As a part of India’s ambitious goal to achieve a $350 billion market size and $100 billion in textile exports by 2030, the Ministry of Textiles has extended an invitation to global apparel giant Uniqlo to invest in the Prime Minister’s Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks. Designed as a ready-to-operate ecosystem, these parks offer companies a Build-to-Suit model, enabling efficient and sustainable operations tailored to their specific needs.
Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Uniqlo has expressed strong interest in enhancing India’s cotton production capabilities. The company’s pilot project aligns with India’s goals, aiming to improve productivity and quality levels to achieve yields of up to 1,000 kg per hectare. In support of this initiative, the Textile Ministry has assured Uniqlo of its readiness to allocate land for their endeavors, emphasising a shared vision to position India as a global leader in high-quality cotton sourcing.
A pivotal meeting between Giriraj Singh, India’s Minister of Textiles, and Uniqlo’s senior officials reinforced this shared commitment. Facilitated by Invest India, the discussion highlighted Uniqlo’s interest in collaborating with India’s textile industry. This engagement follows an earlier interaction between Uniqlo and the Hon’ble Prime Minister, showcasing the company’s alignment with India’s broader textile sector goals.
Uniqlo’s impact on India’s retail and textile ecosystem is significant, with 15 stores nationwide generating Rs 814 crore in revenue as of March 31, 2024—a remarkable 30 per cent growth rate. The brand collaborates with 18 sewing factories and six fabric mills, sourced through nine vendors, demonstrating its dedication to local partnerships and innovation.
Furthering its commitment to the Indian market, Uniqlo will participate in the upcoming ‘Bharat Tex’ Global Textile Expo in February. The event will serve as a platform to highlight the company’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and traceability—values that resonate with India’s vision for a globally competitive textile industry.
The Ministry has also encouraged Uniqlo to expand its R&D efforts into natural fibers, such as milkweed, aligning with India’s own initiatives to promote sustainable and traceable textile practices. This collaboration reflects a growing synergy between India’s textile aspirations and Uniqlo’s global vision, paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at fostering a sustainable, innovative, and competitive textile sector.
