The European Union (EU), which has provided Pakistan GSP Plus status, has proposed to work on a a five-year strategic partnership with that country.

Globalisation still dominates apparel production and it is highly unlikely that reshoring or backshoring will bring back many jobs that were lost via offshoring, says the International Apparel Federation IAF President, Han Bekke. There is still too much pressure for cheaper prices, says pointing at the dominance of big players in the fashion market who have made globalisation more accessible via better IT systems and processes in their supply chain.

The currency imbroglio that is currently experienced in India following a cash shortage is hurting the cotton trade. With farmers seeking to sell their produce only in cash, the scarcity of notes has led to daily cotton arrivals declining by almost 50 per cent.

The European Union (EU), which has provided Pakistan GSP Plus status, has proposed to work on a a five-year strategic partnership with that country.The textile industry in Pakistan contributes 8.5 per cent to GDP and 60 per cent to exports while employing 38 per cent of the workforce. The EU has provided Pakistan GSP Plus status. Pakistan wants brand owners of textiles from the EU to divert the bulk of their buying from Pakistan since it is well placed for the production and supply of high quality textile goods at attractive prices. Fighting poverty and helping the country on its path towards inclusive and sustainable growth are the aims of EU support to Pakistan. The EU considers that such goals will only be achieved by increasing political stability, improving the rule of law, bringing about human and social development, creating productive and decent work opportunities and diversifying the economy.

Wacker Chemie AG is expanding its hydrophobic silica specialties plant located in Burghausen, Germany to increase the production capacities for HDK pyrogenic silica. It will spend close to €1.4 million to increase the capacity of the plant by over 40 per cent. The project, which will begin early next year, is expected to be completed by Q3 2017.

The fibre products converting company of the Teijin Group has developed Minotech, a highly water-repellent outerwear material for spring/summer 2017. Inspired by straw raincoats that were made in ancient Japan, Minotech combines the usefulness of umbrella-quality fabric, the practicality of high-function wear and the attractiveness of a fashionable material.

Wacker Chemie AG is expanding its hydrophobic silica specialties plant located in Burghausen, Germany to increase the production capacities for HDK pyrogenic silica. It will spend close to €1.4 million to increase the capacity of the plant by over 40 per cent.

The Textile Ministry has decided to close down six jute mills of the Bengal and Bihar-based state-run PSU National Jute Manufacturers Corporation (NJMC).

Dr NN Mahapatra, President of Ahmedabad-based Colorant Ltd, delivered the GM Nabar endowment lecture recently at the Department of Fibres and Textile Processing Technology, ICT, Mumbai.