Business

PDEXCIL Participates in A Big Way In IITExpo-Colombo 2018

Powerloom Development & Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) is set up by Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India for the promotion of overall growth of powerloom sector in India and export of its product. Towards these objectives, it organises buyer seller meet cum exhibition in India and abroad, seminar and workshops for the benefits of SME sector, skill development etc., with the support of Govt. of India.

The recent event IITExpo-Colombo 2018, a 3 days event, had been organized at Hotel Galadari, Colombo from 21^st to 23^rd, Feb, 2018. 44 exhibitors from various textile clusters of India viz., Tamil Nadu (Erode, Salem, Karur, Coimbatore), Solapur, Bhiwandi, Mumbai (Maharashtra), Ahmedabad, Surat (Gujarat), Kishangarh (Rajasthan) etc., displayed varieties of apparel fabrics (woven, knitted and non- woven), made-ups, home textiles, traditional items etc., in various blends, texture, colour designs etc, suitable for apparel, industrial and technical application.

The event started with a grand inauguration ceremony on 21.02.2018, at 11:30 am by Dr. Sarath Amunugma, Hon’ble Minister of Special Assignment as the Chief Guest of the event. Dr. Anoma Gamage (M.P.) Deputy Minister of Petroleum Resource Development, Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development, was also present. H.E Mr. Arindam Bagchi, Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka was the Guest of Honour, Mr. Felix Fernando, Chairman, Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA), were present as special guest during the inauguration.

Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Special Assignments, while inaugurating the event said that Sri Lanka sourcing from India and transforming it into apparel and garments for rest of the world could lead to win-win situation for both the countries. He cited the rich textile traditions in both countries and stellar contribution of textile sector to Sri Lanka's economy.

Arindam Bagchi, Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, noted that India would encourage Sri Lankan companies to be part of the supply and value chains of large Indian companies. He urged Sri Lanka to make use of fully-funded training opportunities in India under Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, in which a number of slots is earmarked for textile related subjects.

Purushottam K. Vanga, Chairman, PDEXCIL welcomed the dignitaries and gathering and gave a brief on Indo-Sri Lanka trade relations. Bharat Chhajer, COA, PDEXCIL informed the gathering about PDEXCIL activities and IITExpo-Colombo 2018. He emphasized on the huge scope of Sri Lanka market for India textile entrepreneurs as it has a huge garment base. Shri. Sunil S. Patil, Vice Chairman, PDEXCIL thanked the gathering with vote of thanks.

The event was opened for visitors/buyers between 12.00 pm to 6 pm on 21.02.2018 and 10.00 am to 6.00 pm on 22^nd and 23^rd Feb, 2018. A networking meeting with exhibitor, buyers, special invitees and dignitaries was also arranged on 21.02.2018, evening 8 pm onwards, in the same hotel.

PDEXCIL has signed an MOU with Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA), during “Textiles India 2017” on 01^st July 2017. A meeting was conducted on 22^nd Feb, 2018, during IITExpo-Colombo 2018, as a follow up meeting of the MOU. PDEXCIL had a detailed interaction meeting with the members of SLAEA covering major apparel manufacturer exporters of international brands with PDEXCIL delegation.

Sri Lanka is one of India’s largest trading partners in SAARC. India in turn is one of the Sri Lanka’s largest trade partners globally. Fabrics are among the major item exported from India to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is among the top 10 countries for export of cotton fabrics from India. Export of major textile commodities from India to Sri Lanka stood at about 622 Mn USD.

The event was useful for the importers/dealers/wholesalers of various textiles, sourcing agencies, retailers/buying houses, institutional buyers, yarn traders and garment manufacturers of Sri Lanka to directly interact with exhibitors from India and to choose their requirements. Different varieties, in fibre composition, weave, shades, grey etc., was available under one roof. Sri Lanka being a garment manufacturing hub can source their various fabric and other textile requirements. The event generated good business as many exhibitors stayed in the venue dealing with Sri Lankan buyers even after the closing time.