Chairman’s Message

Chairman’s Word

Dear Readers,

I am deeply honoured to address you as the newly elected Chairman of CITI.  It is with immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I take on this role, as we navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of Indian textile manufacturing and exports. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me with this responsibility, and I am committed to leading our association with diligence and dedication.

The Indian textile industry has always been a cornerstone of our nation’s economy and cultural heritage. Our rich history in textiles dates back centuries, and today, we continue to be one of the global leaders in this sector. However, we are currently witnessing a pivotal moment in the Indian textile industry, one that promises exciting opportunities and challenges in equal measure and I must acknowledge that CITI’s role is pivotal in facilitating collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy.

As we stand on the cusp of new challenges and opportunities, we must acknowledge the dynamic nature of our industry. It is imperative that we continue to invest in research and development, adopt latest environmentally benign technologies, and sustainable practices, and foster a culture of collaboration within the industry.

As I take on charge, my top priority would be to harness the potential of collaborative efforts to upscale the various initiatives that are there at the sectoral , regional or industry level and bring synergies for more effective impact.

Another important area is ensuring raw material security and availability at competitive process, as that is the backbone of a competitive value chain. Towards this, import duties on raw material like cotton, significant price fluctuations and differentials from imports are major deterrents to price competitiveness.

The textile industry is characterized by both promise and uncertainty. On one hand, our industry continues to be a significant contributor to our nation’s GDP, providing employment to millions of people, particularly in rural areas. It has also shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where many textile manufacturers swiftly pivoted to produce essential protective gear.

Additionally, our exports play a crucial role in boosting the Indian economy.  CITI has been working closely with the government and other stakeholders to address trade barriers, enhance competitiveness, and explore new markets. Diversification and innovation in product offerings can open up new avenues for our industry on the global stage. As we navigate the present landscape, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of sustainability and ethical practices. Consumers worldwide are increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of their choices. Therefore, our industry must continue to prioritize sustainability in production processes, resource management, and product innovation.

I am happy to share that CITI is co-hosting the  81st Plenary meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), in Mumbai from December 2nd to 5th, 2023 along with CCI, CAI, and the Ministry of Textiles. The theme for this event is “Cotton Value Chain: Local Innovations for Global Prosperity,” with over 400 delegates and observers expected to attend from more than 27 countries. With India playing a bigger role in platforms like ICAC and with events like the forthcoming Bharattex in February 2024, the industry has a greater opportunity to be CenterStage in the growing discussions on Global Value Chain.

Together, we can write a new chapter of success, sustainability, and innovation for our industry. I encourage open communication and collaboration among all stakeholders to foster an environment of growth and prosperity for our industry. Let us embark on this journey together, with a shared vision and unwavering dedication. Our legacy is strong, and our potential is boundless.

Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working closely with each one of you and making a meaningful impact on the future of our industry.

I am deeply honoured to address you as the newly elected Chairman of CITI.  It is with immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I take on this role, as we navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of Indian textile manufacturing and exports. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me with this responsibility, and I am committed to leading our association with diligence and dedication.

The Indian textile industry has always been a cornerstone of our nation’s economy and cultural heritage. Our rich history in textiles dates back centuries, and today, we continue to be one of the global leaders in this sector. However, we are currently witnessing a pivotal moment in the Indian textile industry, one that promises exciting opportunities and challenges in equal measure and I must acknowledge that CITI’s role is pivotal in facilitating collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy.

As we stand on the cusp of new challenges and opportunities, we must acknowledge the dynamic nature of our industry. It is imperative that we continue to invest in research and development, adopt latest environmentally benign technologies, and sustainable practices, and foster a culture of collaboration within the industry.

As I take on charge, my top priority would be to harness the potential of collaborative efforts to upscale the various initiatives that are there at the sectoral , regional or industry level and bring synergies for more effective impact.

Another important area is ensuring raw material security and availability at competitive process, as that is the backbone of a competitive value chain. Towards this, import duties on raw material like cotton, significant price fluctuations and differentials from imports are major deterrents to price competitiveness.

The textile industry is characterized by both promise and uncertainty. On one hand, our industry continues to be a significant contributor to our nation’s GDP, providing employment to millions of people, particularly in rural areas. It has also shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where many textile manufacturers swiftly pivoted to produce essential protective gear.

Additionally, our exports play a crucial role in boosting the Indian economy.  CITI has been working closely with the government and other stakeholders to address trade barriers, enhance competitiveness, and explore new markets. Diversification and innovation in product offerings can open up new avenues for our industry on the global stage. As we navigate the present landscape, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of sustainability and ethical practices. Consumers worldwide are increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of their choices. Therefore, our industry must continue to prioritize sustainability in production processes, resource management, and product innovation.

I am happy to share that CITI is co-hosting the  81st Plenary meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), in Mumbai from December 2nd to 5th, 2023 along with CCI, CAI, and the Ministry of Textiles. The theme for this event is “Cotton Value Chain: Local Innovations for Global Prosperity,” with over 400 delegates and observers expected to attend from more than 27 countries. With India playing a bigger role in platforms like ICAC and with events like the forthcoming Bharattex in February 2024, the industry has a greater opportunity to be CenterStage in the growing discussions on Global Value Chain.

Together, we can write a new chapter of success, sustainability, and innovation for our industry. I encourage open communication and collaboration among all stakeholders to foster an environment of growth and prosperity for our industry. Let us embark on this journey together, with a shared vision and unwavering dedication. Our legacy is strong, and our potential is boundless.

Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working closely with each one of you and making a meaningful impact on the future of our industry.

Shri Rakesh Mehra

Chairman, CITI

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