SGCCI Constitutes First-Ever Textile Task Force

Surat : In a landmark move aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the textile industry, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has formed a Textile Task Force for the first time. The task force, composed of key players from across the entire textile value chain, aims to foster collaboration, resolve industry-specific issues, and drive future growth in South Gujarat’s textile sector.

The inaugural meeting of the Textile Task Force saw the participation of entrepreneurs and industrialists from various segments of the textile industry, including fiber producers, garment manufacturers, and textile machinery experts. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss in detail the challenges and opportunities within the textile industry and to develop a comprehensive strategy to address these concerns.

Broad Representation from the Textile Value Chain

SGCCI President Vijay Mewawala explained that the task force is made up of representatives from all segments of the textile industry, including spinners, processors, weavers, knitters, embroidery manufacturers, yarn traders, and textile machinery manufacturers. The inclusion of industrialists, traders, and experts ensures a broad and inclusive approach to tackling industry issues. This diverse representation, Mewawala emphasized, will help ensure that no part of the textile value chain is left out of discussions or development plans.

“A unique feature of this task force is its ability to bridge the gap between various sectors of the textile industry,” Mewawala said. “Often, disagreements arise between different sectors, but the task force will bring them together to reach a consensus that benefits all parties. This collaborative approach will help unify the industry’s voice when presenting issues to the State and Central Governments.”

Textile Industry’s Role in Economic Growth

The establishment of the Textile Task Force is also in line with the NITI Aayog’s economic plan for the Surat Economic Region. According to projections, the total economy of South Gujarat is expected to reach 1.5 trillion US dollars by 2047, with the textile industry playing a significant role in this growth. The task force is committed to ensuring that Surat, known as the “Textile City of India,” continues to thrive and possibly emerge as a leading textile hub globally.

Key areas of focus for the task force include infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and fostering innovation in textile production. Through regular engagement with government bodies, the task force aims to secure the necessary support to boost industry growth and innovation.

Leadership and Future Plans

Former Additional Textile Commissioner of India, S.P. Verma, has been appointed as an advisor to the task force, lending his extensive experience to guide the group’s initiatives. Ashish Gujarati, the former president of the SGCCI, has been named the chairman of the task force. Under their leadership, the task force will hold monthly meetings to assess progress and strategize future initiatives.

One of the major initiatives planned by the task force is the ‘Textile Conclave,’ which will be organized twice a year to bring industry stakeholders together for in-depth discussions. The first conclave is scheduled for December 21, 2024, and will serve as a platform to present key developments and solutions for the industry’s challenges.

Skill Development and Long-Term Goals

The task force is also focused on long-term goals such as the development of a Common Facility Center in Surat and organizing national and international study tours to learn from global best practices. Additionally, skill development for the textile workforce is a major priority, with plans to introduce new programs aimed at upskilling workers and improving productivity across the sector.

With this first-ever Textile Task Force, SGCCI aims to position Surat and South Gujarat as global leaders in textile production, while addressing the pressing needs of the industry and securing its future growth.