REPORT OF 10TH INTERNATIONAL & 68TH ALL INDIA TEXTILE CONFERENCE

On the occasion of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of The Textile Association (India), Mumbai Unit, the 10th International & 68th All India Textile Conference was organized by TAI, Mumbai Unit jointly with Central Office on 30th November & 1st December 2012, Hotel ITC Maratha, Sahara, Andheri (E), Mumbai – 400 099. The theme of the Conference was “World Textiles – Challenges towards Excellence”.

Mr. C. Bose, President of TAI, Mumbai Unit welcomed the gathering and briefed about the theme of the Conference.

Mr. D. R. Mehta, National President, TAI in his presidential address said that Indian textile industry is facing several challenges in terms of quality and productivity and these need to be addressed to achieve the goals. In view of this, the current conference is focusing these issues.

Mr. V. C. Gupte, Chairman, TAI, Mumbai Unit briefed about the conference. He informed that there has been total evolution of global textile industry ever since the quota regime ended in 1995. Every 3-4 years have seen major changes in how the textile manufacturing shifted from one set of countries to the other. Initially, US & Europe textile business moved to China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka & other Asian Countries, so much so that Bangladesh even overtook India in terms of exports due to the special status. The focus further moved to African countries and now Burma is becoming a hot spot for textile processing, as textile business is not so sustainable in many of these countries. There are no more advantages of cheap labour and other resources, like power & water, which are almost becoming on par with US & Europe. The strict regulations on pollution norms, child labors etc. are now observed in many countries, including India as major challenges. The main question is whether the global textile industry will survive all these challenges and emerge with excellence. There are many other challenges facing the Textile Industry. Increase in the oil price is changing the logistic cost every day. Textile Industry is heading for a situation where the costs are increasing every day. Apart from this, the fluctuation in the currency is making business unviable. This conference will attempt to create and combined attempt of handling many issues, which are very critical for the survival of textile industry. However, the fact is that the textile industry will survive and remain in demand so long the mankind exists. In this pursuit, TAI provides this forum to churn the issues to develop the strategies to face challenges.

Mr. Arvind Sinha, Advisor of the Conference said that textile business in India needs to be addressed in the global perspectives and hence it is important to understand the developments that are taking place in producer and importing countries. It is needless to emphasize that the role of developing economies like BRICS in the economic and commerce development.

The Textile Association (India) conferred the Honorary Membership on Mr. Dilip Jiwrajka, Managing Director, Alok Industries Limited for his valuable Contribution to the textile industry. Mr. K. L. Vidurashwatha was awarded fellow of Textile Association (FTA) and Mr. V. C. Gupte, Chairman, TAI, Mumbai Unit was awarded Service Gold Medal. Mr. Sudhish Aggarwala of TAI, Delhi Unit and Mr. H. S. Patel of TAI, Ahmedabad Unit were awarded Service Mementos for their meritorious services to the Textile Association. The Industrial Excellence Award was conferred on Mr. R. K. Vij, President, TAI, Delhi Unit. The TAI, Ahmedabad Unit received the Best Unit Trophy from the group of larger units third time consecutively.

The book “Fundamentals and Advances in Knitting Technology” written by Mr. Sadhan Chandra Ray, NIRJAFT, Kolkata was selected for Best Technical Book Award sponsored by Century Textiles & Industries Ltd..

Mr. Dilip Jiwrajka, Managing Director, Alok Industries Ltd. thanked the TAI for conferring the Honorary Membership and said that it was a emotional moment for him. In his address, he reiterated that India remains in the forefront in textiles. He listed the key issues for achieving excellence as innovation, Eco-friendliness, social compliance, Skill development to suit to the level of technology, and R&D. Some of major concern mentioned to achieve the desired results is currency fluctuation, raising interest rates, energy crisis and the cost. Positive aspects of Indian scenario are lower rate of increase in labour cost as compared to some of the other growing economies.

Mr. R. D. Udeshi, President – Polyester Chain, Reliance Industries Ltd. delivered the keynote address. He began his address with rise in oil prices and fluctuation in cotton prices. World demand of textile fibers is around 84-85 million tons and major natural fiber source- cotton production is 25-27 million tons. India is following China in terms of fiber production. However, the gap is quite significant. In spite of rising price of oil, price of polyester fiber has been stable and the polyester industry has absorbed all the volatile ingredients in its operation. He reiterated that polyester remains as most affordable fiber. In terms of buying trends, he expressed the noticeable change in terms of family buying and buying for experience rather than occasional purchase. He further pointed out the younger generation being demanding in both quality and price. Man made textile fibers apart from being used in apparels are being used in technical and industrial applications such as geo-textiles, protective textiles etc.

In view of various facets of the developments, he reiterated that technology is the key factor for growth. Another important aspect of the growth towards excellence is sustainability factor, which is achieved through the recycling. Addressing this, he emphasized the role of M/S Reliance industries as the world leader in polyester fiber manufacture in terms of addressing the integrated chain as also strategically manufacture recycled polyester fibers. He concluded saying that Reliance Industries is currently manufacturing 2.4 million tons of polyester and soon adding another 1,2 million tons capacity to meet the growing demand.

Mr. Rajnikant S. Bachkaniwala, Chairman, India ITME Society while addressing the gathering, emphasized the role of textile machineries and its interface in the technology up-gradation. He was happy that the conference is held at a time when 9th ITME exhibition is being held from 2nd December to 7th December 2012 in the Bombay Exhibition Centre. He informed that there has been overwhelming response for the exhibition with 820 participants from 50 countries showcasing their products and providing an opportunity to the textile entrepreneurship to avail of the opportunity to interface in their journey towards excellence.

