Surat’s man-made textile industry could benefit from access to South Korean technologies and research expertise under a proposed collaboration between the Man-Made Textiles Research Association (MANTRA) and the Korea Textile Development Institute (KTDI).

The initiative gained momentum following Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi’s visit to KTDI in Daegu. The partnership aims to establish a framework for research cooperation, technology exchange and industrial services, creating opportunities for Surat’s man-made fibre and technical textile sectors.

Potential areas of cooperation include recycled and biodegradable fibres, sustainable textile materials, advanced fibres, technical textiles, industrial applications and low-carbon manufacturing technologies. KTDI brings expertise in developing materials from recycled PET bottles, biodegradable products and fibre-reinforced composites, alongside quality testing, defect analysis and technical training.

The institutions will also explore funding opportunities for joint projects through research and innovation programmes offered by India’s Ministry of Textiles, the Gujarat government and relevant South Korean agencies.