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Content

• Message from the Chairman

• Message from the Executive Director Cum Secretary

• Highlights of National Level Conclave

• Artisan Speak

• Trends in Export of Woollen Products

• Trends in Import of Wool and Woollen Products

• Report on WWEPC’s participation in Af’l Artigiano In Fiera, Italy during Dec. 1-9, 2018

• Report on WWEPC’s participation in New Year Gift Fair, Saint Petersburg during Dec. 6-9, 2018

• Report on WWEPC’s participation in International Sourcing Expo, Melbourne during Nov. 20-22, 2018

• Report on WWEPC’s participation in Index, Dubai during Sept. 16-18, 2018

• Report on WWEPC’s participation in Apparel Textiles Sourcing Fair, Toronto during August 20-22, 2018

• Children Wear in Europe

• Story of the Royal Pashmina

• Wool’s post-consumer life cycle stage reveals wool’s true sustainability benefits

• Indian Knitwear Market: Present & Future Trends

• Knitwear Market in India

• An overview of Knitted Winterwear market in India

• What is Merino Wool?

• Superfine Wool Purchasing Guide

• How to avoid frauds on Cashmere and Superfine Wool Garments

• Recycling of textiles waste for environmental protection

• Facts about Cashmere, Camel and Wool

• Forthcoming Events

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The Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu conferred awards on 17 persons for their outstanding contribution in different fields of textiles sector in New Delhi this evening. During the ceremony he was presented commemorative stamps on GI registered handicrafts.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President said that the textiles sector is playing a pivotal role in the economy and it needs to be recognized and respected by all. He said that the Textiles Ministry has taken several initiatives during the last 4 and half years, which will yield rich dividends and help India become one of the three largest economies of the world. He expressed hope that the felicitation of awardees will inspire others to do more to get recognition. The Vice President said that there is no dearth of talent in the country and the only thing that is needed is to tap the available talent by proper skilling and encouragement. Shri Venkaiah Naidu stressed on improving the quality of products to become competitive in international markets and called upon the textiles industry to create brand for Indian textiles products.

Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, in her address said that the Textiles Ministry is for the first

time giving awards to people who have made significant contribution to textiles sector. She said that the Textiles Ministry will address the issues flagged during the day long ‘National Conclave on Accomplishments and Way Forward for Textiles Sector’ which concluded with award ceremony presided over by the Vice President of India. Seventeen awards in different categories were given

Vice President Gives Away Textiles Awards

Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu presenting Textiles Awards in New Delhi

The Union Minister for Textiles, Smt. Smriti Irani lighting the lamp at the National Conclave on

“Accomplishments and Way Forward for Textiles Sector”, in New Delhi on January 06, 2019. The Minister

of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta is also seen.

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The Union Minister for Textiles, Smt. Smriti Irani addressing at the National Conclave on “Accomplishments and Way Forward

for Textiles Sector”, in New Delhi on January 06, 2019.

The Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta addressing at the National Conclave on “Accomplishments and Way Forward

for Textiles Sector”, in New Delhi on January 06, 2019.

The Union Minister for Textiles, Smt. Smriti Irani releasing the publication at the National Conclave on “Accomplishments and Way Forward for Textiles Sector”, in New Delhi on January 06, 2019.

The Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta and the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Shri Raghvendra Singh are also seen.

away by the Vice President for outstanding performance and excellence in various spheres of textiles industry.

Earlier in the day, the national conclave was inaugurated by the Union Textiles Minister. It was also addressed by the Minister of State, Ajay Tamta and Textiles Secretary, Raghvendra Singh. The inaugural session was followed by panel discussions on technical textiles, ease of doing textiles business, handicrafts, access to global markets and supply chains and fashionizing weaves.

The two-day outreach programme was launched last evening in the premises of Red Fort with presentation of

eight special recognition awards for the excellent work in textiles sector. In addition, 16 artisans were felicitated who have enriched the handloom sector with their creative work in weaving and printing. The event was followed by Textiles Show-Artisan Speak.

The last four and half years have been transformational for this sector. Industry specific policies, technological upgradations, focus on research & development, investment in human resources and strategic intervention for market promotion have made Indian textiles most desirable and trusted brand on the global map.

