The inaugural day of the 'Textile Week' event was marked by significant discussions regarding the future of the textile industry, particularly in relation to small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and emerging technological innovations. The event took place at Sarsana, Surat, and was organised by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI). Bharat Gandhi, chairman of the Federation of Indian Art Silk Weaving Industry (FIASWI), underscored the importance of the MSME sector, which he noted contributes 50% to India’s GDP. He urged the government to support small units in adopting innovations to enhance their productivity and operational efficiency.
During his address, Gandhi highlighted the rapid growth of technical textiles, which is currently experiencing a 19% increase. He encouraged entrepreneurs to capitalise on this momentum, urging swift movement towards the production of technical textile products. He expressed concern over the availability of basic raw materials necessary for yarn production, suggesting that the government should consider providing relief from Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Quality Control Order (QCO) certification requirements.
Former Additional Textile Commissioner for the Government of India, Satya Prakash Verma, provided valuable insights into the new regulations being introduced by the European Union, which are expected to significantly impact the textile industry. Verma noted that these regulations will require Indian textile manufacturers, particularly those in Surat, to expand their focus beyond man-made fibres (MMF) to include more advanced garmenting practices. He elaborated on various compliance factors, including durability, reusability, energy efficiency, carbon footprint, and waste management, all of which are set to be assessed under the forthcoming EU regulations. Although specific compliance parameters have not yet been announced, Verma indicated that industrialists have about a year to prepare for these changes. He cautioned that these regulations would not only affect the textile sector but also the broader spectrum of trade.
Irish Luthra, Chairman of the Luthra Group, recognised the robust growth potential within the textile industry, particularly in areas such as technical textiles, geo-textiles, and Agri-tech. He emphasised the need for small industrialists to band together to compete more effectively in the global market, given the trend of worldwide growth within the MSME sector.
Girdhar Gopal Mundada, Chairman of the GFRRC of the SGCCI, remarked on the significance of the Textile Week, which has been held for ten consecutive years. The event aims to provide industrialists with expert guidance to enhance their production capabilities and increase textile exports. Nirav Mandlewala, honorary secretary of SGCCI, reaffirmed that Textile Week is a vital platform for stakeholders in the textile industry to convene, exchange ideas, and strategically map out the future of the sector. He noted the impressive size of the Indian textile and garment industry, valued at $120 billion in 2023, with projections suggesting it could reach $300 billion by 2030. Currently, India constitutes 4.6% of the global textile trade, underscoring its role as a significant player in the international market.
Source: Noah Wire Services