A unique opportunity waits for India as Sunaina Tomar, Textiles Joint Secretary,at a CII conference on textiles announces for the launch pilot project of establishing processing development parks on the lines of mega textile parks.

The Textile Ministry will give subsidies for setting up and has set aside Rs.70 crore for the purpose. It also has planned a supplementary scheme of Rs.40 crore for the upgradation of textile parks.

Jim Brett, President of US-based West Elm Williams Sonoma Inc. quoted that India has a unique opportunity and competitive edge over China in handloom and handicraft sector.

Saurabh Bhai Patel, Minister of Finance, Energy & Petrochemicals, Mines & Minerals, Cottage Industries, Salt Industries, Printing and Stationary, Planning, Tourism, Civil Aviation, Labour and Employment, Government of Gujarat, too, put forth his views.

He said the strength of Indian textile industry lies in the ginning and spinning, and there is a need to focus on weaving and processing sectors. There is also a need to give more thrust on the garment industry as it is a labour intensive industry providing more employment opportunities.

Patel added that the Centre was working on making labour laws more flexible which was very important for the textiles industry.

But the fate of the textile sector primarily relies on the State Governments for they are to decide how “aggressive’’ they wanted to be.