SITEX aims at modernizing south Gujarat’s textile sector

Surat: The three-day textile expo — Surat International Textile Expo, 2023 (SITEX) — organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) with a focus to introduce modern technology and include more products in textile production from the city was inaugurated on Saturday by Union minister Darshana Jardosh.
Dip in demand for saris and dress materials across the country has pushed the textile trade and industry into turbulent times resulting in the closure of at least 20 textile processing units in south Gujarat. To combat the slack, industry leaders believe that modernisation and introduction of new products will enable the sector to bounce back and compete in global markets.
“The government has allocated Rs 1,200 crore for development of the textile industry, increasing it from Rs 400 crore. Due to this research is getting a boost,” said Jardosh at the event launch.
“This year we have focused on technology that can help modernise the textile production in south Gujarat. It is a phase of reformation and we are trying to push the industries for it,” said Himanshu Bodawala, president, SGCCI.
“Some of the top textile machinery manufacturers are displaying their product for the first time in the city. This will enable the local industry to speed up modernisation,” he added.
At the event cabinet minister for industries, Balvant Singh Rajput and minister of state for home, Harsh Sanghvi, were also present.
Over 100 exhibitors have put up their products for display in the exhibition. “Few machines that are being introduced in textile manufacturing for the first time have been put up for display in the exhibition. This will give an idea to the city’s industrialists to plan modernisation of their units,” said an SGCCI official.