At the grand Bharat Tex 2024 event held in New Delhi, Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath made significant announcements benefiting the weaver community in Vijayawada, showcasing the government's commitment to supporting traditional artisans. The event, described as the largest international textile exhibition in India, brought together stakeholders from across the textile spectrum, from fibers and yarns to fabrics and accessories. Empowering Weaver Families, Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath highlighted the YSR Nethanna Nestham Scheme, a pivotal initiative providing substantial financial assistance to at least 81,783 weaver households. These weaver families now receive Rs 24,000 per month, summing up to a total outlay of Rs 969.77 crores over five years. This scheme is a lifeline for many weavers, ensuring that the age-old tradition of handloom weaving not only survives but thrives in the modern economy.
Enhanced Support and Recognition
The 'One District One Product' (ODOP) booth received special mention for its wide variety of handloom products from different districts, demonstrating the rich diversity and skill of the state's weavers. The Finance Minister's appreciation did not stop there; he lauded APCO's efforts in providing in-house designers to assist weavers in developing new products and designs. Additionally, the YSR Pension Kanuka scheme now lowers the age limit for financial support from 60 to 50 years, benefiting around 1 lakh weavers with Rs 3,000 each, totaling Rs 1,432.82 crore.
Bharat Tex 2024: A Textile Showcase
K Sunitha, principal secretary to handlooms and textiles, and MM Nayak, commissioner of handlooms and textiles, shared the vision behind Bharat Tex 2024. The event aims to be the largest international textile exhibition in India, providing a platform for the entire industry to showcase its capabilities. The exhibition not only highlights the traditional handloom sector but also positions India as a global textile hub. The success of this event could mark a significant turning point for the Indian textile industry, promoting innovation while preserving tradition.
As Bharat Tex 2024 concludes, the announcements made by Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath reflect a promising future for the weaver communities in Vijayawada and beyond. The government's targeted initiatives reveal a deep understanding of the challenges faced by traditional artisans and a strong commitment to their welfare and prosperity. This approach not only aids in the preservation of India's rich handloom heritage but also ensures its vibrant presence in the global market.
Source: BNN News
An MoU was signed today at Bharat Tex 2024 between Textiles Committee, Government e-Marketplace and Standing Conference of Public Enterprises to promote upcycled products made from textiles waste and scrap. The ongoing Bharat Tex 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi is India’s premier global textile event. Through upcyling, discarded items are transformed into new products of greater value and functionality. Under these MoUs, Government eMarketplace (GeM) will work with stakeholders in the upcycling ecosystem, especially under-served seller groups, to provide them direct market linkages in public procurement. This will be done sans intermediaries, through Vocal for Local GeM Outlet Stores. These stores will promote upcycled products made from textile waste and scrap.
Source: News on Air
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024, a major global textile event held in Delhi's Bharat Mandapam. This comes as the Indian textile industry seeks to rebound from a challenging 2023 that saw rising input costs, global disruptions and an outdated policy framework. A recent report by the Bank of Baroda titled 'Corporate Performance, Q3-FY24’ also provided insight into the sector's health, revealing both challenges and reasons for optimism. The seasonal demand stimulus faded faster in the textiles sector, which tracks discretionary spending. As a result, several businesses have noted a rise in demand for woven fabrics and home textiles, which may be related to both increasing domestic and international demand (such as that from the US and Japan) and a shortage of inventory. Additionally, alongside this, cheaper cotton yarn and a decline in the prices of raw materials were also two factors that contributed to bigger profits and increased productivity. Sales for consumer durables exceeded 8.3 per cent, however, increased in profits by 12.9 per cent. However, both B2B and B2C sectors of business science have been improved, notable during the festivals, especially for the small appliances. In addition, Prime Minister Modi expressed worry about the suffering and financial situation in the textile business during the Bharat Tex event. Traditionally, it has been viewed as a realm in which the government promotes the arts, technology, talent and training remains the case. The concept was distinguished by incremental changes in previous designs to accommodate the contemporary situation. Furthermore, it established the 'Five Fs' method, which includes creating sellable things, eliminating waste, destroying damaging competition, selling through brands rather than stores and rejuvenating and shortening the entire value chain. Similarly, the Prime Minister stated intentions to aid micro, small and medium-sized firms (MSME), including modified definitions and increased market access through direct sales, exhibits and online marketplaces. These techniques aim to bridge the gap between creative craftspeople and the market while also promoting overall inclusion and economic independence. Further, Rajeswari Mavuri, founder of Label RaMa, stated, "Handloom weaving is often labour-intensive and time-consuming, resulting in relatively small production volumes compared to mechanised processes. The challenge lies in enhancing productivity without compromising the unique quality and craftsmanship associated with handwoven textiles." She added that there has not been a way for the handloom industry to upgrade skills or understand global fashion trends, resulting in the overall scene of the handloom industry in the country remaining unchanged for decades.
