INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
The government on Wednesday extended the date of inviting fresh applications under performancelinked incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles for man-made fibre apparel, fabrics and products of technical textiles till December 31 "in view of the requests from the industry stakeholders". The textile ministry had in July reopened the PLI scheme portal till August 31. "In view of the requests from the industry stakeholders, ministry of textiles... has now decided to extend the date of inviting fresh applications under the scheme up to December 31," the ministry said in a statement.
Source: Economic times
Tirupur, India's top knitwear hub, is facing challenges from Bangladesh and man-made fibres. The Free Trade Agreement between India and Bangladesh has allowed Bangladesh to import fabrics into India without customs duty, making them cheaper and more competitive. Role of FTAs Bangladesh is also exporting high-tech finished apparels to the EU and US markets at a lower cost due to its duty-free status and access to cost-effective raw materials from China. MMF trend is on the rise The increasing popularity of man-made fibres, which are cheaper and more durable than cotton, is also affecting Tirupur's knitwear business. Challenges galore Tirupur manufacturers are also facing a global demand slowdown and reduced export orders. Tirupur manufacturers will now have to wait until the end of this year for 2024 spring-summer orders, which means that profits will not come in for a long time.
Source: DFU Publications
The Ministry of Textiles on Wednesday cleared 20 strategic research projects worth ₹74 crores in the areas of agrotextiles , speciality fibre, smart textiles, activewear textiles, strategic application, protective gear and apparel, sports textiles.Among the 20 research projects, five were of speciality fibres, six of agro-textiles, two from smart textiles, two of protective gear and apparel, two from geotextiles, one of activewear apparel, one from strategic application area, one from sports textiles were cleared, said the ministry. According to the ministry, various leading Indian institutes including IITs, government organizations, research organizations, among others, participated in the session which cleared projects strategic for the development of Indian economy and a step in the direction of Atmanirbhar Bharat, especially in the field of Geotech, industrial and protective, agriculture and infrastructure.While addressing scientists and technologists, Union textile minister Piyush Goyal said, “Industry and academia linkages are essential for the growth of research and development in the application areas of technical textiles in India. Building convergence with academicians, scientists and researchers is the need of the hour." Goyal emphasised on the importance of contributions of technology and segment experts, scientists and academicians to India’s technical textiles future growth. Despite the prominent usage of speciality fibres in India, indigenization of the technology has still been a major challenge which needs collaborative interventions from both industry and academia, he added. He emphasized on the need for robust indigenization of machineries and equipment for technical textile sector to establish sustained and strong foothold in the global landscape.According to the ministry, the revision of R&D guidelines and creation of dedicated indigenous machinery and equipment development guidelines under NTTM were discussed and recommended by the committee during the meeting To bolster the innovation and research ecosystem in technical textiles, NTTM to support ideation and prototyping R&D projects worth up to ₹50 lakh and ₹100 lakh, respectively, which have clear potential to translate into commercial products and technologies.
Source: Live mint
The CBIC vide Circular No. 206/18/2023-GST dated October 31, 2023 has issued clarifications regarding the applicability of GST on certain services. Based on the recommendations of the GST Council in its 52nd meeting held on October 07, 2023, at New Delhi, clarification, with reference to GST levy, related to the following issues are being issued through this circular. i. Whether ‘same line of business’ in case of passenger transport service and renting of motor vehicles includes leasing of motor vehicles without operators. ii. Whether GST is applicable on reimbursement of electricity charges received by real estate companies, malls, airport operators etc. from their lessees/occupants. iii. Whether job work for processing of “Barley” into “Malted Barley” attracts GST @ 5% as applicable to “job work in relation to food and food products” or 18% as applicable on “job work in relation to manufacture of alcoholic liquor for human consumption”. iv. Whether District Mineral Foundations Trusts (DMFTs) set up by the State Governments are Governmental Authorities and thus eligible for the same exemptions from GST as available to any other Governmental Authority. v. Whether supply of pure services and composite supplies by way of horticulture/horticulture works (where the value of goods constitutes not more than 25 per cent of the total value of supply) made to CPWD are eligible for exemption from GST under Sr. No. 3 and 3A of Notification no 12/2017-CTR dated June 28, 2017.
