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“Handloom artisans and MSMEs have a prominent role in attaining the vision of USD 5 Trillion economy, as the Textile, Handicraft and Artisanal products are key drivers of export and employment
besides pharma, IT and other sectors. India could attain the milestone of USD 400 billion exports in the current year largely because of the contribution of these small enterprises,” said Shri.
Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra at the GLOBALSPIN Trade Conclave organized by National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME) at World Trade Center
(WTC) Mumbai. The event was supported by WTC Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI).
The Governor further stressed, “MSMEs in the handloom sector are very important for the economy. Indians have produced textile and clothing products of superior quality since the age of the Hindu
epic Ramayana. Lord Rama was gifted a cloth, which could be used for 14 years of his exile. Archeological evidence shows that fine textile and handicraft were produced and used even during the
5,000 year-old Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilization. Now, we need to revive this age-old heritage of textiles and handicrafts by empowering our artisans and MSMEs,”
Shri. Koshyari remarked, “India has to revive its lost glory of handloom and Khadi industry heritage, which was destroyed during the British Raj. India’s handwoven textile Dhaka Mulmul was globally
popular for its fine quality and texture before the British regime. It is only by strengthening our age-old handloom, handicraft and other products can we generate more employment and exports.
Small enterprises and local artisans can avail government schemes such as Start-up India and Stand-up India to gain competitiveness in the global market.”
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries mentioned, “India’s textile industry contributes 2% of the economy,
but supports at least 10 crore people. In order to promote our textile industry, the government should emphasise on enhancing our spinning and weaving capacity for local value addition rather than export
of raw cotton. This will help us in fulfilling the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat programme. The government may extend the production linked incentive scheme to cotton textile to promote import substitution
as the country is witnessing rise in import of textile products in recent times.”
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Dr. Gloryswarupa Sunchu, Director General, National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME) shared the role of her organization in supporting MSME clusters,
women entrepreneurs and offering training & consultancy programs. NI-MSME has trained more than 5 lakh youth and has been working with schools and centers of excellence to promote entrepreneurship and livelihood
opportunities for women and artisans.
Sharing his views on this occasion, Mr. Pavan Godiawala, Director, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Mumbai said, “MSMEs are the backbone of any economy as they represent 90% of the total enterprises
in majority of the countries. In India, handloom is so rich in tradition, personalized, unique, sustainable, joyful and still contributing towards the nation’s economy and society at large. This industry is
kept alive by MSMEs through clusters, it gives me a feeling of sitting on a goldmine.”
The event was attended by members of trade & industry, consular corps, government officials and representatives from academia. The two-day Conclave will feature exhibitions, workshops and panel sessions on
Eco-Handlooms, Eco-Textiles, and Apparel.
