VASTRA 2017 inaugurated in Jaipur

Jaipur, 21 September: Textile industry in the country is growing exponentially with the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) having tripled in 3 years. It has touched the figure of USD 618.95 million in 2016-17. However, there is still a huge potential for further growth in the sector for which multifarious efforts are being made by the Centre as well as different States. This was stated by the Chief Guest, Union Textiles & Information and Broadcasting Minister, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani today. She was speaking at the Inaugural Ceremony of the 6th Edition of the 4-day International Textile and Apparel Fair, ‘Vastra’ at the Sitapura based Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Jaipur.  

‘Vastra 2017’ has been jointly organised by Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd. (RIICO) and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), VASTRA has created a niche for itself in textiles and apparel industry since its inception in 2012. The event is also supported by the Government of Rajasthan.

The Union Minister further stated that the textile sector employs the 2nd largest workforce in the industry with 45 million Indians directly and 20 million Indians being indirectly employed. However, concerted efforts are being made for creating further avenues by living up to the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’. The Government is providing skilling opportunities as well as incentives to give an impetus to the industry. The financial support to the weavers under the ‘Mudra Yojna’ has documented evidence of increase in income of the weaver to the tune of 50-60%. Ms. Irani appreciated the efforts of the State Government in making Rajasthan a garment hub. She said that the Jaipur Designers Festival which is being held in the ‘Vastra’ for the first time will go a long way in providing an opportunity to the younger generation by providing them an exposure to the world of fashion and designing. She also appreciated that a  ‘Sari Draping Workshop’ is being organized during Vastra. The audience of the workshop will get an opportunity to revisit ethnic Indian women clothing through this workshop.