Techtextil India continues to be the unrivalled trade and marketing platform for manufacturers of technical textile products, nonwovens and machinery seeking to tap the domestic market. The fourth edition of this professional trade show will be held during October 3-5 next at BEC in Mumbai.
Top officials in the Union Textiles Ministry believe that India will soon be a world leader in production as well as end-use consumption of technical textiles, and therefore offers the fastest growth prospects. The Government too has made several provisions for the sector in the Budget for 2013-14. Aramid yarn and fabric used in the manufacture of bullet-proof helmets have been exempted from customs duty, while basic customs duty on raw materials for manufacturing adult diapers has been reduced from 10 and 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent. A sum of Rs. 500 crores has been allotted to start a pilot scheme for promotion and application of geo-textiles.
Domestic demand for technical textiles and nonwovens is growing proportionately to the development of the national economy, progress in urbanisation and rising income levels. “Indian consumers are rapidly adapting to ways of developed countries, and there is an increase in consumption of hygiene, personal care and safety products. Growth of private infrastructure players looking for long-term cost-effective solutions has enhanced demand for products like geo-synthetics, and reduced labour availability in agriculture and transport is driving the use of technical textiles across those sectors,” stated Mr. Vayu Garware, Managing Director, Garware-Wall Ropes.
“It is important for the technical textile sector to have a marquee show where the industry can gather to have meaningful interactions with the entire gamut of stakeholders, from researchers and government bodies to technology providers and consuming industries. The Indian technical textile industry is looking for greater exposure to the world market, and fairs like Techtextil India certainly help us,” he added.
In 2007, Techtextil India presented itself as the only professional trade and networking platform dedicated to technical textiles and nonwovens sector. The second edition in 2009 had a participation of 110 exhibitors and a footfall of 6,339 business visitors (including Heimtextil India). The 2011 edition had attracted 130 exhibitors and 3,814 business visitors, reinforcing Techtextil India as one place to network and gather market information.
Besides, the Techtextil India Symposium held in 2012 was a huge success. Organised in concert with the trade fair, the symposium provided a key platform for addressing issues the industry faces within the country and on a global scale.