India

India’s government has initiated a review of all 23 Export Promotion Councils to which it provides funds. The move was first announced in December of last year when the Ministry of Textiles expressed a need for greater transparency in the election of these councils and their activities. All of the councils will also be subject to quarterly reviews starting this year. (Fibre2Fashion)
 
A noted Indian textile industry insider says that Myanmar is an attractive investment option for Indian textile entrepreneurs. According to Rajesh Kumar Shah, while Myanmar’s garment sector has grown significantly since Western restrictions were lifted in 2012, most of its raw materials an inputs have to be imported, which leaves an incredible opportunity for India to fill that demand with its locally-produced products. India’s embassy in Yangon says that India is Myanmar’s 4th largest trading partner. (Fibre2Fashion)
 
Textile industry stakeholders in India are eagerly awaiting this year’s Union Budget as it is expected to contain many new programs and benefits for the sector. Industry insiders say that these benefits include skill development initiatives, labor reforms, and methods to promote Indian-made textiles around the globe. Special financing schemes for technology upgrades are also expected to be included. (Fibre2Fashion)