India and Vietnam enhance co-operation in silk sector

Dr. Bimal Mawandia (L), chairman of the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, introduces Indian silk products to representatives of Vietnamese businesses at the Buyer-Seller Meet held in HCM City on May 21. — VNS Photo

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

Vietnam’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 Hanoi on May 23.