The previous textile policy was coming to an end, therefore the question of whether it was still necessary arose. Mavuri intended to implement a strategic program that supports eco-friendly production processes and these product brands as fashionable accessories in global marketplaces. The main finding was that the entrepreneurs who promoted the union of weavers and artists were closing the talent and financial gaps, which was a significant boost to the fashion sector. Additionally, the trade being a borderless entity, industry leaders are now underlining the role of international cooperation and partnership. Sustainable global frameworks and conformity of trade rules with the biggest partners will also be important points to be taken into account in this growth process, to get to new markets. “The textile industry faced several hurdles in 2023," said Jigar Viradiya, CEO of Vastranand. "Rising input costs, global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating cotton prices significantly impacted profitability. Additionally, the expiration of the existing textile policy in December 2023 created uncertainty and hampered long-term planning." He further added, "A new textile policy is essential to address these challenges." stating that the policy should focus on several factors to revitalise the industry. This aligns with the concerns raised by Rajeswari Mavuri, founder of Label RaMa, who highlighted the challenges faced by the handloom industry due to its labour-intensive nature and difficulty in adapting to trends. Viradiya's statement suggests that a new policy could be a potential solution to these issues, but it is important to find a balance between modernisation and preserving the unique cultural heritage of handloom weaving. The leaders of the sector mentioned, which brings us to the conclusion that a well-designed textile policy is a growth that spurs innovation. Conversely, the industry draws attention to important issues and facilitates cooperation; as a result, the industry hopes to significantly and meaningfully contribute to India's economic development. Additionally, the trade being a borderless entity, industry leaders are now underlining the role of international cooperation and partnership. Sustainable global frameworks and conformity of trade rules with the biggest partners will also be important points to be taken into account in this growth process, in order to get to new markets. In a nutshell, the leaders of the sector mentioned, which brings us to the conclusion that a well-designed textile policy is a growth that spurs innovation. Conversely, the industry draws attention to important issues and facilitates cooperation; as a result, the industry hopes to significantly and meaningfully contribute to India's economic development.
Source: Business World
Synopsis India is gaining market share in electronics exports, particularly in the UK and US. The government offers incentives to attract manufacturers, and companies like Samsung and Apple have manufacturing operations in India. This supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' plan. India is chipping away at China’s dominance in electronics exports in some key markets as manufacturers diversify supply chains away from the world’s factory to other parts of Asia, a new study shows. The impact is most pronounced in the UK and US, where geopolitical tensions with China have increased in recent years. India’s electronics exports to the US as a ratio of China’s increased to 7.65% in November last year from 2.51% in November 2021, according to London-based Fathom Financial Consulting. In the UK, the share rose to 10% from 4.79%. iStock Powered By FOLLOW US SAVE PRINT By Anup Roy SECTIONS , India’s government is luring electronics manufacturers to the country with heavy incentives, such as tax cuts, rebates, easier land acquisition and capital support. The aim is to expand the domestic manufacturing industry in order to export more, and help businesses grow to global scale through partnerships. India houses Samsung Electronics Co.’s biggest mobile phone factory, while Apple Inc. makes at least 7% of all its iPhones in India through its contract manufacturer Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron Corp. The rise in electronic exports is “likely the result of Foxconn’s increasing investment in India,” Andrew Harris, an economist at Fathom Financial Consulting, wrote in a note last week. India’s progress in gaining market share has been more limited in Europe and Japan, “suggesting a move towards dual supply chains rather than a complete abandonment of China-based production, at least for now,” Harris said. The report shows that India’s electronics exports as a ratio of China’s was 3.38% in Germany and 3.52% globally. Indian companies have been touting their role in multinationals’ ‘China plus one’ strategy, which sees manufacturers developing back-up capacity in other countries. India’s rising market share is a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has touted his ‘Make in India’ plan as a way of creating jobs, expanding exports and making the economy more self reliant by reducing the need for imports. He’s widely expected to win a third term in office in elections due within a few months.
