AEPC Seeks Stronger India-Japan Textile Ties As Japanese Firms Show Investment Interest

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, July 17 (KNN) The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) on Wednesday highlighted growing interest among Japanese companies to invest in India's textile sector, citing ongoing discussions and collaborations at the India Tex Trend Fair (ITTF) in Tokyo.

AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri said a series of business meetings were held between Indian and Japanese firms during the fair to explore new trade and investment avenues in the apparel sector.

“We have appealed to Japanese companies to increase their sourcing from India and consider greater investments here,” he said.

He added that discussions took place with leading Japanese brands such as Uniqlo, Adastria, Toray, Itokin, Broque Japan, Daiso, as well as YKK and Pegasus.

“The Indian industry is fully committed to meeting Japanese quality standards,” Sekhri stated.“We invite all our Japanese partners to engage with Indian exhibitors, explore collaborative possibilities, and experience firsthand the strength and reliability of India as a sourcing destination.”

The India Tex Trend Fair is a flagship industry event organised in partnership with the Ministry of Textiles, the Embassy of India in Japan, AEPC, and the Japan India Industry Promotion Association (JIIPA).

Several Indian apparel exporters are participating in the fair to showcase their capabilities to Japanese buyers.

AEPC noted that India holds a 'golden opportunity' to increase its garment exports to Japan, supported by duty-free trade access, a reputation for sustainable manufacturing, and a flexible production base.

However, it emphasised that improvements in man-made fibre (MMF) quality, simplification of trade procedures, and strict compliance with Japanese standards are essential to expanding India's footprint in the Japanese apparel market.

Japan imported apparel worth approximately USD 23 billion in 2024, but India's share stood at just USD 234.5 million - around 1 percent.

AEPC stressed the potential for India to raise this share significantly with targeted reforms and strategic engagement.

The Indian government has also launched initiatives such as the PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks to boost domestic textile manufacturing and attract global investors.

(KNN Bureau)

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