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Textiles Minister launches Project “India Size”Textiles Minister launches project to study Apparel Consumption in IndiaThe Union Minister for Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani launched the India Size project in Mumbai on 6th Feb., 2019. A first-of-its-kind project in the history of India, India Size aims to arrive at a standard Indian Size for the ready-to-wear clothing industry, on the lines of the standardized sizes available in countries such as the USA and the UK. A size chart that is specific to Indian consumers’ measurements will be developed. This will help Indian apparel manufacturers to tailor their cuts closer to the actual body measurements of consumers. This will benefit consumers, manufacturers and the industry as a whole. The project is being undertaken by the Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI).

our consumers, besides the industry. She hoped that the project will also arm the Ministry with data so that the government can apply itself to solutions.

The Textiles Minister also launched a Study of Apparel Consumption in India. Representing over 45,000 apparel manufacturers and retailers, CMAI will be conducting a study spread across three to six months, for arriving at an accurate assessment of the total apparel consumption in the country, thereby resulting in more accurate business projections, better marketing strategies and investment into the industry. The study aims to bridge the lack of accurate and reliable data on the size, spread, and extent of the domestic market. The study will attempt to come up with region-wise and product category-wise consumption patterns in the country, to arrive at a statistically reliable database, which could then become the foundation to study growth patterns in the coming year. The report would be ready for release by July 2019.

The survey which CMAI is going to undertake, to study apparel consumption in India, was long-awaited, said the Minister. The survey will help realize the potential of the sector. This study, done independently by the industry, will

Addressing the gathering, the Textiles Minister complimented the clothing manufacturers’ industry and the retail industry for coming together for the greater cause of the industry and the economy.

The Minister said that India Size is an emblem and a resolve between the industry and the Government, which will benefit both consumers and manufacturers. She said that the never-done-before anthropometric study will lead to a size chart that will mainly benefit

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enable the Textiles Committee and the industry to together decide on the course of the industry, said the Minister.

Smt. Irani said that many are yet to realize the potential of the Indian retail sector. She thanked brands which have collaborated with the Ministry of Textiles, under the India Handloom Brand launched by the Prime Minister. The Minister expressed satisfaction that many leading brands have come together and expressed their desire to partner directly with India’s weavers.

Referring to the recent signing of MoUs between the government and leading textile companies in Mumbai, the Minister said that the CEOs’ Roundtable held today will lead to new beginnings. She said that the government is committed to ensuring that those who seek to train people in stitching, tailoring, apparel making and in retail will come together under schemes of the Ministry and start upon a new journey in skilling segment.

The Minister announced that CMAI, along with its members, has resolved that in conjunction with the Ministry of Textiles, powerloom clusters will be identified from which adequate resources for retail businesses can be procured, with assistance to powerloom weavers by the govt.

The Textiles Minister also presented the Transforming India through Retail Awards on the occasion. 18 retailers were honoured for their contribution to the retail industry. The awards were given by CMAI, supported by RAI (Retailers Association of India) and Ministry of Textiles, in recognition of the innovative, bold, and creative thought processes and business models adopted by the awardees, thereby transforming the way retail is conducted and contributing to societal development.

Secretary, Textiles, Shri Raghvendra Singh recalled that MoUs were recently signed with industry players wherein Government will facilitate sourcing of handloom products from handloom clusters, based on requirements of industry, so that cost of production comes down for weavers. He said that specific discussions were held today with CMAI members, and it has been decided that Government and industry will work together for enhancing income of weavers and generating employment. The Government is going to

go ahead in a big way for skilling of powerloom sector, with the synergy with CMAI. To help indigenous retail industry, trend forecasting centres are being set up in hub and spoke model; Incubation Centres and Innovation Centres are also being set up to strengthen domestic retail segment, said the Secretary.

President and Chairman, CMAI, Shri Rahul Mehta said, “We have been following international sizing charts all these years and every brand which is launched in India also follows their own charts. This creates disparity for the Indian consumers. With the launch of India Size project, there will be a standard size for all manufacturers; it will help the consumers in both online and offline shopping, by making size identification easier. As a country, a standard Indian size in exports will also help create harmony for all manufacturers.”

Project India Size

Under India Size, an all-India anthropometric study of measurements of the average Indian apparel consumer will be undertaken. The study will include an analysis of close to 25,000 consumers spread over various age groups, and covering the cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Shillong. This will enable the study to cover all important regions of the country.

