Welcome Address by CITI Chairman
Mr. Rakesh Mehra, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) for 12th Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON) to be held on 25th March 2025 at Mumbai speech points.
- At the outset, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of joining us today for the 12th Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON 2025).
- It is a privilege to address this distinguished gathering of thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers who are shaping the future of the global T&A industry.
- Over the years, ATEXCON has evolved into a premier platform for industry discussions, facilitating cross-border collaborations, policy dialogues, and technological advancements.
- I am pleased to share with you all that the previous editions of ATEXCON have successfully brought together global stakeholders, leading to strategic partnerships, policy recommendations, and more for the textile sector.
- Asia continues to be the backbone of the global textile and apparel sector, contributing significantly across the value chain. The region accounts for approximately 63% of the world’s total cotton production and an astounding 90% of the world’s man-made fiber (MMF) production, making it the global leader in raw material supply. Furthermore, with around 90% of the world’s total spinning capacity and 85% of global knitting capacity, Asia remains the largest manufacturing base worldwide.
- Asia’s dominance extends to the export market as well, accounting for nearly 65% of global T&A exports. Countries such as China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, and Turkiye are leading this export landscape, underscoring the region’s pivotal role in driving global trade. The increasing integration of technology, sustainability practices, and trade collaborations is further solidifying Asia’s leadership position.
- With this contribution of ASIA to the global T&A market, the theme of this year’s ATEXCON, ‘Asia Steering Global Growth’, is particularly significant.
- India is poised to play a critical role in sustaining Asia’s dominance in the global T&A landscape. Currently, India ranks as the 4th largest T&A exporter among Asian countries, contributing around 6% of Asia’s T&A exports and approximately 4% of global T&A exports.
- While Asia continues to dominate global T&A exports, it is important to note that that the region’s share in global T&A exports has stagnated in recent years, despite its immense potential.
- To overcome this stagnation, Asian economies must focus on increasing their share not only through higher volumes but also by enhancing value addition. Exporting high-value products with greater unit value realization (UVR) should be a priority for all Asian countries.
- Further, with Western economies emphasizing reshoring and nearshoring, it is crucial for Asian economies to enhance intra-regional trade and establish resilient, future-ready supply chains.
- Collaboration among Asian economies presents an unparalleled opportunity. By leveraging regional strengths—India and China’s raw material base and manufacturing skill, Bangladesh and Vietnam’s garment expertise, Indonesia’s innovation in technical textiles, Sri Lanka’s high-value apparel and intimate wear segment, Korea’s advancements in smart textiles, and Japan’s leadership in high-performance fibers and technical fabrics—we can create a robust and self-sufficient textile ecosystem.
- I am hopeful that today’s discussions will be insightful and thought-provoking, addressing key industry trends such as trade policies, technological advancements, emerging textile segments, and evolving consumer preferences.
- These dialogues will undoubtedly pave the way for actionable strategies that foster long-term resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth for the textile and apparel industry.
- As I conclude, let us work together to unlock Asia’s full potential, drive value-based growth, and steer the global textile and apparel industry toward a prosperous and sustainable future.
