Looking forward to help Taiwanese textile producers manufacture premium quality advanced products, the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) said it intends to develop itself into a top-notch textile R&D facility.
The statement followed reports that the country's overall textile output for 2011 were valued at NT$ 500.8 billion, a 3.8 percent above 2010 figure.
While textile exports for the period touching a 10-year high came to US$ 12.7 billion, with a 12.5 percent or US$ 1.4 billion rise over 2010, imports grew at a year-on-year rate of 22.9 percent to US$ 3.57 billion. This resulted in a textile trade surplus of US$ 9.15 billion, an 8.9 percent more as compared to 2010.
Eyeing to push this surplus even further, TTRI is eyeing to develop itself into a world-class textile research organization by establishing a basic component research facility and a production commercialization office.
It would also develop its production assessment and certification facility to afford better international penetration for Taiwanese goods.
In addition, TTRI would establish a towel design and manufacturing unit to facilitate revival of the country's waning towel production industry.
According to TTRI Chairman, Wang Ya-Kang, henceforth the institute would enhance its focus on key textile inputs and technical textiles that have utility in garments and home items, high-value textiles having industrial utility, ecologically-sustainable technology and improving and enhancing its online services.
TTRI would also evolve techniques for production of new-fibre textile and nanometer-level electronic knitting. It would strive to achieve a four percent annual sales turnover target, and attract NT$ 1.5 billion worth of investments into the country's textile industry.