The Indian Size will put the country on par with developed countries, which typically follow a standardized size for their consumers – such as the US Size, UK Size, Mexican Size, etc. The Indian Size will provide tremendous benefit to the consumer by offering standardized sizes, better-fitting clothes, reduced hassles of purchase returns and reduction of wasteful expenditure due to incorrect purchases. It will benefit the manufacturer by enabling minimization of wrong inventory and expenses on returned goods and improving sales. All these factors will contribute towards reduction in ultimate prices paid by the consumer. With higher sales, increased consumption and lower expenses, investments will also go up in the industry.

With increasing spread of the Indian diaspora across the world, an Indian Size will also increase exports from India.

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the proposal of the Department of Commerce for including merchant exporters under the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) for Pre and Post Shipment Rupee Export Credit by allowing them interest equalisation rate of 3% on such credit for export of products covered under 416 tariff lines identified under the scheme. These products are largely in MSME/ labour intensive sectors such as Agriculture, Textiles, Leather, Handicraft, machinery, etc.

The proposal will entail benefits of around Rs 600 crore to exporters on interest equalisation, for the remaining period of the scheme.

Inclusion of merchant exporters in the scheme is expected to make them more competitive, encouraging them to exports more products manufactured by MSMEs adding to country’s exports. Additional exports by them will increase production by MSME giving a fillip to employment generation as MSME

are generally in the employment intensive sectors.

The present scheme, which is in-force from 1.4.2015 for five years, provides interest equalization rate of 3% on Pre and Post Shipment Rupee Credit tor all manufacturing exporters exporting identified 416 four digit tariff lines and 5% on all merchandise products manufactured and exported by MSMEs. Merchant exporters were hitherto not covered under the scheme.

Exporting community has been persistently demanding inclusion of the merchant exporters also in the ongoing scheme. Merchant exporters play an important role in finding overseas markets, getting export orders, communicating to MSME manufacturers the current preferences, trends and demand for products in international export markets. Merchant exporters also play a pivotal role in exports of MSME manufacturers as MSME manufacturers export significant quantity of products through merchant exporters. High cost of credit equally impact their competitiveness also as they factor the high interest costs in their export costing.

Cabinet allows inclusion of Merchant Exporters under Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) for Pre and Post Shipment Rupee Export Credit

WWEPC is regularly sending circulars and other trade related information to the members through emails/couriers to keep them up-to-date. It has been observed that some emails and couriers are re-turning undelivered so that members are not getting information from the Council.

Members are requested to update their email-id and other details with the Council to get information on trade related events/developments in India and abroad regularly.

Write us at headoffice@wwepcindia.com; info@wwepcindia.com

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Update Your KYC Form with WWEPC

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Monday, 07th January 2019, New Delhi: Ministry of Textiles organized Textile Show “Artisan Speak” and National Conference on Textiles “Accomplishments and Way Forward for Textiles Sector” to highlight the achievements of textiles sector in New Delhi on 5th & 6th January 2019.

The two-day event was inaugurated with a Textiles Show “Artisan Speak” – the first ever Fashion Event in the premises of Lal Qila – to celebrate India’s rich textile legacy and to honour those who have contributed to the promotion of handloom and handicraft.

At the event, the Ministry honoured seven stalwarts of the textile sector. They were awarded ‘Special Recognition Awards in the Textile Sector’ towards their contribution to the textile industry. Among the awardees was Craft Revivalist and Textile Conservationist Ms. Madhu Jain, Shri Kiran B. Malali (scientist), Shri D. Ramesh Devangan (Weaver), Shri Vijaya Kumar (Scientist), Shri Suresh Kotak (Chairman, Kotak & Co), Shri Mani Chinnaswamy (MD, Appachi Cotton) and Shri Sunil Sethi (President, FDCI).

For the growth of the textiles sector, the two-day event charted out a road map for building new capabilities for sustainable and resource efficient growth of the textiles sector.

During the program, an outreach event of the “Accomplishments and Way Forward for Textiles Sector” was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani on January 6, 2019. On the occasion, a short film on the achievements of the Ministry of Textiles was also screened.

Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta, Secretary Textiles, Shri Raghvendra Singh and other senior officers of the Textiles and other Ministries/ Dept. of Government of India also attended the programme.