Whether ‘same line of business’ in case of passenger transport service and renting of motor vehicles includes leasing of motor vehicles without operators. Services of transport of passengers by any motor vehicle (SAC 9964) and renting of motor vehicle designed to carry passengers with operator (SAC 9966), where the cost of fuel is included in the consideration charged from the service recipient attract GST at the rate of 5% with input tax credit of services in the same line of business. Same line of business as stated in the notification No. 11/2017- Central Tax (Rate) means “service procured from another service provider of transporting passengers in a motor vehicle or renting of a motor vehicle”. It is hereby clarified that input services in the same line of business include transport of passengers (SAC 9964) or renting of motor vehicle with operator (SAC 9966) and not leasing of motor vehicles without operator (SAC 9973) which attracts GST and/or compensation cess at the same rate as supply of motor vehicles by way of sale.
Whether GST is applicable on reimbursement of electricity charges received by real estate companies, malls, airport operators etc. from their lessees/occupants. Doubts were raised on the applicability of GST on supply of electricity by the real estate companies, malls, airport operators etc., to their lessees or occupants. It is clarified that whenever electricity is being supplied bundled with renting of immovable property and/or maintenance of premises, as the case may be, it forms a part of composite supply and shall be taxed accordingly. The principal supply is renting of immovable property and/or maintenance of premise, as the case may be, and the supply of electricity is an ancillary supply as the case may be. Even if electricity is billed separately, the supplies will constitute a composite supply and therefore, the rate of the principal supply i.e., GST rate on renting of immovable property and/or maintenance of premise, as the case may be, would be applicable. However, where the electricity is supplied by the Real Estate Owners, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Real Estate Developers etc., as a pure agent, it will not form part of value of their supply. Further, where they charge for electricity on actual basis that is, they charge the same amount for electricity from their lessees or occupants as charged by the State Electricity Boards or DISCOMs from them, they will be deemed to be acting as pure agent for this supply.
Whether job work for processing of “Barley” into “Malted Barley” attracts GST @ 5% as applicable to “job work in relation to food and food products” or 18% as applicable on “job work in relation to manufacture of alcoholic liquor for human consumption”. References have been received to clarify whether services by way of job work for conversion of barley into malt attracts GST at 5% prescribed for “job work in relation to all food and food products falling under Chapter 1 to 22 of the customs tariff” or at the rate of 18% prescribed for “services by way of job work in relation to manufacture of alcoholic liquor for human consumption”. Malt is a food product. It can be directly consumed as part of food preparations or can be used as an ingredient in food products and also used for manufacture of beer and alcoholic liquor for human consumption. However, irrespective of end-use, conversion of barley into malt amounts to job work in relation to food products. It is hereby clarified that job work services in relation to manufacture of malt are covered by the entry at Sl. No. 26 (i) (f) which covers “job work in relation to all food and food products falling under chapters 1 to 22 of the customs tariff” irrespective of the end use of that malt and attracts 5% GST.
Whether District Mineral Foundations Trusts (DMFTs) set up by the State Governments are Governmental Authorities and thus eligible for the same exemptions from GST as available to any other Governmental Authority. DMFTs work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining related operations by regulating receipt and expenditure from the respective Mineral Development Funds created in the concerned district. They provide services related to drinking water supply, environment protection, health care facilities, education, welfare of women and children, supply of medical equipment etc. These activities are similar to activities that are enlisted in Eleventh Schedule and Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution. The ultimate users of the various schemes under DMF are individuals, families, women and children, farmers/producer groups, SHGs of the mining affected areas etc. The services/supplies out of DMF fund are provided free of charge and no consideration is realized from the beneficiaries by DMF against such services. Accordingly, it is clarified that DMFT set up by the State Governments are Governmental Authorities and thus eligible for the same exemptions from GST as available to any other Governmental Authority.
