SITEX 2026 Opens in Surat With 100+ Exhibitors

SURAT: Surat’s textile industry is turning the spotlight on technology as the 14th SITEX 2026 opened at the Sarsana Convention Centre. The three-day expo brings together more than 100 national and international exhibitors from over 150 cities.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia inaugurated the exhibition. The event is organised by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and the Southern Gujarat Chamber Trade and Industries Development Centre.

The expo features the latest machines for textile production. These include water-jet, Jacquard, air-jet, spinning, weaving, processing, digital printing, knitting, embroidery and garment-making machines.

A Weaving Production Intelligence Platform is also a key attraction.

Thousands of traders and B2B buyers from textile centres across India are expected to visit the expo.

Speaking at the inauguration, Modhwadia said Surat has changed rapidly over the past two to three decades.

“Surat has emerged as a growth engine and a major business hub for Asia,” Modhwadia said.

He said Surat has built a strong position through entrepreneurship, inclusivity and innovation. The city leads in textiles and diamonds. It is also seeing new opportunities in semiconductors, IT and renewable energy.

The minister urged industries to adopt new technology and use it across sectors.

He also called for stronger links across the textile value chain.

“Entrepreneurs should build a value-chain ecosystem with both forward and backward integration,” he said.

Modhwadia also stressed the need for sustainable industrial growth. He said textiles and chemicals use large amounts of natural resources.

“Progress must remain in harmony with nature,” he said, while urging industries to adopt responsible practices.

He added that Gujarat and India could see strong growth in biotechnology, space technology, shipbuilding and renewable energy over the next decade.

SGCCI President Ashok Jirawala, Vice President Ravi Raj Desai, Exhibition Chairman Manish Kapadia, Saurashtra Chamber President Tejasbhai Sheth, Ashoka Enterprise Director Ashokbhai Akvadia and Alliance Embroidery Machine Director Subhashbhai attended the event.