Indian delegation from JK explores growth opportunities in France's booming textile market

The Indian pavilion at Foire De Paris was inaugurated by Jawed Ashraf, India's Ambassador to France, and Romesh Khajuria, Chairman of the Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) under the Ministry of Textiles, reported The Kashmir Monitor.

According to Romesh Khajuria, the delegation from India includes over 70 individuals comprising entrepreneurs, artisans, weavers, and exporters from various parts of the country.

Among them are 15 exporters and entrepreneurs from Jammu and Kashmir who are part of the WWEPC delegation and have the chance to explore the market in Paris, France.

“This is an export promotion activity and provides an excellent opportunity for Indian SMEs to interact with the buyers, buying houses and agents from France and neighboring countries."

"This participation has also provided a much-needed opportunity to the SME sector to discuss the latest opportunities and new developments in the respective field and disseminate and publicize their business in the global markets,” satated Khajuria.

Khajuria suggested that small-scale manufacturer-exporters should take advantage of this market and maintain their existing contacts.

According to Khajuria, France is one of the largest importers of textiles and apparel worldwide, with textile products worth US$ 30 billion being imported, accounting for 75% of France's total textile imports.

In the 2022-23 period, India's exports of textile products to France reached US$ 920 million, a 4.42% increase from the previous year and just shy of the set target of US$ 956 million established by the Department of Commerce.

The export of readymade garments of all textiles to France showed a remarkable 10% growth and exceeded the set target by 104%.

Additionally, woolen product exports demonstrated impressive growth of more than 30% in 2022-23, with exports worth US$ 17 million compared to US$ 13 million in 2021-22.

France is one of the most lucrative markets in Europe as its brands place large orders, offering significant potential for Indian suppliers to expand their market share, including in the woollen category.

Apparel is the leading imported product category in France, accounting for 76% of total textile and apparel imports.

With the support and assistance of others, he stated that we are confident that we can substantially increase our share of woolen items in this market.