Tells industry to discard outdated technology and modernize its machinery to be globally competitive..
Our Correspondent /AMN / New Delhi
The Vice President of India, Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu today asked the textile industry to develop a culture of innovation and tap newer markets so that India’s exports share in the global market could increase.
Addressing the outreach event on ‘Accomplishments and Way Forward for Textile Sector’, Vice President said that India’s export performance has been not up to expectations for a variety of reasons. “It cannot be business as usual and the industry has to rise to the occasion and ensure that the share of India’s exports reach double digits from approximately 5 per cent at present. You need to diversify your products and tap newer markets”, he advised the industry.
Pointing out that India enjoys a unique advantage of having abundant raw materials and the presence of manufacturing in all segments of the textile value chain, Mr. Naidu said the sector needs to improve supply chains, focus on research, cost optimization and scaling-up to achieve greater competitiveness and a higher share in the production and export of top items traded in global markets.
Observing that this was the ideal time for the industry to discard outdated technology and modernize its machinery to be globally competitive, Naidu said the availability of raw materials, low cost and skilled manpower was an added advantage for the Indian textile industry, which is expected to reach US$ 223 billion by 2021.
The Vice President said that quality has to be the mainstay for India to sustain exports in the global market in the face of stiff competition from Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Referring to various measures taken by the government like allowing 100 per cent FDI and Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme to accelerate textile industry’s growth, the Vice President advised the industry to focus on innovation and value addition for improving the global competitiveness of the Indian textiles and apparels. “Innovation is the key. We have to come up with innovative and exclusive products if we have to expand our footprint in the global arena”, he added. He also stressed the need for promoting waterless dyeing by adopting new technology.
The Vice President also presented the Threads of Excellence Awards to various organizations and individuals who have shown their excellence in the textile industry.
Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Irani, in her address said that the Textiles Ministry is for the first time giving awards to people who have made significant contribution to textiles sector. She said that the Textiles Ministry will address the issues flagged during the day long ‘National Conclave on Accomplishments and Way Forward for Textiles Sector’.
Seventeen awards in different categories were given away by the Vice President for outstanding performance and excellence in various spheres of textiles industry.
Earlier in the day, the national conclave was inaugurated by the Union Textiles Minister. It was also addressed by the Minister of State, Ajay Tamta and Textiles Secretary, Raghvendra Singh. The inaugural session was followed by panel discussions on technical textiles, ease of doing textiles business, handicrafts, access to global markets and supply chains and fashioning weaves.
The two-day outreach programme was launched last evening in the premises of Red Fort with the presentation of eight special recognition awards for the excellent work in the textiles sector. In addition, 16 artisans were felicitated who have enriched the handloom sector with their creative work in weaving and printing. The event was followed by Textiles Show-Artisan Speak.