The first ever International Conference on "Steering
Mature Business: A Leadership Challenge to Textile Industry" held on
October 3rd and 4th in Ahmedabad, in the once so called Manchester of the East. There were over 200 plus industry leaders and stakeholders from
the textile industry present on the occasion. The conference has been organised
by Fibre2fashion,
the leading global B2B website for the textile, apparel and fashion industry in
association with Ahmedabad Management Association; a pioneer in the management
movement.
Dr. J.N. Singh, Joint Secretary, Textiles, Government of India;
spoke at length on the strengths of the domestic markets which totaled to US$32
billion and which was projected and had the potential to reach $180 billion in
2035. With regards to exports he said from the current levels of $22 billion,
it could reach $125 billion by 2035.
In his presentation, Mr. JN Singh expressed his concern over
the fact that, as one moves across the value chain (fabric and garments), the
installed capacities and production quality and quantity reduce very
precipitously. He said India had a very low labour cost, compared to most of
the countries except for Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan, which can be turned
into an opportunity.
But with all the advantages, was it possible to reap the
rewards? Not completely, he said, instead he suggested that we should also put
emphasis on trying to market the cultural and traditional textiles and
handicrafts, distinctive to each region of India. He also spoke about the
initiatives taken by the incumbent government to support the sector and assured
all help to the industry in its holistic development.
Download Full Presentation