Whether supply of pure services and composite supplies by way of horticulture/horticulture works (where the value of goods constitutes not more than 25 per cent of the total value of supply) made to CPWD are eligible for exemption from GST under Sr. No. 3 and 3A of Notification no 12/2017-CTR dated June 28, 2017. Public parks in government residential colonies, government offices and other public areas are developed and maintained by CPWD. Maintenance of community assets, urban forestry, protection of the environment and promotion of ecological aspects are functions entrusted to Panchayats and Municipalities under Article 243G and 243W read with Sr. No. 29 of 11th Schedule and Sr. No. 8 of 12th Schedule of the constitution. Sr. No. 3 and 3A of notification No. 12/2017-CTR exempt pure services and composite supply of goods and services in which value of goods does not constitute more than 25%, that are provided to the Central Government, State Government or Union territory or local authority by way of any activity in relation to any function entrusted to a Panchayat under article 243G of the Constitution or in relation to any function entrusted to a Municipality under article 243W of the Constitution. Accordingly, it is clarified that supply of pure services and composite supplies by way of horticulture/horticulture works (where the value of goods constitutes not more than 25 per cent of the total value of supply) made to CPWD are eligible for exemption from GST under Sr. No. 3 and 3A of Notification no 12/2017-CTR dated June 28, 2017.
Source: The a2ztaxcorp.com
The India-United Kingdom (UK) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations are currently at a very crucial juncture. Both countries are moving closer to signing the deal. Contentious aspects of the agenda, such as intellectual property rights, rules of origin and a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) have been under discussion. At its monthly trade briefing in early October, India’s ministry of commerce said that talks were at an advanced stage and efforts are currently underway to resolve the differences. The two countries seem to have moved towards common ground on dispute settlement, which was the most controversial part of the BIT, in an effort to ensure that this treaty is finalized at the same time as the FTA for goods and services.The first-generation BIT between India and the UK was signed in 1994, which also happened to be India’s first experience with such a treaty. However, in the aftermath of the White Industries case, involving the alleged violation of a BIT with Australia, India decided to terminate all its 83 BITs with foreign countries; termination notices were sent to 77, including the UK, in 2016, and the Indian government decided to revise its model BIT. Several BITs that were to be terminated had “sunset clauses," which provided for continuing protective effects up to 10 or 20 years after their termination. The India-UK BIT is still under the sunset period.Notably, while investment protection is not a chapter under the proposed FTA, it is being negotiated separately, and it was a few provisions of the BIT that the two countries were reported to have been at loggerheads on, with dispute resolution one of the most prominent disagreements. While India was insisting on the inclusion of a clause on exhaustion of local remedies (ELR), for example, the UK was not keen on this clause under provisions of dispute settlement. The ELR clause requires that an investor should first lodge its claim with the competent domestic courts or administrative authorities and exhaust all judicial and administrative remedies before initiating an international arbitration process. Once that effort is made for a period of at least five years, the investor may commence international arbitration proceedings by transmitting a notice of dispute to the defending party. An ELR clause, which has become a customary rule of international law, aims to safeguard the sovereignty of countries that are investment destinations, and international scholars like M.C. Porterfield, who have advocated the use of local remedies before resort to international arbitration, argue that this requirement strengthens the rule of law in host states.Since India has been a witness to many investment treaty arbitrations as a respondent, of late, it’s unease with regard to investors directly going for international arbitration is understandable. The pursuit of domestic remedies by investors has been criticized for leading to delays and increasing costs, in particular, as in many states it can take several years and multiple judicial reviews before a final judgement is delivered. According to one critic, an ELR clause could also carry disadvantages for the host state, as “public proceedings in the domestic courts are likely to exacerbate the dispute and may affect the host State’s investment climate." The UK might have had similar concerns. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe that both sides have been open to changed positions in the ongoing negotiations, ensuring flexibility, and India may back away from its approach under the model BIT in negotiations with the UK and may also drop the ELR clause insistence as both countries seek to reduce the time frame for settling investor-state disputes.Another issue that is seen to bother foreign investors is India’s narrowed-down definition of ‘investment’ needed to qualify for BIT protection, from an ‘asset’ based to an ‘enterprise’ based one. The first-generation BITs signed by India had an ‘asset’ based definition of investment, which was replaced in India’s model BIT by an ‘enterprise’ based one. Investment can be defined either way. The latter formulation defines investment as the establishment or acquisition of an enterprise in the host state. By contrast, the asset-based definition is broader, covering more than just capital or resources that have crossed borders with an intent to create an enterprise. Experts point out that an asset-based definition of investment means that every kind of asset, moveable and immoveable, could qualify as ‘investment’ and enjoy protection under bilateral treaties, irrespective of whether such assets contribute to the development of host countries, whereas the purpose of having an enterprise-based approach is to narrow the scope of protected investments and reduce the potential liability of the state in case of investor-state dispute settlement claims. India has had its own share of ordeals that prompted it to switch definitions.As reports suggest, Indian policymakers have indicated that the department of economic affairs in the ministry of finance would have to make concessions on the model BIT, and they have also stipulated tweaks for some of the country’s important trade partners. This demands some boldness, as moving away from the model BIT may possibly prove to be something of a challenge. If, however, both India and the UK eventually manage to ink a BIT that’s mutually acceptable, it could prove to be a major win for India, as the country has not signed any BIT with a major economy after the model BIT was adopted.
