Japan to tap TN textile sector

Japan is looking to tap the textiles sector in Tamil Nadu and experts from the country are evaluating the two textile labs in the State to ensure they comply with the quality requirement and various compliances for Japanese markets.

On the sidelines of the Capacity Building Programme (CBP), Kei Funaki, Regional Manager of Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Centre (QTEC) said that the island nation is looking at alternatives since the import of Chinese textile goods has become more expensive due to the high cost of labour.

Japan imports 97 per cent of textiles (worth $38 billion), of which China accounts for 67 per cent, and is focusing on nine of 19 laboratories, of which two are in Tamil Nadu, said K Phanindra Reddy, Principal Secretary, State Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department.

KS Muraleedhara, Joint Director (laboratories), Textiles Committee, Union Ministry of Textiles, said the prime focus under the CBP is to make Indian exporters and manufacturers understand the quality requirement for Japanese markets.