Vibrant Textile Expo 2023: More Than 60 Exhibitors To Showcase Products From India

Vibrant Textile Expo 2023 is all set to present a wide range of textile products from India at Expo Centre Sharjah from Nov. 28 to 30.

More than 60 exhibitors will come together to showcase over a thousand products during the event, which is organized by the Federation of Gujarat Weaver Welfare Association (FOGWA) of India and supported by an apex body of Dubai-based wholesale textile merchants and Textile Merchants Group (TEXMAS).

FOGWA Chairman Ashok Jariwala explained that textile has been an important component when it comes to trade between the United Arab Emirates and India.

He pointed out that the free trade deal or the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the two countries has "given a new impetus to bilateral trade since the agreement enables traders from both countries to avail preferential treatments and customs benefits," WAM reported.

He added, "We are delighted to associate with the Federation of Gujarat Weaver Welfare Association, which is a group of 28,000 weaving companies based in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The fact that the UAE was chosen for the exhibition underscores our appeal as a gateway to the entire region."

India is the largest producer of cotton and jute in the world and the second-largest producer of silk. Moreover, the country is the fifth largest producer of technical textiles, and 95% of the handwoven fabric in the world also comes from India.

Currently, the UAE imports 43% of apparel from India.

Expo Centre Sharjah CEO Saif Mohamed Al Midfa noted that the UAE is emerging as a global textile hub, as it is a "leading manufacturer in the region besides being a major base for import and export, with the country acting as a cross-market facilitator between suppliers and buyers to scores of markets worldwide."

He said the upcoming expo will provide a great opportunity for regional fashion brands, manufacturers, designers, wholesalers and other industry stakeholders to discover new trends, products, suppliers and raw materials, besides exploring new deals and partnerships.

Vibrant Textile Expo 2023 was announced just one day after UAE-based airline Air Arabia operated its first-ever direct flight to India. Air Arabia shared that travelers will now be able to fly nonstop from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport to Kozhikode International Airport in the Indian state of Kerala three times a week.