Source: Live mint
India and Sri Lanka have relaunched the negotiations for the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) after a five year hiatus, the government said Wednesday. The two sides held the 12th round of negotiations on the ETCA in Sri Lanka from October 30-November 1. They had held 11 rounds of bilateral talks from 2016 to 2018. after which the talks were paused. “During this round, both sides reviewed the progress on implementation and decided to drop nine issues as being resolved,” commerce and industry ministry said in a statement. Issues such as the quota on apparel and pepper and the procurement of pharmaceuticals were also discussed and both sides decided to continue the discussion and explore new options for resolution of the matter. As per the statement, both sides took stock of the progress made till the 11th round and engaged in discussions on various chapters including trade in goods and services, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and dispute settlement, and identified the areas of convergence and areas where they need to find creative solutions. “On the proposed ETCA, both sides agreed on the need to build on progress made in past, while revisiting their positions wherever possible to reflect new developments,” the ministry said. The conclusion of the negotiations is expected to open new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation for both countries and would be a pivotal move to further enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.
Source: Economic Times
INTERNATIONAL
The VDMA Textile Machinery Web talk, titled ‘Textile Industry's Green Transition: Insights from the forefront of mechanical recycling’, convened recently. The event's agenda included two main topics: ‘Improving Fiber Length – Keys to Success of Mechanical Recycling’, presented by Dr.-Ing. Georg Stegschuster, Head of Recycling Atelier at ITA Augsburg, and ‘TRUECYCLED: Complete solutions for mechanical textile recycling from Trützschler’, presented by Dr. Bettina Temath, Head of Global Marketing at Trützschler Group. The Q&A session was facilitated by Nicolai Strauch from the VDMA Textile Machinery Association, with Boris Abadjieff from the Textile Machinery Association moderating the event. Dr.-Ing. Georg Stegschuster, the first speaker, hails from a background in chemical engineering and has dedicated eight years to the Institution of Textile and Technology in Augsburg. Dr. Stegschuster shared insights into Augsburg's role in promoting success in chemical recycling. He initiated his presentation by discussing ITA Augsburg, which serves as the central hub of the ITA Group from RWTH. With a team of approximately 300 professionals, ITA Augsburg covers the complete value chain of textile technology, with a particular emphasis on recycling. The institution collaborates closely with Technical Osulai Augsburg and engages in research projects, including publicly funded endeavors. Their primary research areas encompass web-based composites, artificial intelligence in textile production, and recycling atelier. Dr. Stegschuster then delved into the broader context of textile recycling. He noted that only 1% of used textiles are currently recycled within a closed loop. Fast fashion, with its emphasis on producing larger quantities of lower-quality used textiles, has been a significant driver of textile waste. In Germany alone, approximately 1.6 million tons of used clothing are discarded each year. Beyond old clothes, there is an estimated total of 4.5-5 million tons of old textiles. The diverse materials found in used textiles pose a significant challenge for recycling, often resulting in downcycling to lower-quality products. Currently, 73% of used textiles are either recycled for energy or landfilled. However, Dr. Stegschuster and his team are actively working to change this status quo. At ITA Augsburg, their goals within the Recycling Atelier are fourfold: firstly, to develop new products and processes in the makers' lab; secondly, to create concepts for comprehensive recycling of used textiles, focusing on integrated and high-quality re c y cling (up cycling) and cycle-oriented pro d u c t d e sig n (D e sig n 4 Recycling); thirdly, to implement recycling concepts and business models in an industrial context; and fourthly, to establish a learning factory as a training and further