Texfair 2024 Inaugurated in Coimbatore with Major Global Participation
The 15th edition of Texfair, recognized as one of India's largest exhibitions dedicated to textile machinery, accessories, and spares, commenced on Friday at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex in Coimbatore. Organized by the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA), this significant four-day event is scheduled to conclude on March 9, offering the public access from 10 am to 6 pm daily.
Grand Inauguration and Dignitaries
The expo was formally inaugurated by P R Venketrama Raja, Chairman and Managing Director of the Ramco Group. The ceremony was graced by prominent industry figures including Durai Palanisamy, Chairman of SIMA; P Ashwin Chandran, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry; and S Suresh Babuji, Director of the MSME Development and Facilitation Office, alongside other key leaders from the textile sector.
Extensive Exhibitor and Visitor Footprint
This year's Texfair edition boasts an impressive scale with 258 stalls and 240 exhibitors representing a diverse international and domestic presence. Foreign participation includes companies from Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Japan, and China, while Indian exhibitors hail from states such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, as well as various Union Territories. Organizers anticipate approximately one lakh (100,000) visitors over the course of the four-day exhibition, highlighting its importance as a hub for textile industry networking and innovation.
Government Support and Industry Advocacy
In his welcome address, SIMA Chairman Durai Palanisamy acknowledged the Union MSME Ministry for providing financial assistance to around 60 MSME exhibitors participating in the event. He praised the central government for initiatives like rationalizing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for the man-made fibre value chain and launching new missions and schemes to bolster the textile sector. However, Palanisamy also urged the Centre to eliminate the 11% import duty on cotton and reinstate the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) benefits to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exporters in the global market.
Addressing Challenges and Fostering Growth
Speaking at the inauguration, P R Venketrama Raja addressed the recent challenges faced by the textile industry, including fluctuating demand, escalating costs, and market uncertainties. Despite these hurdles, he expressed optimism that the sector would emerge stronger through focused efforts in innovation, productivity enhancements, and skill development. Raja emphasized that Texfair serves as a crucial platform for textile mills, machinery manufacturers, and technocrats to explore cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving productivity, quality, and operational efficiency, thereby driving the industry forward.
The exhibition underscores Coimbatore's pivotal role in India's textile landscape, facilitating knowledge exchange and business opportunities that are essential for sustaining growth in this vital economic segment.
