Too much analysis leads only to paralysis. It is common to indulge in discussions and debates at times of crisis. But there should be a limit. At a recent meeting in Mumbai, a bureaucrat from the textile industry likened the implementing machinery of the Government to an elephant. Rightly so. More than a couple of decades ago, a premier textile research association recommended to the Government and the textile industry to branch out to technical textiles. But, concrete steps are evolving only now to promote technical textiles. Compared to developed nations, we are late by a couple of decades in making any progress on this front. 

However, the Government and industry have never let go an opportunity to proclaim that all is not well on the Chinese front. The obstacles on the path of China's progress are discussed threadbare, but reality is different today. Economic analysts opine that China’s leaders are turning economic crisis to competitive advantage. The country is using its nearly $600 billion economic stimulus package to make its companies better able to compete in markets at home and abroad. To give a fresh impetus to its workforce, China is providing subsidies for large-scale vocational training programmes. While American leaders struggle to revive lending — in the latest effort with a $15 billion programme to help small businesses — Chinese banks are lending hugely in the recent times. So, let us refrain from the temptation to write off our neighbourhood competitor. Instead, let the industry and the Government assimilate the realities. Here are a few among the many prospects open for the industry within the country itself: 

•  The demand for readymade garments in rural India will surge at an annual rate of 16.50% to reach Rs 42,918 crore or US$10.41 billion by 2010. 

• Men’s apparel industry will increase at an annual rate of 14.86% during the two-year period from 2008 to 2010. 

• The Indian fashion industry is expected to rise at a stupendous pace of 22.67% through 2012 from 2007. 

So, let us stop analysing, and begin to act on the opportunities. 

Because challenges and opportunities always come together!