Source: Economic Times
New Delhi: A weaver from Gujarat's Surendranagar in Saurashtra region is busy on a traditional handloom giving shape to a cotton Tangaliya design on a sari — once a dotted woven textile traditionally worn by the Bharwad shepherd community. A few steps away, weavers from Varanasi are working to create a silk sari guided by an electronic handloom jacquard machine that uses computer programming to ensure traditional designs are reproduced with precision. Every step at Bharat Tex 2024, is an exploration of India’s historical and abiding relationship with textiles. Moving forward, witness digital printing techniques using nontoxic colours and familiarise oneself with technical textiles ranging from PPE suits, antiriot gear to outfits for fire fighters — incidentally one of the fastest growing segments in textiles. Move further and the "journey of a T-shirt" reiterates the message of adopting a sustainable way of life and value the clothes we own. It takes 40 processes and more than 220 people starting from farms to factories to make a basic T-shirt. Bharat Tex’s‘Vastra Katha’ on show at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, takes one through the stories of textile hubs like Panipat and varieties specific to states ranging from Uttar Pradesh to Tamil Nadu. The story culminates in an aesthetic display of high-end fashion that mixes traditional heritage with modernity and drives home the message of local going global. The four-day expo steered by the ministry of textiles was inaugurated on Monday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The exhibition at the theme pavilion brings in one place the diversity of fabric and art forms from across the country. A large cocoon made of colourful threads at the centre of the pavilion provides an immersive experience to visitors of India’s textile. Rathod Baldevbhai’s Tangaliya creations are a major attraction- both for fashion connoiseurs and students who watch with amazement as he uses his fingers and birds and flowers take shape on a vibrant colour palette in geometric patterns. The softspoken “bunkar (weaver)” says they have been doing this work for for almost 700 years. It is evident that the Tangaliya cloth intitially worn as wrap-around by the women of the shepherd community has evolved with the market in terms of design, style and colour schemes. Baldevbhai shares that there were around 300 weavers at one point of time but families started leaving this work as it was not financially lucrative till National Institute of Fashion Technology saw potential in the creative work and helped them revive it through creative inputs and also trained the weavers. “Tangaliya got the GI tag in 2007 and since then there has been no looking back,” he added. “Both men and women work in each family work as a team on the handloom and it takes 15-20 days for a sari on average,” he added. As one moves forward, Vastra Katha takes one through the value chain of textiles. Amid displays of famous Indian fashion designers, there are stories such as those of the tribal women of Madhya Pradesh engaged in organic farming and how they are contributing to the textile story today - weaving a story of continuity as tradition meets modernity.
Source: Times of India
The prevaling lower prices of domestic cotton in comparison to international market may impact the spinning and weaving industry negatively. Industry observers say it may adversely impact spinning and weaving industry which may bear the brunt of lesser availability of raw material and higher cotton prices after a couple of months. Saurin Parikh, President Spinners Association of Gujarat, said, “Because of the lower cotton prices, the cotton export for CY24 may touch 24-25 lakh bales (356 kg each) compared to 14 lakh bales last season. This higher export can impact the spinning units badly though it may result in some relief for the farmers. While the picture will be clearer after the month of May, the spinning units, already functioning below their total capacity, will have to further cut back on installed production capacity. “Parikh further said, “Due to various global and domestic challenges, there is a lack of demand for fabric/garments in the global and domestic market. Consequently, low demand for yarn from China and Bangladesh means that the yarn prices may not appreciate in correlation with the cotton prices in the near future. The amount of cotton held by the Cotton Association of India (CAI) and other industry players also indicates a tight balance sheet. Furthermore, the stricter enforcement of the 45-day MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) payment rule is forcing the industry players to be more cautious while accepting orders.” The rule mandates that large companies must clear payments to MSMEs within 45 days of receiving goods or services, or within 15 days if no written agreement exists. The profitability of spinning units depends on the cotton prices which have already started fluctuating. Within the month of February, the cotton prices have reached above Rs 58,000 per candy (356 kg each) from Rs 55,000 per candy in the beginning of this month. Apart from this, the price of yarn has also witnessed an increase of about Rs 20 kg in the last couple of months. Balkrishan Sharma, Business Head & Chief Executive, Yarn Business, RSWM Limited, a leading textile player, said, “The lower cotton prices and higher cotton export from India may be beneficial for some of the stakeholders but the spinning units may face grave challenges due to the lower availability for the domestic spinning units to work with. For the spinning units to be functional optimally, it is necessary that the global demand picks up so that the price change in cotton due to higher exports may be absorbed by the garments and the yarn price can go up accordingly.” He further said, “Various domestic and international challenges like lack of market demand, supply dynamics ( every major cotton player except for Brazil have less quantity of cotton for CY24) and external factors (the Red Sea crisis, the geo-political crisis in the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine) are causing concern for the impact they may have on demand in the industry in the coming months. “Commenting on the current situation in the industry, Sharma said, “We believe that the worst phase is behind us now. The indicators from the US market, that drive the Indian cotton business, look promising and we are hinging our hopes on that. Inflation rate is picking up, real wages are growing and the consumer sentiment is positive in western markets, although the deteriorating European market is an area of concern. We believe that there will be an improvement in the industry from June onwards.”