Participants from the government and industry addressed the inaugural session which was followed by panel discussions on Technical Textiles, Ease of Doing Textiles Business and Access to Global Markets and Supply Chains. CITI Chairman, Shri Sanjay K Jain was on the Ease of Doing Business Panel and he listed out important points to further improve the significant headway made over the last 4 years on this count.

Weavers, artisans, investors and corporates contributed immensely towards the achievements in the textiles sector and to express gratitude for their contribution the function concluded with an award ceremony presided over by the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu. The Vice President conferred the awards “Thread of Excellence” on 17 persons for their outstanding contribution in the field of textiles sector. The Awardees included five young bright minds who have achieved outstanding success in Textiles and Clothing Business in recent years with the “Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs Award’. The Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs Awardees included Shri Pathik Patel, Basil Commodities Private Ltd in Fibre category, Shri Prashant Mohota, Gimatex Industries Pvt. Ltd. in Yarn and Fabric category, Shri Shreyaskar Chaudhary, Pratibha Syntex Ltd for Garments and Made-ups, Shri Amit Kailash Khator, Khator Technical Textiles Ltd. for Technical Textiles and Ms. Mythili A, Vishwaa Apparels in Special Young Women Entrepreneur category.

Textile Show “Artisan Speak” and “National Conference on Textiles” organised by Ministry of Textiles to chart out Way Forward

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Exports of jute products rise be 24% since 2014: Smriti Irani

Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani has said that exports of jute diversified products have risen by 24 per cent since 2014.

Speaking at a textile outreach programme in Kolkata, the minister said, jute is the currency of the day and it has contributed for West Bengal to flourish for

years. She said insurance and marketing assistance to weavers are also being given in 40 districts of India. Textiles Secretary Raghavendra Singh said the ministry is trying to connect the weavers with big companies for realising higher margins.

He said the government is looking at ways and means to raise the income of the weavers and generate employment.

ATTN: MEMBERS

Renewal of Membership for the year 2019-20Your membership of the Council is going to expire on 31st March, 2019. As per Bye Laws of the Council, members should pay Annual Subscription latest by 30th April in each year. It is requested to send you Annual Subscription for the year 2019-20 alongwith Registration-Cum-Membership-Certificate (RCMC) for renewal upto 31.03.2020. The fee structure is given below:

SECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP RATE OF ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION (EXCLUDING GST)

Composite Units, Combing, Machine Made Carpet Sector, Shoddy Sector, Spinning Sector

Rs. 5,500.00

Hosiery Manufacturer, Hair Belting/Felt, Powerloom Sector, Shawls Manufacturer, Merchant Exporter & Associate Member

Rs. 4,000.00

Members are requested to also submit Export Return for the year 2018-19 alongwith Export Promotion Charges @ 0.02% on the FOB value of export (Rs. 20/- on export of Rs. One lakh).

Members may kindly send crossed cheque/demand draft in favour of Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council or transfer through NEFT. For bank details for making payment through NEFT /other information, please contact the Council and visit our website: https://www.wwepcindia.com/

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for handloom, 19 for handicrafts and 8 for powerloom.

Under the support and outreach 100 days programme, various activities were undertaken in identified districts for creating synergy for MSMEs in textile sector like holding camps for Mudra loan in collaboration with local bank, enrolment of beneficiaries on e-dhaga, distribution of tool kits to beneficiaries, registration and distribution of Pehchan cards to artisans and weavers, popularization of 24x7 help line, quality certification and social security.

District level events were organized to consolidate progress under the programme in each identified district on 9th or 10th February, 2019. Exhibitions of handloom, handicrafts and powerloom products were also organized in the State Bhavans of the identified districts in Delhi on 11th & 12th February, 2019. Senior Officers were designated as “Prabhari Officers” in each district who worked with nodal officers appointed by respective sectoral heads.

National Conclave on creating Synergy for MSMEs in Textiles sector held in New Delhi

Ministry of Textiles honoured 12 weavers and artisans from different parts of the country for their outstanding work in handloom and handicrafts sector at a function in New Delhi on 13.02.2019. An exhibition showcasing achievements of the textiles sector MSMEs was also held on this occasion. A booklet on Ease of Doing business was also released. The booklet is available in ten languages – Hindi, Manipuri, Assamese, Bengali, Odia, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Fifteen MoUs were signed to facilitate foreign trade of textiles and handicrafts items. A short film on outreach support programme of the Textiles Ministry was also screened during the National Conclave on Creating Synergy for MSMEs in Textiles Sector.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had launched the support and outreach 100 days programme for MSMEs on 2nd November 2018, identifying one hundred districts in various sectors across the country. Amongst these, thirty-nine districts were identified for textiles sector - 12

The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot and the Union Minister

for Textiles, Smt. Smriti Irani lighting the lamp at the National Conclave on Creating Synergy for MSMEs in

Textiles Sector, in New Delhi on February 13, 2019.

