The Hon’ble Minister of Textiles held an important meeting with senior officials from Uniqlo, facilitated through Invest India. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening India’s textile sector. This engagement followed Uniqlo’s earlier interaction with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, which highlighted their interest in collaborating with India’s textile industry to enhance cotton production capabilities, productivity, and quality. The meeting emphasized the synergy between Uniqlo’s vision and India’s goal of fostering a globally competitive and sustainable textile sector.
Uniqlo’s Growth in India
Uniqlo, with 15 stores across India and a retail revenue of ₹814 crore as of March 31, 2024, has demonstrated a strong growth rate of 30%. This growth has significantly contributed to the retail and textile ecosystem in India. Uniqlo collaborates with 18 swing factories and 6 fabric mills sourced from 9 vendors, underscoring their commitment to quality and innovation in textiles.
Advancing Cotton Production in India
Uniqlo has expressed interest in advancing cotton production capabilities, productivity, and quality within India. As the world’s largest cotton producer, India offers an ideal landscape for such initiatives. India cultivates over 11.9 million hectares of cotton, with productivity levels in Akola reaching up to 1,500 kg/hectare using high-density quality seeds. Uniqlo’s pilot project is working on similar lines, yielding up to 1,000 kg/hectare. The Ministry is committed to supporting Uniqlo’s request for land to scale this initiative, aiming to make India a global hub for high-quality cotton sourcing.
India’s Textile Growth Targets and PM MITRA Parks
In line with India’s textile growth targets, which aim for a market size of $350 billion and $100 billion in exports by 2030, the Ministry has invited Uniqlo to invest in the Prime Minister’s Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks. These parks provide a ready-to-perform ecosystem with a Build-to-Suit model, ensuring seamless integration for companies seeking sustainable and efficient operations.
Participation in Bharat Tex Global Textile Expo
Uniqlo’s participation in the upcoming “Bharat Tex” Global Textile Expo in February will highlight their shared commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and traceability in the textile sector. The Ministry has encouraged Uniqlo to extend its research and development efforts into new natural fibers, including milkweed fiber, aligning with India’s own initiatives in this critical area.
Strengthening India’s Textile Value Chain
The Ministry remains confident that this partnership will bolster India’s end-to-end textile value chain, strengthen the women-led economy, and elevate India’s position as a global textile leader.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What was the purpose of the meeting between the Minister of Textiles and Uniqlo officials?
a) To discuss retail revenue growth
b) To strengthen India’s textile sector
c) To explore new textile technologies
d) To launch new stores in India
Answer: b) To strengthen India’s textile sector
2. How many stores does Uniqlo currently have across India?
a) 10
b) 15
c) 20
d) 30
Answer: b) 15
3. What is India’s current cotton productivity level in Akola?
a) 1,000 kg/hectare
b) 1,200 kg/hectare
c) 1,500 kg/hectare
d) 2,000 kg/hectare
Answer: c) 1,500 kg/hectare
4. What initiative is Uniqlo invited to invest in to support India’s textile growth?
a) Textile Innovation Fund
b) PM MITRA Parks
c) Cotton Production Expansion Scheme
d) Sustainable Textile Development Project
Answer: b) PM MITRA Parks
5. What new natural fiber has the Ministry encouraged Uniqlo to research?
a) Bamboo fiber
b) Silk fiber
c) Milkweed fiber
d) Hemp fiber
Answer: c) Milkweed fiber