July 16: On the second day of his official visit to Japan, Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated the 16th India Trend Fair 2025 in Tokyo—a premier platform aimed at boosting direct engagement between Indian textile exporters and Japanese buyers. The event is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation in textiles, apparel, and sustainable fashion, reinforcing India’s position as a global textile hub.
The India Trend Fair, organized by the Ministry of Textiles, is among the largest initiatives for promoting Indian textile products, traditional crafts, and innovative fabrics in the Japanese market. This year’s edition features top Indian exporters showcasing apparel, home textiles, and eco-friendly fabrics, aligning with global sustainability trends.
During his visit, Shri Giriraj Singh held high-level meetings with key Japanese industry leaders, inviting them to partner in India’s textile growth story under the government’s flagship initiatives such as PM MITRA Parks and the ‘Make in India for the World’ campaign.
The Minister met the leadership of YKK Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of zippers and fastening products. YKK, which already operates in Haryana, expressed interest in expanding to other Indian states. Shri Singh encouraged YKK to invest in PM MITRA Parks, highlighting the benefits of world-class infrastructure, integrated value chains, and policy support for textile manufacturing.
In another strategic meeting with Workman Co, a leading Japanese company specializing in workwear and functional apparel, the Minister showcased India’s strong manufacturing ecosystem and competitive edge in skilled manpower. Workman expressed keen interest in setting up manufacturing facilities in India under the PM MITRA framework.
The Minister also engaged with Konica Minolta, a global player in digital and industrial printing, urging them to scale up their operations in India and contribute to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. The company welcomed the proposal, indicating growth opportunities in India’s expanding textile and printing sectors.
In a significant discussion with Asahi Kasei Corporation, a USD 20 billion conglomerate in fibers, industrial materials, and specialty textiles, Shri Singh emphasized the advantages of India as a manufacturing base for global markets. Asahi Kasei expressed interest in investing under the ‘Make in India for the World’ initiative, signaling strong potential for future collaboration.
The day concluded with a roadshow and industry interaction at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, attended by over 100 industry leaders, Indian Ambassador Shri Sibi George, and senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles. Shri Giriraj Singh reiterated India’s strengths in sustainable textiles, skilled workforce, and innovation, inviting Japanese companies to leverage India’s growth trajectory.
With growing synergies between India and Japan, the textile sector is poised for a new era of collaboration—bringing together tradition, technology, and sustainability.