education facility. To streamline their efforts, ITA Augsburg has consolidated various production steps into a single space, incorporating material analysis, sorting, preparation, tearing, textile processing to create card slivers, spinning capabilities, product design, and a workshop area for knowledge transfer. They have forged partnerships with technology companies such as Trutzschler, Uster, Saurer, fff Group, Altex, and Otto, who support their endeavors by providing process expertise and machine development. They also collaborate with research partners, including the Wuppertal Institut and bifa, to enhance their competencies in technical, economic, and ecological aspects. Additionally, their premium partners, ITA Atelier and Hochschule Augsburg, play a pivotal role in supporting the industrial implementation of their projects. Dr. Stegschuster emphasized the importance of addressing the quality issue in mechanical recycling. He explained that, in mechanical recycling, the end product primarily consists of fibers, with quality being a significant concern. However, mechanical recycling offers advantages in terms of energy efficiency and cost- effectiveness. Dr. Stegschuster introduced strategies to mitigate the quality degradation associated with recycling. These strategies include cascade applications, short fiber separation using carding machines, blending shorter fibers with longer ones, and improving the balance between tearing, spinning preparation, and spinning processes. The fibers collected and sorted by partners, such as Texaid, undergo a series of processes, including tearing and defibering by Ommi Srl, decoloring and dyeing by Thies, spinning preparation by Trutzschler, ring spinning by Saurer, winding by Savior, and knitting and product design by BACHE. These processes contribute to upcycling used textiles. In a separate cycle aimed at producing nonwoven products, ITA Augsburg continues their recycling efforts. Their comprehensive approach encompasses various stages and partners, allowing them to address the challenges of textile recycling systematically. Dr. Bettina Temath, the second speaker, shed light on Trützschler, a company less known to the public but recognized for producing capital goods. With over 130 years of expertise and a global workforce of approximately 3,000 employees, the company operates ten production and development sites and is the market leader in spinning preparation. Trützschler Group is organized into business units focusing on Spinning, Machines for Spinning Preparation, Nonwovens, Machines and Systems for Nonwoven Product Production, Card Clothing, Solutions for Short Staple Spinning and Nonwovens Production, and Man-Made Fibers, Extrusion Systems for Producing Carpet Filament Yarns and Industrial Yarns. Dr. Temath stressed that customer demand for recycled products has driven Trützschler to introduce new textile solutions. They have launched a program called ‘truecycled’, offering a holistic approach to recycling. As part of the program, they have collaborated with BALKAN, a Turkish company. Trützschler's challenges in mechanical textile recycling include addressing the shortening of fibers, a higher content of short fibers, and the presence of yarn and fabric particles. Dr. Temath highlighted that a well-coordinated system is key to achieving success in their recycling efforts, with tearing and spinning preparation as crucial processes for obtaining the best possible yarn quality. Key equipment for their processes includes the Tearing machine DT30, the Card TC 30Ri, and the Integrated Draw Frame IDF 3. These machines are designed to optimize fiber separation, control short fiber content, and minimize count variations, especially when dealing with materials high in short fibers. In summary, the VDMA Textile Machinery Web Talk provided valuable insights into the challenges and innovations in mechanical recycling within the textile industry. The presentations by Dr. Georg Stegschuster and Dr. Bettina Temath, along with their respective organizations, ITA Augsburg and Trützschler Group, highlighted the importance of holistic approaches to recycling and the ongoing efforts to improve sustainability and the quality of recycled materials in the textile sector. These insights are crucial as the industry continues to transition towards greener practices and circular economies.
