20th July 2023, Tokyo Japan The ongoing 12th edition of the India Tex Trends Fair inaugurated on 19^th July in Tokyo was visited today by Mr Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan. During his visit, a presentation on enhancing RMG export to Japan was undertaken during a Seminar on ‘Textile Industry in India-Collaborative Opportunities’, 20 July 2023, Tokyo. The ambassador visit took place in the presence of Chairman AEPC Mr. Naren Goenka, Vice Chairman AEPC Mr. Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman F&E, Mr. Ashok Rajani and representatives from Brands, retail chains, etc.
 
During his address Mr Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan said, “It is with immense pleasure that I join you today at the India Trend Fair and Seminar on 'Textile Industry in India-Collaborative Opportunities.' I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Apparel Export Promotion Council of India and the Japan-India Industry Promotion Association for their commendable efforts in organizing this remarkable event, showcasing the finest of Indian apparel and textiles.”
 
Further Ambassador underlined, “The special partnership between India and Japan, built on the foundation of shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, and mutual respect, has witnessed remarkable growth over the years. In the last few years, our relationship has evolved significantly and transformed into a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Today, our relationship covers a wide range of areas, trade and investment, industrial development, infrastructure, rail, metros, digital, energy, human resources, critical and emerging technology, climate change, health security, space, semiconductors, and defense and security. This remarkable progress is a testament to the unwavering commitment and guidance provided by the visionary leadership of both our nations.”
 
Speaking on the Textiles Sector Mr. Gorge said, “ India stands proudly as one of the leading players in the global textiles and apparel industry. The textiles and clothing sector holds a significant position in our national economy. In the previous year alone, India exported textile and apparel products worth over USD 35.5 billion. This achievement can be attributed to our rich cultural heritage, advanced technological capabilities, and skilled workforce. However, we recognize that there is immense untapped potential for further enhancing textile exports from India to Japan.”
 
 Both governments are actively engaged in facilitating cooperation in the textiles sector. Through our dedicated government-to-government mechanism, we endeavor to promote collaboration between our nations in this realm. Moreover, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre in Japan and the Textiles Committee of the Ministry of Textiles in India has paved the way for providing crucial support to the Indian textile industry. This collaboration aims to ensure quality compliance with the requirements of Japanese buyers through comprehensive measures such as testing, inspection, conformity assessment, training, capacity building, research and development, and consultancy, Ambassador highlighted.
 
Mr George observed, “There is also great potential for increasing investments from Japan in the Indian textiles sector. The Government of India launched a Production Linked Incentive Scheme in the textile sector to attract investments in this sector. India also offers 11 Japan Industrial Townships exclusively for Japanese companies, and I invite Japanese companies to take advantage of these opportunities and consider investing in India.”
 
A presentation was made by Dr. Tamanna Chatuervedi, Deputy Secretary General, Apparel Export Promotion Council. During her presentation, she requested the embassy of India in Japan to help in the promotion of the garment industry, in her way forward recommendations she requested the following;
 
·         More information on garment factories in India mapped with their quality standards similar to Lu Thai and Babuna group of China
·         Opportunity for Indian designers to collaborate with Japanese designers and produce garments for this niche market
·         Assistance in exploring specific opportunities in the category of a uniform market made up of polycotton and polyester in Japan
·         Better pre-fair involvement and ensure preparation
·         Brand India Promotion
·         Enhancing Japanese investments toward strengthening the textile value chain
·         Advise on product development, revisions and improvements, direction, etc.
·         Support AEPC in identifying Japanese technicians to be invited to India and actually aid the Indian factories at the ground level to enhance the work methods and effectiveness
·         Advice on brand building (direction, design support, checking)
·         Establish QC Team in India to gain the confidence of Japanese Buyers. Coordinate with Nissiken to establish QC labs across clusters in India to audit and certify companies as suppliers to the company.
·         Form a dedicated India Desk in Japan to make it comfortable to Japanese Buyers to source from India.