The evolution of MATEXIL from its humble beginnings to becoming an exporter to over 150 countries within the last seven decades is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of India’s textile industry. Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, recently commended MATEXIL’s remarkable journey at the Manmade and Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council’s (MATEXIL) award distribution program for the year 2022-23. The event recognized exemplary contributions in the textile sector, honoring notable figures and organizations for their exceptional achievements.
During the award ceremony, Shri Rakesh Mehra was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his invaluable contributions to the industry. Ms. Neha Zunzunwala received recognition as a distinguished woman entrepreneur in the textile category, while Prof. Dr. Neha Mehra and her team from VJTI were lauded in textile engineering. These accolades underscore the diverse talents and innovations that drive India’s textile sector forward.
Shri Goyal, in his address, highlighted the resilience of the textile industry, noting its ability to overcome challenges, including the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions in global trade routes due to conflicts. He praised the sector’s robustness, especially in technical and man-made fiber, which accounts for 70 percent of global trade.
Appreciating the private sector’s contributions to Bharat Tex, Shri Goyal expressed confidence in MATEXIL’s role in doubling the textile sector’s output to $250 billion. He emphasized the importance of supporting Indian manufacturers, emphasizing their significance in ensuring the industry’s sustained growth and development.
The Minister commended the government’s decision to withdraw from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), citing its importance in safeguarding India’s interests, particularly in industries such as pharmaceuticals. He emphasized the need to prioritize local procurement and value addition while encouraging companies to disclose domestic content voluntarily, fostering transparency in the value chain.
Highlighting the significance of research and development (R&D) in the textile sector, Shri Goyal urged private companies to increase their R&D investments, emphasizing that government contributions alone are insufficient for comprehensive progress. He also emphasized the critical role of the private sector in skill development, acknowledging its potential to surpass government efforts in this domain.
The event witnessed the presence of notable figures including Shri Dhiraj Shah, Convenor of the Export Award Committee SRTEPC, and Shri Bhadresh Dodiya, Chairman of SRTEPC and a distinguished textile industrialist.
MATEXIL’s journey, as celebrated in this awards ceremony, symbolizes the ingenuity, resilience, and dynamism of India’s textile industry. The recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations highlights the sector’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous progress, setting the stage for a brighter and more vibrant future in the realm of textiles.