Mr. A. B. Joshi, Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India delivered the inaugural address. He emphasized the role of textile industry in India and informed that value addition is key to achieve excellence. Today 97% of the textile production is under SMEs and they have limitation of achieving the required Brand and R&D. He listed the key drives to achieve excellence as Quality, Design, Technology and high value added products to show case. It the time to carry out the activities in a smart way with the backup of information technology. He assured the industry that government is committed to create all required policy support and act as enabler to achieve innovation, R&D, HRD and catalze sustained growth in context of global competition. In this context, he listed various schemes being implemented by the government. These include TUFs, Technology Mission for Technical Textiles, Integrated Textiles Park and Special project on use of Geo-textiles and Agri-textiles in North Eastern States and ISDS to create skilled man power. He further informed that 12th plan program will be released in few months and major emphasis is to support decentralized weaving sector.

Mrs. Jaya Row, Founder of Vedanta Vision was the Chief Guest at the Valedictory Session. She said in her address that leadership is key for achieving excellence in every walk of life including industrial development.

In all 16 papers from eminent Speakers from India & abroad were presented during the conference. Some of the high lights of each session are as follows.

Session – 1 : “Global Textile Situation & Asian Countries”

“Textile Potential & Scenario in BRIC Countries” by Mr. Arvind Sinha, Chief Advisor & CEO, Business Advisors Group, Global Sourcing Company.

“Asian Textile Scenario” by Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Chairman, Baig Group, Industrialist and Federal Advisor on Textiles to Govt. of Pakistan

“Can we do textile projects faster?” by Mr. Bhaskar Ranjan Das, Sales Director, Realization Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.

Session – 2 : “Current Growth & Developments in Textile Machinery”

“Innovative Process Control for dyeing & finishing industry to ensure highest efficiency to reduce energy and resources input” by Mr. Thomas Hopfl, Sales Director, Mahlo.

“One-stop green Innovation – The complete Finishing Treatment” by Mr. Adam Jozwik, Sales Director, Fong’s Europe GmbH & Mr. Peter Tolksdorf, Head of Product Management for Dyeing and Application, A. Monforts.

“Role & Effectiveness of Research & Development in a Medium Sized Textile Mill” by Mr. Peter Stahlecker, Managing Director, Business Group Premium Textile Components, Spindelfabrik Suessen GmbH, Germany

“Managing water resources in the Textile Industry” by Mr. Neeraj Srivastava, President, UEM India Pvt. Ltd.

Session – 3 : “Role of Banks & financial Institutions in Textile Industry / Textile Park”

“Innovative Process Control for dyeing & finishing industry to ensure highest efficiency to reduce energy and resources input” by Mr. Thomas Hopfl, Sales Director, Mahlo.

“One-stop green Innovation – The complete Finishing Treatment” by Mr. Adam Jozwik, Sales Director, Fong’s Europe GmbH & Mr. Peter Tolksdorf, Head of Product Management for Dyeing and Application, A. Monforts.

“Role & Effectiveness of Research & Development in a Medium Sized Textile Mill” by Mr. Peter Stahlecker, Managing Director, Business Group Premium Textile Components, Spindelfabrik Suessen GmbH, Germany

“Managing water resources in the Textile Industry” by Mr. Neeraj Srivastava, President, UEM India Pvt. Ltd.

Session – 4 : “Fibre – Manmade & Natural”

“Polyester Staple Fibre” by Mr. Gunjan Sharma, Business Head for Staple Fibre (Polyester Sector), Reliance Industries Ltd.

“Regenerated Cellulose Fibre” by Mr. Manohar Samuel, Jt. President (Strategic Marketing), Grasim Industries Ltd.

“New Organic Fibre Gongura – Fibre of the Future” by Mr. Manohar Parchure, Progressive Farmer.

“MicroModal by Edelweiss Technology” by Mr. T. Murugan, General Manager Sales & Marketing, Lenzing AG, India.

“Polyester – The Key Game changer in Textiles” by Mr. J. Raghunath, Business Head (Polyester Textiles Yarn), Reliance Industries Ltd.

All the Papers received very high response from the participants.

There were two sessions of the Panel Discussions. The theme of the first Panel Discussion Session was “Denim Industry in India” which was moderated by Mr. Avinash Mayekar, Managing Director & CEO, Suvin Advisors Pvt. Ltd. The Panel comprised Mr. Aamir Akhtar, CEO – Denim (Fabrics), Arvind Limited, Mr. S. N. Kuchhal, Director, Etco Denim Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Chairman, Baig Group, Industrialist and Federal Advisor on Textiles to Govt. of Pakistan and Mr. M. D. Kanitkar, Werner International.

The second Panel Discussion Session was moderated by Mr. Ashish Amin, Ex. CEO, S. Kumars. The theme of this Panel Discussion session was “Role of Supply Chain Management in Textile Industry”. The panel comprised of Mr. Manohar Samuel, Jt. President (Strategic Marketing), Grasim Industries Ltd., Mr. Ashish Dhir, Managing Partner, WISEDGE Consulting, Dr. J. Arthur Prem, Ex. Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Vilas Gharat, Managing Director, Gharat & Associates.

There was good interaction between participants, who posed many questions to panel members and were answered very promptly by the panel members. Both the sessions of panel discussions were very interesting and memorable. The delegates were intensely involved till the last session to take advantage of the panel discussion.

In the last session Dr. P. R. Roy, Management Consultant (Textiles) gave his impressions about the conference, and brought out some of the key factors to achieve excellence in the competitive world.

The two-day Conference was attended by over 500 participants and it was a grand success. The organizers of the conference were happy to note that the objectives of the All India Textile Conference are fully achieved.

Mr. R. G. Malvankar, Vice Chairman, TAI, Mumbai Unit proposed vote of thanks.