Minister Piyush Goyal suggests 5-point mission for Indian textiles

Goyal was addressing industry captains at the inauguration session of the tenth edition of Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON) currently underway in New Delhi. Earlier, state textile minister Darshana Jardosh, textile secretary Upendra Prasad Singh and industry veterans and experts also addressed the conference.

The minister said that it was nice to see the industry seriously discuss innovation for productivity and expansion. The industry can optimise its resources for demand by innovating its system. It can utilise innovative ideas and digitisation in supply side too. The industry can face stiff competition more effectively by innovation and digitisation. He said that sustainability is very important for Indian textiles sector which can reduce the pressure on the environment by using reusable resources. The industry can benefit by reducing production costs through sustainability.

Goyal said that digitisation is another area which can help optimise the entire value chain. He said that he was very glad to know the industry captains are already talking about digitisation. In current era of information technology, every industry is benefitting from new technologies like blockchain and more. He suggested that the industry should think about high quality products and elementary products like zip and embellishments, which the Indian industry imports. High quality products can lend a good image to the industry.

The minister said that the industry should focus on taking maximum benefits from present FTAs. Such agreements are arrangements between nations to give relaxations to each other. After the signing of FTAs, it was the industry’s duty to take maximum advantage. The minister said that the government is focusing on signing more FTAs with developed countries.

Goyal appreciated the futuristic approach of the 10^th edition of the Asian Textile Conference. He remembered that Indians were lacking clothes 75 years ago when the country became independent. But India has successfully overcome the challenge. He said that the industry is working along the lines of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile, CITI and Egyptian Cotton have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the presence of the textile minister. Both the industry bodies will work together for mutual benefits.

Fibre2Fashion is the Knowledge Partner at the ATEXCON event.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)