Source: Financial Express
India ranks 42nd in the International IP Index for 2024, out of 55 countries evaluated. India’s overall score also remained unchanged at 38.64 percent according to the 12th edition of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center’s International IP Index. The Index evaluates the IP frameworks of the world's top 55 economies, revealing significant improvements in 20 economies. While the United States is once again the world leader, there were notable advancements led by Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Nigeria. However, challenges persist, as 27 economies showed no change and eight, including Ecuador, experienced declines due to weak IP enforcement. The IP Index also serves as a compass to guide world leaders on proven methods to champion innovation and creativity at home. With this data, they can see what's working, what's not, and what changes are needed to ensure a brighter future, said the statement. “The Index demonstrates the benefits that economies can receive when they adopt robust and enforceable IP standards. Policymakers in India are recognizing the critical link between IP rights and economic activity, which will underscore India’s global competitiveness,” said Patrick Kilbride, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center. When it comes to India’s IP strength, the report points to the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023, which includes new language and criminal sanctions on film piracy. Continued strong efforts in copyright piracy through the issuing of “dynamic” injunction orders and R&D and IP-based tax incentives were some of the points mentioned in the report. "India's recent strides in amending its intellectual property framework are commendable and underscore the country’s proactive approach to empowering innovation and creativity. Such initiatives not only benefit domestic creators and innovators but also contribute to the broader global landscape of intellectual property rights protection,” Kilbride said. In terms of weakness, the report highlights the 2021 dissolution of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board combined with the long-standing issue of an under-resourced and overstretched judiciary raising serious concerns about rights holders’ ability to enforce their IP rights in India and to resolve IP-related disputes. It also pointed to the limited framework for the protection of biopharmaceutical IP rights.
Source : Business Standard
Uzbekistan's textile sector shines bright, contributing 22.4% to total exports with a significant year-over-year increase. Explore the industry's growth, economic impact, and promising future.
Robust Growth in Exports
The impressive uptick in Uzbekistan's textile exports is a testament to the country's growing influence in the global textile market. With exports totaling $250.2 million in January alone, the industry has seen a broad range of 438 textile products reaching 47 countries. Yarns led the export values at $121.4 million, followed closely by finished textile goods at $93.6 million. Other significant contributions came from knitted fabric, fabrics, and hosiery, highlighting the diversity and competitiveness of Uzbekistan's textile offerings on the world stage.
Driving Economic Development
Textile exports have become a cornerstone for Uzbekistan's economic development, with the sector's expansion playing a critical role in the country's export strategy. The government's focus on enhancing the textile industry's capacity, coupled with strategic trade partnerships, has facilitated access to international markets. This growth not only bolsters the country's GDP but also creates employment opportunities, fostering socio-economic development. The success of Uzbekistan's textile exports is a beacon for other sectors, demonstrating the potential for growth and sustainability in global markets.
Global Context and Future Outlook
As global economies grapple with trade tensions and market uncertainties, Uzbekistan's textile sector emerges as a resilient force, showcasing the country's adeptness at navigating the complex web of international trade. This growth trajectory sets a positive outlook for the future, promising further expansion and diversification of Uzbekistan's exports. With sustainable practices and innovation at its core, the textile industry is poised to explore new horizons, strengthening Uzbekistan's position as a key player in the global textile market.The rise of Uzbekistan's textile exports not only marks an economic triumph but also signifies the country's strategic move towards sustainable development and diversification. As the world watches, the success of this sector could offer valuable lessons in leveraging sectoral strengths for national growth and global competitiveness. Uzbekistan's journey from traditional textile production to becoming a significant exporter is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and strategic planning, heralding a promising future for its economy.
Source: BNN News
KARACHI: The textile sector, one of the country’s main export earners, needs to switch to renewable energy sources to cut costs and reduce its environmental impact, industry experts said on Tuesday.They were speaking at a panel discussion organised by the German consulate in Karachi, in collaboration with the Goethe Institut and the German development agency GIZ, to share their experiences of attending Heimtextil, a leading global trade fair for home and contract textiles, held in Frankfurt earlier this year. Pakistan was the fourth largest exhibitor at Heimtextil 2024, with more than 270 companies showcasing their products and innovations to buyers from around the world. The panelists discussed the importance of renewable energy and innovative technologies for transforming the textile industry, which accounts for about 60 percent of Pakistan’s exports and employs millions of workers. They also highlighted the challenges and opportunities of achieving net zero emissions, phasing out coal and other fossil fuels, and implementing zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems to treat wastewater. Zaki Bashir, CEO of Gul Ahmed Textile, one of Pakistan’s largest textile manufacturers, said that using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind was imperative for the sector, as Pakistan was among the 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change.
