Mumbai, Sept 23: Prompted by the success of the Indian textile show recently held in Sri Lanka, it has been decided to turn it into a regular annual event in Colombo. Indian synthetic textiles generated export orders worth Rs 18 crore at the show, the first show among the series to promote exports this year.According to chairman of Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (Srtepc) Ganesh Kumar Gupta more than 800 buyers visited the show exhibited by 25 leading companies.
The participants included Reliance Industries, Bombay Dyeing, S. Kumars Synfabs, Indian Rayon, Rajasthan Spinning and weaving, Banswara Syntex, Vijay Silk House etc. They exhibited their latest range of synthetic, rayon and blended textile items including fabrics, made-ups and yarn.
According to Srtepc chairman, the Indian textile show was visited by garment manufacturers, agents, buyers and traders. A greater awareness about the wide range of India's synthetic and blended textiles was created. The visitors were also made aware of the growing capabilities of Indian exporters to supply superior quality textile items at competetive prices.
Gupta informed that the show was also instrumental in bringing closer the textile communities of Sri Lanka and India so that the unique strengths and advantages of the respective industries could be exploited fully for mutual benefits.
He was of the opinion that the show would give further phillip to the already growing exports of synthetic and blended textiles to Sri Lanka. He noted that Indian exports of synthetic textiles which was around Rs 43 crore in 1997-98 grew by over 50 per cent to touch Rs 66 crore in 1998-99.
The delegation also had a meeting with Sri Lankan minster of Industrial development CV Guneratne and minister of Internal and international commerce Kingsle Wickremartene. At the meeting an urgent need for developing regional linkages and mutual co-operation was stressed upon.
It was also pointed out that the thriving Sri lankan garment industry could take advantage of the capabilities of Indian textile industry to suuply appropriate fabrics. The geographical proximity, which could result in saving time and transport cost would add competetive advantage of the Sri lankan garment industry.
THe delegation also had meeting with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka during which the avenues for joint ventures were explored. Gupta further said that the success of the show has opened up tremendous new oppurtunities for Indian exporters and has ushered in a new era of mutual co-operation.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.