Declining cotton consumption needs a big boost, and innovation only holds the key, opine industry experts. It was a session of introspection for the cotton community! At the USA Cotton meet at the Trident Hotel in Mumbai recently, an august gathering of cotton industry experts watched with awe and avid interest at the Executive Director of Cotton Council International, Bruce A Atherley’s concerns over declining cotton consumption and call for attempts to give a boost to this natural fibre’s fortunes globally.

Jeanologia has been promoting the Mexican textile sector with sustainable technologies that increase productivity and competitiveness. The leading Spanish company, in the development of sustainable solutions for the finishing of jeans, presented innovations that will transform the Mexican industry towards automation and efficiency at the Exintex 2016 at Centro Expositor Puebla, Puebla, Mexico that was held from October 18 to 21.

In a bid to save the sector, Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir said that the Government has proposed a Rs 200-billion bailout package for the revival and modernisation of the textile industry. While informing the Senate Standing Committee on Textile, he said that a special package was under consideration meant to introduce new technology and infrastructural modernisation in the sector.

The Chinese are investing in Vietnam’s textile and garment industry before TPP comes into play. The garment industry is the strongest magnet for Chinese investors, while textile and dyeing also lure Chinese investment but at a lower level. Vietnamese apparel products would enjoy a zero tariff in the US after Vietnam signs the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. Vietnam is working on a plan to help local manufacturers improve competitiveness when the TPP takes effect.

Brussesls hosted the European Textiles conference (going digital, going high-tech) on October 12 and 13, which was attended by 150 participants from 24 countries attended the two day event. The key highlight of the event, organised by the European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing (Textile ETP), was the unveiling of the Strategic Innovation and Research Agenda (SIRA).

Rajasthan has emerged as a pre-eminent hub for the domestic textile industry with a presence across the entire value addition chain from spinning to garments.

Cargo traffic at India’s 12 major ports recorded a growth of 5.3 per cent to 315.4 million tonnes (MT) in the first six months of 2016-17.

About 130 Italian exhibitors are on hand at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2016 (Shanghai, 21-25 October 2016), occupying an overall exhibition space of more than 5,400 sq m.

The US Government has rejected Pakistan’s demand for preferential treatment to its textile products in the US market.