Nine Union ministers shared their thoughts on strategies to transform the textile sector of the country, at Textiles India 2017 today. Detailed discussions were held on the concluding day of the three-day mega trade fair, being held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
In his valedictory address, the Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that the Government is committed to make India a global textiles and apparel manufacturing hub; he said the Government will continue to work in close collaboration with industry and academia, to ensure that the textile sector flourishes. Shri Naidu said that the Government had brought in several enabling policies and schemes in the manufacturing sector, particularly in textiles, to make India the no. 1 manufacturing hub. He highlighted that considering the potential of the sector to create employment, attract investment and increase exports, the Government approved a special package for apparel sector in June 2016, and a special package for made-ups in December 2016. He said Textiles India 2017 has successfully managed to demonstrate India’s strength as a sourcing and investment destination of the world.
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The Minister said that as the younger generation wants a change in speed, various measures are being taken promptly. He pointed out all people of the country are happy with the introduction of GST.
In his address, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Dr. Arvind Panagariya said that the textiles and clothing industry has a great potential for creating good jobs. He added that Textiles India 2017 has been a momentous occasion for giving a fillip in this direction.
In her address, the Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani said that Textiles India 2017 has proved that textiles sector was the sleeping giant that is now roaring as the “Make In India” lion. She added that the outcomes of the event should lead from one milestone to another, in achieving the objectives of making India the leading textile manufacturing hub.
MoS, Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta too addressed the valedictory session. The event proceedings at Mahatma Mandir came to a close with a vote of thanks by Secretary, Textiles, Shri Anant Kumar Singh. The Textiles exhibition at Helipad Ground, Gandhinagar will remain open till 10 PM today.
Seven conferences were held earlier in the day, consisting of one global conference of ASEAN countries and six national conferences, on various topics concerning the textiles sector.
Productivity and Product Diversification Challenges for Natural Fibres
As chair of the national conference on “Productivity and Product Diversification Challenges for Natural Fibres”, Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that natural fibres are the backbone of Indian textile industry. He noted that natural fibre production involves million of farmers and the industries using them create rural jobs. Shri Singh said that despite stiff competition from synthetic fibres, the demand for natural fibres is steadily increasing with a growing population. The Minister said that given the limitation in increasing area under cultivation, the only way to improve production is increasing productivity. He said that introduction of high-yielding varieties, best agronomical practices, efficient fibre extractors and effective utilization for diversified products will improve productivity. He said that this is the right time for all stakeholders to discuss and formulate a suitable strategy to increase productivity of all natural fibres. The Textiles Minister added that steps will be taken for regular exchange of information, knowledge and best practices between the two ministries.
Potential of Man-Made Fibres in India
Chairing a session on “Potential of Man-Made Fibre in India”, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Ananth Kumar Singh said that man-made fibres are gaining wide applications in both conventional and technical textiles. He said that considering the global shift towards man-made fibres, India is focusing to establish itself as a supplier of quality manmade textiles and apparel for the global market. The Minister highlighted the major opportunities for investment in MMF textiles to be in the following broad areas: import substitution, growing segments in international trade and domestic market opportunities. He added that a group will be formed for synergy between his Ministry and Ministry of Textiles, for addressing challenges and opportunities jointly.
Exploring Growth Potential of Technical Textiles in building India
A session chaired by Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari was held on “Exploring Growth Potential of Technical Textiles in building India”. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that geosynthetic fibers have huge potential in the construction of roads and ports in the country, adding that it must be cost-effective and done without compromising on quality. Shri Gadkari said that the problems of the country are different from region to region; he said that we should hence encourage innovation, research and entrepreneurship. The Minister said that converting knowledge into wealth is the most important need of the future. Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta said that his ministry is committed to provide innovative textile technology to various sectors like agriculture, defence, health, sports construction and environment.
India as a Sourcing Hub and Investment Destination
Sharing her thoughts as Chair of a session on making India a sourcing hub and investment destination for the world, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman recounted the historical fact that the Indian textile sector had attained global eminence long before many other sectors could establish themselves. Noting that India itself is a very big market, the Minister said that the industry needs to tap opportunities in both domestic as well as international markets. She said that at every stage of the 5-F formula given by the Prime Minister, India is the best sourcing platform. She highlighted the importance of interest subvention in lowering the cost of capital for the industry. Smt. Sitharaman said that GST is going to be a big blessing for the sector. Noting that the strength of the sector lies in its niche areas, the Minister highlighted the need for greater creativity in the industry. Addressing some questions from industry representatives, the Minister spoke of the need to convert challenges into opportunities, and reminded them that India has taken a principled position to have a duty-free and tariff quota restriction – free relationship and trade with LDCs.
CEO, NITI Aayog, Shri Amitabh Kant highlighted the importance of size and scale, as well as agility and speed to market, innovation and digitization of the entire supply chain of the textiles sector.
Skilling Requirements in High Value Chain in Textiles Sector
The session on skilling was chaired by the Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy. The Minister said that Skill India is an integral part of both Make in India and Textiles India. Shri Rudy said that a key question facing the skill sector is that of creating a basic first-level skilling ecosystem in the country. Citing examples of various beneficiaries, the Minister highlighted the need for short-term skilling programmes, and formal interventions for skilled manpower. He said that work is being done in this direction by his Ministry, to address the questions of how, for whom, where, curriculum, content, examination, certification and employment as it relates to the skilling requirements of the country. Noting that the largest employment among the organized workforce is in the textiles sector, the Minister asserted his confidence in building a robust skilling ecosystem in the country, in line with the vision of the Prime Minister.
Minister of State, Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta said that the 65 MoUs signed during Textiles India 2017 will contribute towards improving the skilling scenario in the textiles sector.
Carving a Niche Market for Indian Handcrafted Goods
Chairing another parallel session, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that our rich heritage and culture is our identity & strength and that the motive of today’s conference was to explore how we can take this rich heritage of the country to all corners of the world. Speaking about GST, Dr. Sharma said that the Government of India has taken a historic step in the field of taxation, due to which no artisan or craftsman of our country will henceforth face any partiality regarding tax on their products. He also mentioned the initiatives his ministry has taken to give unique identity to each and every artisan, craftsman and artist of the country.
ASEAN Conference
A global conference of ASEAN countries was also held today. Delegates from all ASEAN countries participated in the conference. The conference had two sessions, one on “Building value chains in Textile Sector” and another on institutional framework for promoting collaboration in textiles between India and ASEAN countries.
Renowned national and international speakers from different fields shared their thoughts during the aboveconferences. Mr. Gautam Nair, MD, Matrix Clothing; Mr Christain Schindler, Director General, International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF); Dr. Rohana Kuruppu, CEO, Brandix College of Clothing Technology; Mr. Richard McCallum, Managing Director, UKIBC; Mr. Philip Mc Goldrick, International Technical Director, Strata Geosystem; Prof. Ing Thomas Chairman, ITA; Ms Rosy Greenleese, President, World Craft Council; Prof. Abdul Jabbar Khan, Bangladesh University of Engineering. & Technology (BUET), Dhaka; Dr. Li Long, Professor in Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China and Mr. Y. J Kim, Senior Consultant, Asia PTA DMT Polyesters are some amongst them.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had inaugurated Textiles India 2017, India’s first ever international mega textiles trade fair, on Friday, 30th June, 2017. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that Textiles India 2017 would help global & Indian leaders in evolving an enabling policy environment for the textiles industry in the country.
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