The Union Minister for Textiles, Smt. Smriti Irani addressing at the National Conclave on Creating Synergy for MSMEs

in Textiles Sector, in New Delhi on February 13, 2019.

Textiles Ministry honours Weavers and Artisans

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Textiles Ministry sets up Centres of Excellence for G.I. Products

Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, said that during the outreach programme the Government has ensured that the relevant information related to the Central Government schemes reaches beneficiaries. She said that Rs. 6500 crore Mudra loan was sanctioned to Textiles sector MSMEs. The Minister said 2.6 lakh weavers and craft persons were brought under the social security network during the 100 days outreach programme. Textiles Minister informed about the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojana for providing pension of Rs. 3000 per month to people working in unorganized sector on payment of small premium.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Thawar Chand Gehlot said that 70% of people working in MSMEs of Textile Ministry belong to SC/ ST and OBC categories and urged the weavers and handicraft persons to avail the benefit of the schemes of his Ministry. He said during the last 4 years of NDA Government availability of raw materials to entrepreneurs has increased and exports also went up during the period.

Secretary Textiles said that in view of the crucial role played by MSMEs in the creation of jobs and promoting inclusive economic growth, the textiles Ministry is implementing various schemes and programmes for small business in textiles and handicrafts sectors. He said during the outreach programme Textiles Ministry officials worked in coordination with state and district administration. Textiles Secretary said exhibitions were held in targeted districts to promote sales of their products, MUDRA loans were mobilized by involving public sector banks. Twenty thousand new applications were received from craft persons for credit under MUDRA scheme. Technology upgradation assistance was provided to 12,776 craft persons in 31 districts. Over 1.30 lakh Pehchan ID cards have been issued to weavers and artisans to facilitate them to claim the benefits and services they are entitled to. Other services such as yarn passbooks marketing support, social security coverage were also extended to the handloom weavers through outreach camps. Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Dr. Arun Kumar Panda and Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Rajeev Kumar, also addressed the National Conclave.

Secretary Textiles, Raghvendra Singh, speaking to media in New Delhi on 13th Feb., 2019

The Ministry of Textiles, in close collaboration with state Governments and district administration, strove to achieve the targets in respect of various deliverables. Weavers’ Service Centres (Field Office for Handlooms) was designated as supervising agency for effective coordination with banks, district administration and weavers. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Secretary Textiles, Raghvendra Singh, said that special focus was deliverables in the districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram and Manipur. In several districts, the deliverables were substantial, for example coverage of almost cent percent in each district. Specially for the weavers, yarn-passbooks have been distributed which make available the required yarn to them at subsidies rates. The marketing events organised in these districts generated substantial sales during the 100-day period for the artisans and weavers.

Raghvendra Singhtold mediapersons that quality certification is a requirement before e-commerce. Apart from the awareness campaign, around 53,000 labels were issued, applications received and registrations

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done under the Handloom Brand. Similarly, weavers and artisans were also enrolled under the social security insurance scheme.

To increase the earnings of the weavers and artisans the Promotion Council for Handlooms and Handicrafts signed MOUs with Weavers’ Societies and artisans from amongst the focus district of MSME outreach programme for promoting exports through design, skill and such other interventions.

Textiles Secretary informed that Centres of Excellence, comprising 55 display outlets have been set up in Varanasi for the sale of products which are G.I. tagged. Similarly, children have been facilitated in various

districts to avail of the learning opportunities through IGNOU and NIOS wherein the Textile Ministry provide 75% of the cost for girls and children belonging to SC, ST and BPL categories. Tufting frames and carpet looms have been provided to Carpet weavers of Bhadohi in UP.

The Secretary further told that Ministry of Textiles has entered into agreement with prominent garmenting companies of India for placing orders with clusters of weavers through the handloom verticals of these companies. Orders are being placed with the Ministry catalysing these orders, handholding the weavers in terms of providing common facilities, tool kits and yarn at subsidised rates to cut down the cost of production which is impacting the income of weavers greatly, enhancing it substantially.