He said that renewable energy would not only help the industry reduce its carbon footprint, but also lower its energy costs, which are among the highest in the region. Hassan Tabba, CEO of Yunus Textile Mills, another leading textile exporter, echoed Bashir’s views and said that Pakistan had to exploit its renewable energy potential to stay competitive in the global market. He said that Pakistan’s textile sector faced stiff competition from countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam and India, which had lower energy tariffs and more favourable trade policies. Fawad Anwar, CEO of Al Karam Textile, said that Pakistan had started late in adopting renewable energy and needed to catch up with the demands of the sector. He said that the government should provide incentives and support to the textile industry to invest in renewable energy projects and technologies. Yulia Bazhenova, head of projects at GIZ, said that sustainability in Pakistan’s textile sector could only be achieved through cost-cutting measures and energy efficiency. She said that international regulations and standards also required Pakistan’s textile sector to be more environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Bazhenova said that GIZ was working with the textile industry to improve its energy management, water conservation and waste reduction practices. Zulfiqar Shah, country manager of Pakistan Accord, a platform of European brands and retailers that promotes fire and building safety in the garment sector, said that the textile industry should also engage with the government and civil society to formulate policies and strategies for renewable energy.
Source: The News
DHAKA - President Mohammed Shahabuddin today urged the businessmen, industrialists and entrepreneurs to explore more export markets in the globe along with establishing safe and environment-friendly industries. "Provide all-out efforts to increase productivity . . . Expand the export-market to all possible parts of the world," he said while addressing a function at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) here coinciding with 'National Textile Day-2024'. The head of the state also asked all concerned to produce diversified export items instead of relying on a few products along with increasing investment and employment in the textile sector. He stressed prioritizing economic diplomacy saying that the diplomatic missions can be used for the purpose. Shahabuddin called on all concerned including the business leaders to be vigilant so that no vicious circle or self-interested clique can destroy the atmosphere of production-oriented factories. "To maintain the conducive atmosphere of the production-oriented mill- factories, we must have to be vigilant. The government always remains with you," he said.The president said businessmen, industrialists and investors should come forward to find out more international markets with producing new items using technical education and modern technology. He also stressed developing skilled manpower in the textile sector. The president called foreign trade as more challenging, competitive and knowledge-based, saying business leaders must have to take a concerted initiative to face the challenges. The head of the state asked the business leaders to ensure the legitimate rights and wages of the workers, dubbing the workers as the driving force of manufacturing industries. He said, "Factories and workers are inseparable parts. If the workers remain good, the factory will stay good." He reminded the businessmen that business is not only for profit. "You (business people) have to take social responsibility as well," he said. Shahabuddin said the government is firm to make the garment and textile sector more capable, strong, safe and modern to face the competition in the world. He suggested the entrepreneurs or factory owners to adopt new technologies to counter the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) as per the need of the global markets. The president also referred to the significant role of textile and jute sector in the society, economy, culture, industrialization and employment generation. He said multifaceted action plans should be formulated and implemented for the expansion of the textile sector, considering the needs of the domestic and international market. He said the role of textile industry, country's largest labor intensive sector, is most important in building 'Smart Bangladesh' and it is possible to develop 'smart textile' sector by increasing the use of modern machinery and information technology. The president said textile sector also ensures employments to many people, including female who accounts for 80% of its total workforce. As many as 85% of the country's total export income comes from the textiles industry which is playing an important role in alleviating rural poverty, empowering women and creating employment opportunities, he added. The head of the state hoped that the textile sector would play a significant role in making a developed and prosperous 'Smart Bangladesh' in line with the 'Vision 2041' designed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Mentioning the history of country's textile industry as the ancient and glorious, he said all the programmes and activities undertaken by the present government would expedite development of textile sector and make it attractive to foreign investors as well. Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak presided over the function. Secretary of the ministry Md Abdur Rauf, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Mohammad Ali Khokon and Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Vice-President Md Shahidullah Azam also spoke. A documentary on 'National Textile Day 2023' was screened at the function. A total of 11 institutions or businessmen were awarded on the occasion.
Source: BSS News