Source: Textile Today
Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Hyundai Industrial Co., Ltd., a global auto parts supplier, will create 100 new jobs and invest more than $24 million in a new manufacturing facility near Newnan in Coweta County. “Partners like Kia and Hyundai are attracting a large network of suppliers, creating jobs and opportunity for hardworking Georgians across the entire state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “These suppliers have now committed to bringing over 5,300 jobs to Georgia, mostly to communities outside of large urban areas, since last year’s Hyundai Metaplant announcement. We’re excited to welcome this latest addition to that growing list.” Established in 1978, Hyundai Industrial is headquartered in Ulsan, Korea. The Hyundai and Kia supplier specializes in manufacturing car seats, arm rests, and head rests. “Hyundai Industrial has more than four decades of experience providing comfortable and safe experiences for drivers and passengers with some of the world’s biggest automotive brands,” said Mr. Woosuck Kim, Team Leader at HDI America Inc. “We are excited to be part of the e-mobility transition happening in Georgia, and we look forward to working with Coweta County to create mutually beneficial growth for the community and our future employees.” Hyundai Industrial has purchased an existing building at 83 Amlajack Way in Coweta County. The building will be retrofitted to produce arm and head rests for OEMs, including Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America. Hyundai Industrial will focus on filling manufacturing production roles, and jobs will be posted on Indeed or www.workingUS.com when open. “We are thrilled to welcome Hyundai Industrial Co., Ltd. to Coweta County,” said Coweta County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Reidelbach. “Hyundai joins our thriving manufacturing industries and will have close proximity to I-85, making transport to nearby automobile plants effortless. We are excited for the opportunities Hyundai will bring our citizens as workforce opportunities continue to increase within the community.” Director of Korean Investment Yoonie Kim represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Coweta County Development Authority and Georgia EMC. “With Kia in West Georgia and Hyundai on the eastern coast, suppliers like Hyundai Industrial can locate almost anywhere in the state and still be center of at least two major manufacturers,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “With a variety of options available, companies are able to select a community that’s the right fit for them, and vice versa. This relationship between Coweta County and Hyundai Industrial is another classic example of Georgia’s partnership approach to economic development, matching a community with an existing asset and plan to a company whose goals aligned.” For over a century, Georgia has fostered healthy industry practices, encouraged collaboration and innovation, and positioned the state as a leader in developing and harnessing emerging technologies for the evolving automotive and mobility industry. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, Georgia has pursued the entire supply chain, creating more than $25.1 billion in investments and 29,000 jobs since 2020. In fiscal year 2023, job creation in the automotive industry increased by 324 percent when compared to fiscal year 2021, and suppliers attracted by Georgia’s mobility original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) resulted in over $2 billion in investment across the state in FY23.
Source: Textile world
MAS Holdings has just announced the completion of the second phase of Project Photon, a roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar power project. This ambitious venture, initiated in 2017, has catapulted MAS Holdings to the forefront of the country’s renewable energy industry, making it Sri Lanka’s largest generator and supplier of roof-mounted solar energy. Before Project Photon, MAS Holdings had a modest 1.7 MW of solar capacity scattered across various locations. With the Group’s commitment to fast track the switch to renewable energy, Project Photon was launched, adding 16 MW of solar power across 18 locations. Now, with the completion of Phase II, an additional 6 MW brings MAS’ total solar generation capacity to a striking 23.7 MW. Breaking its own previous national record for solar power generation, MAS is solidifying its position as a company transforming Sri Lanka’s renewable energy landscape. To put the sheer scale of this mega project into perspective, a whopping 67,000 solar panels have been installed at MAS facilities. This solar capacity will save approximately 18,000 Tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) each year and covers an area equivalent to 10 cricket grounds or the capacity to power approximately 34,000 households. Moreover, Project Photon has set a national benchmark for solar generation roof rentals which is now replicated by most roof mounted solar investors in the country. The execution of phase I constituted a nationally unprecedented multi-site project spanning the entire country, with an initial investment of USD 12.7 million. This was unchartered territory for an apparel company like MAS. With phase II, MAS has made a total investment of USD 16 million. Today, project Photon proudly has its own experienced solar engineering teams that can take on renewable energy projects of any scale anywhere in the world. MAS Holdings’ dedication to reducing emissions is part of its broader sustainability strategy, the MAS Plan for Change. It’s a commitment that hints at further investments in renewable generation and storage solutions, solidifying their position as leaders in sustainable manufacturing. The latest solar installation for Photon Phase II, was at the 165-acre MAS Fabric Park (MFP) in Thulhiriya, Sri Lanka’s first privately owned Export Processing Zone. Expanding to 7MW, it is Sri Lanka’s largest rooftop installation under one CEB account. The project helps reduce the park’s electricity requirements by around 20%. The eco-friendly industrial park employing 12,000 people is known for its environmental practices, including an on-site 10- acre analog forest and waste upcycling plants. Project Photon comes at a crucial juncture for Sri Lanka, which is currently experiencing an economic and energy crisis due to its heavy dependence on fossil fuels. With investments such as Project Photon, South Asia’s largest apparel manufacturer, MAS, is on a journey to achieve its Science Based Targets initiatives (SBTi) in a bid to positively impact the apparel and textile industry, country, and the planet.
