Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday urged the domestic textile industry to tap about USD 200 billion in export opportunities out of the USD 465 billion market access expected to open up through free trade agreements (FTAs) being finalised by India.
He also said that the Bharat Tex 2026 will act as a single largest global platform for domestic players as it brings together the entire textile value chain, ranging from fibre and yarn to fabrics, garments, technical textiles and sustainable innovations.
“We should look to capture at least USD 200 billion from the USD 465 billion market access provided by the FTAs,” he said. India has finalised as many as nine FTAs with countries including Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Oman and the UAE and the EU.
The minister also urged the industry to focus on promoting manufacturing of machines for the sector as India is weak in that. He said that India is strong in natural fibres and the country can become a global hub for their supply in the coming years. Linen import has increased to 60,000 tonnes from about 21,000 tonnes in 2021-22.
The four-day Bharat Tex 2026 will begin from July 14 at Bharat Mandapam here. The exhibition, he said reaffirms the attractiveness of India as a reliable, sustainable sourcing destination as well as an investment destination at scale for textiles.
The third edition is expected to witness a participation of over 3,500 business exhibitors, over 7,000 international buyers from more than 140 countries and over 1,30,000 trade visitors. The event will showcase the entire textile ecosystem, including fibres and yarns, fabrics, apparel and fashion, home textiles, technical textiles, handicrafts, handlooms and intelligent manufacturing technologies.
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