Surat’s textile traders in Gujarat are seeing a promising opportunity amid the ongoing international situation. The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), the apex body of textile mills in Bangladesh, has announced an indefinite strike starting from February 1. This move comes as a response to large-scale imports of cheap and duty-free yarn from India, which have severely impacted Bangladesh’s local textile industry.
Bangladesh’s mills are struggling to compete due to the lower prices and superior quality of Indian yarn. Several units have even found it difficult to repay their bank loans. In this scenario, Surat’s traders are optimistic about expanding their business prospects.
Speaking with industry representatives, Kailash Hakim, head of the Surat Textiles and Trade Federation Association, described the situation in Bangladesh as politically unstable and uncertain, presenting a significant opportunity for the Indian textile sector, particularly Surat. He added that India is poised to grow rapidly in garment manufacturing and exports, and this development highlights the high quality of Indian yarn.
Hakim noted that Bangladesh had limited local manufacturing and largely relied on Indian textiles for garment production. He emphasized that the future belongs to India, with government and entrepreneurs working together on skill development to establish Indian textiles as a strong global brand.
While Bangladesh has so far benefited from cheaper labour and skilled workforce in garmenting, India is making swift progress through cluster development and various government initiatives. Textile and garment parks are being developed nationwide with focused attention from the government. In Surat, emphasis is being placed on parts and quality development, alongside a solid strategy to boost exports. Traders have called for the establishment of a dedicated research and development (R&D) centre to further strengthen Surat’s garment and textile industry.
Hakim further highlighted that around 65 percent of the country’s polyester fabric is produced in Surat, and the advantages Bangladesh once enjoyed are expected to shift to Surat’s traders in the near future.
Textile trader Akshay Rathod described this development as a wave of positivity for Surat. He pointed out that about 65 percent of India’s total textile trade is linked to Surat, making this an opportune moment for the garment sector. Rathod attributed the benefits to the failure of Bangladesh’s government policies and expressed confidence that with continued support from the government for industry and R&D, Surat can establish itself as a major textile and garment hub nationally and internationally.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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