Source: Textile world
Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Healthcare Design Expo, taking place from November 5 – 7, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. As a global leader in advanced polymer solutions, the company will showcase its cuttingedge Dartex® polyurethane coated fabrics designed for medical seating applications at booth 1656. The expo will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to discover why polyurethane coated fabrics have become an indispensable component in modern healthcare environments. As well as exhibiting, Trelleborg representatives will share their expertise during the conference by delivering a presentation titled ‘Engineered Coated Fabrics: Fit For Healthcare Environments’ at the Solutions Theatre on Monday 6 November from 2.30pm – 3.00pm. Polyurethane coated fabrics offer a multitude of advantages in healthcare seating applications, making them essential for healthcare facility design. These fabrics are engineered to provide exceptional durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance, all of which are vital for healthcare settings that demand hygienic, long-lasting, and comfortable seating solutions. Christina Tenney, North America Business Development Manager for Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming expo: “We are looking forward to participating in the Healthcare Design Expo and showcasing our innovative polyurethane coated fabrics. These materials play a crucial role in creating healthcare spaces that prioritize patient comfort, cleanliness, and longevity. Our sustainable solutions are engineered to meet the stringent demands of healthcare environments, and we look forward to sharing their benefits with the expo attendees.” The Healthcare Design Expo is a premier event, hosted by The Center for Health Design and Emerald Expositions, LLC, (publisher of Healthcare Design Magazine) in association with the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health, brings together leading professionals and innovators in the healthcare industry to explore the latest advancements in healthcare facility design and product offerings. Visit Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics at booth 1656 during the Healthcare Design Expo in New Orleans to discover firsthand how these materials are transforming the healthcare seating landscape and contributing to improved patient experiences.
Source: Textile world
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has called upon all concerned to shun hartals, blockades and any intolerant political programme in order to maintain the economic stability of the country and also to minimise the sufferings of common people. The country's apex trade body also expressed deep concern about the country's business, trade and economic situation amid the current political violence. In a statement issued today, the FBCCI said the long-standing COVID-19 pandemic across the globe alongside the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war have had a long-term negative impact on the global economy. It has also affected the economy of Bangladesh. In addition to the damage to global supply chains, the dollar crisis, rising fuel prices and rising transportation costs have resulted in an abnormal increase in the cost of doing business. The FBCCI said the drop in imports has already reduced production and hampered exports. "This has adversely affected the overall economic activity. Meanwhile, the newly added Gaza-Israel war situation has made the country's economic activities more fragile," he added. In this situation, political unrest including hartals and blockades in the country are pushing the national economy towards an alarming situation. The FBCCI said hartals and blockade programme called by various political parties is severely disrupting the supply chain which already has an impact on the market price of commodities and also on exports. Entrepreneurs will be at risk of canceling their procurement order if they are unable to ship their products on time. Apart from these, the higher prices of all commodities including essential items will affect the common people. Noting that programmes like hartals and blockades will send a negative message about Bangladesh abroad, the apex trade body said if such situation continues, the foreigners would lose interest in investing in Bangladesh. On the other hand, disruption of production will result in factory closures while employments would be at stake, which is not at all desirable. Not only this, if the political instability continues, then the amount of loan defaulters would be on the rise. Besides, the scope for new employment opportunities would be eroded. According to experts, the FBCCI said one day of hartal or blockade causes a loss of about Taka 6,500 crore to the country's economy. An emerging economy like Bangladesh will not be able to bear the brunt if intolerant programs like hartals and blockades continue. It said businessmen, entrepreneurs do not want hartal, blockade and any violent programme, rather they want political stability as because without it, the economic development of the country cannot be sustained. The FBCCI also believed that the political parties would back track from intolerant programmes like hartals and blockade keeping in mind the greater interests of the common people and the economy. Despite the ongoing global economic crisis, the FBCCI said concerted efforts are being made to put the country's economy on a strong foundation. But, the ongoing hartal and blockade programme would disrupt the country's economic stability. If the political unrest is prolonged, it would be tough to meet the LDC graduation challenges, achieving national goals including attaining the SDGs. The FBCCI believed that politicians play a key role in moving forward the country. The politicians also play a pioneering role and give leadership in the life and livelihood of the people of the country, socioeconomic development, expansion of business and trade and industrial establishments, development of investment and employment generation as well as the overall development of the country. Under the circumstances, the FBCCI has called upon all concerned for shunning political programmes like hartals and blockades, which are harmful for the economy, for the greater interest of the country.
Source: The Financial express
