MANTRA Signs Landmark Textile MoU with Myanmar

NEW DELHI/SURAT : Surat has strengthened its position as a global textile innovation hub after the Man-Made Textiles Research Association (MANTRA) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Myanmar Textile Manufacturers Association (MTMA) during Bharattex 2026 in New Delhi. The agreement is expected to deepen India-Myanmar cooperation in textile technology, research, sustainability and skill development.

The MoU was signed in the presence of industry representatives during Bharattex 2026, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The agreement was signed by Dr. Pankaj Gandhi, Director of MANTRA, and Dr. Yin Yin Moe, Chief Executive Officer of the Myanmar Textile Manufacturers Association.

The three-year partnership aims to promote sustainable development, improve global competitiveness and accelerate technological advancement in the textile and garment industries of both countries.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will jointly work on skill development, human resource training, technology transfer, industrial capacity building, research and development, sustainability, circular economy initiatives, environmental management, productivity enhancement, quality improvement, testing and certification, laboratory collaboration, technical seminars, workshops, conferences and exchange of experts.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pankaj Gandhi said the agreement represents much more than institutional cooperation.“This MoU is not just an agreement between two institutions, but an important milestone in establishing Surat as a global textile knowledge and research hub. MANTRA’s advanced laboratories, technical expertise and industry experience will now contribute directly to the development of Myanmar’s textile sector,” he said.

He added that the collaboration would enable Surat’s expertise in technology, research, innovative product development and skilled workforce training to reach Myanmar, further enhancing the city’s global reputation.

The partnership is expected to create new international opportunities for Surat’s textile industry by expanding its research services, technical consultancy and specialised training programmes across neighbouring countries.

Myanmar’s growing textile and garment sector is also expected to benefit from Indian technology, internationally recognised quality standards and research-driven industrial development. At the same time, Surat-based institutions are likely to gain access to new collaborative projects, product development initiatives and skill export opportunities.

Industry experts believe the agreement will strengthen India’s Act East Policy while supporting the Make in India vision by expanding the country’s textile expertise beyond its borders.

With this strategic partnership, MANTRA is set to emerge as a leading knowledge, research and innovation centre not only for India but also for the textile industries of South and Southeast Asia, reinforcing Surat’s growing influence in the global man-made textile sector.