The Power Of Fabric
Textile Conclave 2017 is one platform where trade meets textile. Several industry experts and exporters came together to find the way to take textile trade to next level. From cotton production, colours, trade to retail, many aspects were discussed on 2nd day of the event in Gandhinagar.
“India is emerging as a favourable destination for Latin American countries as they want to reduce their dependence on Chinese markets for imports and are looking towards diversifying their markets,” said R Vishwanathan, Marketing Consultant, Former Indian Ambassador, at a panel discussion that held at Textile Conclave 2017 in Gandhinagar.
On the sidelines of the trade fair, several such discussion panels were held to find the opportunities to further promote the textile industry in the country.
During a roundtable conference, ‘Market Linkages with Retail Chains,’ Vishwanathan informed the visitors that with increasing opportunities, Indian producers have started exporting handcrafts garments to the European Union, USA and other nations through Amazon. Amazon has eliminated middlemen, which has led to the growth of Indian producers to a large extent.
Statistics indicate that the Indian textile export to Latin American countries in the last financial year were higher than India’s exports to a lot of other countries such as Canada, Russia and Central Asian countries. Indian exports to Mexico were $3.5 bn last year, more than to Thailand ($3.1 billion), Russia ($1.9 billion) and Egypt ($2 billion).
India is third largest supplier of textiles to Latin American nations and fourth largest for readymade garments. In the past year, there was an import of textile worth $30 billion of imported textile from India, he further added. Mark Jarvis, MD, WtiN; Toshinorie Haruna, AGM, Textile Division; Sumitomo Corporation, Japan and Rahul Mehta, President CMAI were also present at the discussion.
Talking about branding and quality assurance, Gaurav Mahajan, president (apparel), Raymond Group said that the brand holds the Guinness book of world records to create the finest fabric in the world (11.4 micron wool). Branding is nothing but quality assurance and that a brand is all about functionality.
Madhura Dutta, Executive Director, All India Artisan and Crafts Workers Welfare Association (AIACA) said that the there is a mismatch of expectations between buyers and retailers regarding products and hence it is essential to educate buyers. Manish Kumar, Global Executive Vice President, Geo Chem Laboratories Group was also present at the panel discussion.
These round table discussions were held to understand the challenges and opportunities in diverse segments of the textile sector.
During a panel discussion on ‘Trends in India Cotton,’ it was gathered that despite producing the finest quality of cotton in the world, India has to sell cotton in discounted price because of certain contamination. Only about 2.5 per cent of cotton is tested as compared to the other countries. The panel that included Andrew Macdonald, Consultant, AMCON Consulting; Sao Paulo, Brazil and representing Brazilian Cotton Growers Association; M.V. Venugopalan, Principal Scientist, Central Institute for Cotton Research ; Christian Schindler, Director General, International Textile Manufacturers Federation; P.R. Roy, Chairman - Diagonal Consulting (India). Siddhartha Rajagopal, ED, from TEXPROCIL discussed that Cotton industries should understand the requirements and pay attention towards the finishing levels.
In the last 16 years, the area of cotton production doubled. Gujarat has the highest production in India, following Andhra Pradesh and Haryana. Cotton is the most widespread profitable non-food crop in the world. India's export of raw cotton has increased in significant years, while the import has decreased.
The other panel discussion was ‘King Cotton – Regaining the edge in Global Market’. Pointing out the importance of using biotech, better irrigation and mechanisation in textile industry, the panelists discussed that Cotton consumption in India has increased from 26- 41 per cent and total world consumption is 24.57 per cent. India is the largest cotton-producing country and the second largest consuming country. Cotton and cotton textile account for one third foreign exchange revenue for India. Already there is a robust cotton value Chain providing employment to many. It was also noted that by adopting the Bt. Cotton in 2002 the yield level has significantly improved but has stagnated in the last 5 years.
Apart from this, during several roundtable conferences experts discussed on various issues like, ‘Trends in colours and Designs’, ‘Exploring New Markets and Technology for Handmade Carpets’, ‘Tribal Weaves of India’, ‘Advanced Technology in Textile Manufacturing’, ‘Women Entrepreneurship Development’, ‘Young Entrepreneur’, ‘Apparel Growth story in India’ among others.
During an investor meet, Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani said that she is looking forward to participation from the world in promoting textile industry in India.
It is the golden era for development of textile industry: Irani
At least 65 MoUs were signed on the 2nd day of the three-day textile-trade fair, Textile India 2017, being held in Gandhinagar. The MoUs, related to exchange of information and documentation, commercialization of handloom and silk products, skill development, supply of cotton and trade promotion with international partners, and research and development, were signed between various international and domestic organisations.
Union Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani said, “The government is committed to promotion of textile as it is the golden era for development of textile industry.” The MoUs were signed in the presence of Union Textile Minister and Textiles, Ajay Tamta; Union Textiles Secretary, Anant Kumar Singh; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Pushpa Subrahmanyam and Textiles Commissioner, Kavita Gupta.
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