Indian and VN enhance co-operation in silk sector

The visitors were from companies producing silk, fabrics, ready-made garments, silk scarves, stoles, Pareo shawls evening wear, beachwear, fashion accessories, tops, bottoms, trousers, jackets, kaftans, bags, embroidered shawls, silk blended products, natural silk carpets and others.

Dr. Bimal Mawandia, chairman of the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, said: “India is promoting exports of all textiles. We are presenting the silk sector in India and as per the guidance of the Government of India, we want to increase exports and we are exploring different markets worldwide.

“We come here to promote export of not only silk but also other fibers in this market.”

The trip was the first to Viet Nam for all of the participating companies, he said.

Pham Xuan Hong, chairman of the HCM City Association of Garment Textile Embroidery-Knitting, said trade relations between Viet Nam and India in the garment and textile sector had increased significantly but was still modest compared to the potential of the two countries.

The event is expected to enhance connection between businesses of the two sides in the sector, where there is still a lot of potential, he said.

“Vietnamese garment and textile companies want to have stronger co-operation with Indian counterparts. They have high demand for importing raw materials from India.”

According to the Viet Nam Textile and Apparel Association, there are 7,000 enterprises in the industry, providing jobs for three million workers in the country.

Viet Nam’s garment and textile exports increased by 12 per cent last year to reach over US$36 billion and exports is expected to top $40 billion this year.

A similar buyer and seller meet will be held in Ha Noi on May 23.