The recent MoU between the APTMA Cotton Foundation (ACF) and Better Cotton Initiative Pakistan (BCI) will boost cotton production in Pakistan, say experts.

The MoU will facilitate more cooperation between the two organisations to foster cotton industry growth in Pakistan. It will strengthen the cotton value chain besides improving production and quality, and enabling market integration and linkages for cotton products, 

It will also facilitate a traceability system aligning with international rules and standards. BCI will act as the program partner for the MoU and provide technical support for Better Cotton development in Pakistan. It will organise assessments, and mobilise financial and technical partnerships. BCI will also help APTMA integrate Better Cotton criteria into national cotton production technology and training materials.

Acting as the promoting agency, ACF will prepare training materials, and invite APTMA representatives to participate in BCI’s strategic planning meetings and seminars on Better Cotton. It will also collaborate with BCI to ensure traceability across the supply chain of Better Cotton produced in areas operated by ACF.

The recent depreciation of the Indian rupee is seen as a potential boon for the country's labor-intensive export sectors, say experts. They believe the devaluation could lead to a 2-19 per cent increase in outward shipments of products such as readymade garments, carpets, and handicrafts. Handicraft exporters, in particular, stand to benefit significantly with a potential 100 per cent gain.

Exporters could see a eight per cent gain if the rupee depreciates approximately 10 per cent, coupled with a reduction in the import content of their goods to 20 per cent. Moreover, the depreciation may be advantages in contract negotiations, as highlighted by Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations.

The global economic slowdown has taken a toll on labor-intensive sectors, with a 21.9 per cent decline in apparel production during the first half of 2023-24. The leather industry also faced growth stagnation and apparel production remained 34 per cent lower than the corresponding period in pre-COVID-19 year of 2019-20. Leather exports declined 22 per cent  from their pre-pandemic levels.

Specifically, ready-made garment exports saw a 14.58 per cent year-on-year decline to $7.82 billion during the April-October period. Handicrafts and leather product exports also recorded declines of 11.37 and 11.74 per cent, respectively.

In the April-October period, India's overall merchandise exports decreased 7 per cent to $244.89 billion, while imports fell 8.95 per cent to $391.96 billion.

India’s prominent hub for man-made fabric textiles Surat, has experienced a surge in apparel and textile exports driven by ongoing festive seasons and wedding festivities. 

Despite a nationwide decline of 0.41 per cent in textile exports and 15 per cent in apparel exports from April to October 2023, textile mills in Surat, including areas like Palsana and Kadodara, continued operations round the clock. The festive season has led to increased demand, particularly for polyester fabric, with a notable rise in printing orders, says Jitu Vakharia, President of the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA). 

Despite challenges such as labor shortages due to workers returning home for Diwali, the industry is resilient, showcasing a rebound to pre-pandemic growth levels after the difficulties faced during lockdowns. India's largest man-made fiber wholesale markets on Ring Road also reported heightened demand for various textile products like saris, lehengas, kurtis, gowns, salwar suits and leggings, with traders exporting goods to different parts of the country. 

Ashish Gujarati, a key figure in the powerloom sector, notes rising domestic demand for polyester fabric, with the industry weaving 3.5 meters daily to meet this surge. However, despite the success, global exports continue to face challenges due to the ongoing global recession. As per Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), India's textile and apparel exports saw a decline of 6.67 per cent during April-October 2023 compared to the previous year, with cumulative exports dropping by 26.55 per cent in October 2023 compared to October 2021.

The Myanmar Textile and Machinery Fair 2023 will take place in Yangon from December 8 to 10, 2023, organized by the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA). In collaboration with the Chinese Textile and Garment Association in Myanmar, the event aims to enhance cooperation between the textile and garment industries of both countries.

Daw Khine Khine New, Secretary General, MGMA, anticipates the fair will serve as a platform for Myanmar to showcase its fashion market in collaboration with international partners. The exhibition will feature garments, shoes, and bags from 25 Chinese brands, fostering opportunities for local small and medium-sized enterprises to promote their products.