Suresh Prabhu addressing Board of Trade meeting in New Delhi

Suresh Prabhu Chairs Board of Trade Meeting

Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, chaired a meeting of the Board of Trade (BOT) on 15.02.2019 at Vigyan Bhawan. The meeting was attended by Commerce Secretary, Secretary DPIIT, DGFT, Secretaries and other senior officials of key line ministries including, Finance and Agriculture, all major trade and industry bodies, Export Promotion Councils and industrialists.

On this occasion, Commerce & Industry Minister launched a new online “Anytime-Anywhere” export awareness course to train, mentor and hand-hold potential exporters so as to help them to tap international trade opportunities. This Online Course has been funded under the ‘Niryat Bandhu’ scheme of DGFT and is in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi. On successful completion, a Certificate in Export Import Management under Niryat Bandhu Scheme will be awarded to participants.

In another e-initiative, Commerce Minister also launched a Mobile App of DGFT. Exporters can now log their grievances, apply for various licenses, view their status using this app, besides accessing information about latest trade notices, circulars, Foreign Trade Policy and trade fairs.

In his address, Commerce Secretary, Dr. Anup Wadhawan welcomed the delegates to the Board of

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Trade and mentioned that India’s exports have faced a very challenging period in recent years, on account of developments arising from the global financial crisis of 2008-09, which accentuated after 2013-14, when the world economy, including China experienced a major trade slowdown. Thus, after achieving a turnaround from the initial shock and reaching a peak export figure of US$ 314.4 billion in 2013-14, our exports came under immense pressure again in the post 2013-14 period due to accentuation of the global economic / financial crisis in the second phase when countries like China also got adversely affected. However, since then concerted efforts through improved logistics, trade facilitation, increased digitization to reduce human interface and increase transparency, implementation of GST, capacity building through skilling etc., the government has been able to arrest the downturn affecting India. As a result, barring a few stray months, our merchandise exports have been growing on a secular basis since 2016-17 for almost three years and are likely to reach a new peak in 2018-19.

He highlighted the detailed export promotion strategy, which has been prepared by Department of Commerce and is under implementation in consultation with and with the support of wide-ranging stakeholders, including Export Promotion Councils, exporters and financial institutions.

Director General Foreign Trade (DGFT), Alok Chaturvedi, made a detailed presentation explaining the present export scenario and various initiatives taken. Few notable measures taken since last BoT meetings are as follows:

• Interest Equalization rate increased from 3% to 5% w.e.f. 2nd November, 2018 for exports being made by MSME sector.

• From 2nd January 2019, merchant exporters have been included under the Interest Equalisation Scheme @ 3% subvention.

• In January, 2019, Pre-Import condition on advance authorization licenses to avail exemption of IGST was removed and exemption of Integrated Tax and Compensation Cess extended to deemed supplies

• Exemption granted on 3% IGST on gold sourced by exporters from nominated agency w.e.f.1.1.2019 to help Gems and Jewellery sector by freeing blocked capital.

• Freight subsidy for exports of agricultural and marine products

• In the Mid-Term Review, MEIS rates increased by 2% for MSMEs / labour intensive industries involving an additional outlay of Rs.7310 crore per annum.

• SEIS (Service Export from India Scheme) incentive rate was increased by 2% for all notified services amounting to Rs. 1140 crore of additional reward per annum.

• MEIS allocation enhanced from 21000 crore in 2014-15 to 39000 crore in 2018-19.

• GST exemption was restored in October 2017 under the Advance Authorization Scheme, Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme and 100% Export Oriented Unit for sourcing inputs from abroad without payment of IGST

• GST refunds were expedited through several rounds of Refund Fortnight.

• The validity period of the Duty Credit Scrips was increased from 18 months to 24 months to enhance their utility in the GST framework.

o The upper limit of FOB value of goods for exports through courier or foreign post office for obtaining benefits enhanced from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 in July 2018

o The restriction that benefits would be granted to e-commerce exports only from 3 airports has been removed in July 2018.

o Exports of Religious Gold idols of 22k and above allowed by modifying restriction on export of gold articles of more than 22 carats.

o Exports of Gold findings of 3k and above allowed.

o Engaging states for promotion of India’s trade: Through coordination with States, State Export Promotion Committees and State specific Export Promotion Strategies are in place.

o Additional Towns of Export Excellence: Bhadohi (UP) and Panipat (Haryana) announced for carpets and related products

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• Exports of all agricultural commodities (except mustard oil) made “free” without any restrictions. Earlier, export of pulses and edible oils were prohibited.

