession following which only two manufacturers moved their units to the SEZ. "Domestic demand has been surging despite a worldwide slowdown. Hence GGMA wants part of the SEZ to be converted into an apparel park. Established players are on expansion spree even as 500 new manufacturers and traders are joining the business every year. This move would bolster the industry in Ahmedabad," said Sunil Gandhi, former president of GGMA. Bhimraj Pawar, GGMA president, said, "There is acute shortage of space despite the fact that 50,000 square metres of land of Masden Mill in Rakhiyal has been allotted for the park. Many garment manufactures are scouting for suitable locations in the city's eastern part. If the SEZ is allowed to be utilised for apparel park, it would give a fillip to the industry." Saurabh Patel, minister of state for industries, said, "SEZ is a Central government subject, but the state government would work to get some part of Sarangpur Mill land for the apparel park."