India pitches for greater systematic trade in textiles with Asean

In the last financial year, India's textiles exports to the region stood at $1.20 billion, while imports totalled $546 million

India on Tuesday pitched for greater systematic trade in textiles with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

“India can be a one-stop sourcing destination for textile materials from Asean,” Textile Minister Smriti Irani told a large contingent of business leaders at an event organised by industry body Ficci. 

The minister also touched upon the spectre of cheaper Chinese materials as well as finished products flooding the Asean markets. “They cannot compete with the rich legacy of our handlooms,” she said.

To this end, a unique fashion show was organised here on Tuesday by Ficci, whereby traditional fabrics from both India and Asean