• Export incentives under MEIS increased in respect of certain agricultural items:

o Non Basmati: 5% for four months in Nov 2018

o Milk products: 10% increased to 20% in September 2018

o Onions: 5% for six months in July 2018; enhanced on 28.12.2018 to 10% for exports up to 30th June 2019

o De-oiled soya cake: 7% enhanced in July 2018 to 10%

o New Agricultural Export Policy issued and initial outreach with States done.

He emphasised that Government is committed to end to end IT enablement and make all processes completely paperless. In this regard, Department of Commerce has approved a project for the revamp of entire IT system of DGFT. He stated that however, in the meanwhile, DGFT has taken many measures to bring ease of doing business with DGFT like:

• Same day issue of IEC (Importer Exporter Code) online.

• Auto approval of MEIS scripts within 24 hours

• Contact@DGFT grievance redressal service for Exporters/Importers

• Redemption of Export Obligation of Exporters expedited through a drive. Consequently, over 13000 Advance Authorisation and 9500 EPCG cases have been redeemed.

• Revamp of DGFT’s IT System initiated to make all DGFT processes paperless and provide end-to-end IT enablement for all services

DGFT highlighted that due to sustained efforts by the Government and Industry, India has jumped to 80th place in 2018 from 146th place in “Trading Across Borders Ranking” as released by the World Bank.

The representatives of industry, while welcoming steps taken by the Government, expressed concerns about decreasing flow of credit to export sector, retrospective effect of pre import conditions, delays in refund of Input Tax Credit, withdrawal of GSP benefits by US, exports to Iran and OFAC countries, availability of incentives for exports to neighbouring countries, etc. The issues raised by the trade were addressed by the senior officials and will be taken up in the forthcoming meeting of Committee of Exports and GST council.

Commerce Minister launches ‘SWAYATT’ on GeMUnion Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, launched SWAYATT in New Delhi on 19th Feb., 2019. SWAYATT is an initiative to promote Start-ups, Women and Youth Advantage Through eTransactions on Government e Marketplace (GeM). This will bring together the key stakeholders within the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem to Government e-Marketplace the national procurement portal.

On this occasion, Commerce Minister also dedicated GeM Start-up Runway-an initiative of GeM in association with Start -up India to facilitate Start-ups registered with Start -up India to access the public procurement market

and sell innovative products and services to government buyers.

Suresh Prabhu also felicitated a few successful entrepreneurs from Women Self Help Groups, Start-ups and MSMEs in GeM.

Speaking on the occasion Commerce Minister said, Suresh Prabhu appreciated the achievements of GeM reaching out and empowering these diverse groups and reiterated the need to support and strengthen such initiatives and enterprises which constitute the backbone of the Indian economy. He also appreciated the event for impressively showcasing many such successful

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Ceremonial lamp being lit to launch SWAYATT

efforts of SHGs, Start-ups, Women enterprises, MSMEs partnering GeM.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, C.R. Chaudhary, released a movie on GeM SWAYATT and expressed hope that the national launch of SWAYATT would further seek to promote inclusiveness by catapulting various categories of sellers and service providers, take proactive steps to facilitate the training and registrations of such specific category of manufacturers and sellers, develop women entrepreneurship and encourage participation of MSME sector and Start-ups in public procurement.

CEO GeM, Radha Chauhan, introduced the concept of SWAYATT and Start-up Runway.

The event which was web cast LIVE across the country, witnessed enthusiastic participation from all over India including policy makers, social activists, artisans, women entrepreneurs, and start-ups who will work to ensure market linkages for these sections in public procurement.

Women Self Help Groups, Start-ups, and Government Organization had exhibited 24 stalls at the venue. The event partners included various Ministries like Women & Child Development, Electronics & IT, MSME, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Rural Development

and Skill Development apart from industry associations financial institutions, autonomous bodies like NSIC, KVIC, CCIC and SPVs - Invest India and Start-up India.

GeM Start-up Runway seeks to align certified Start-ups with Government procurement orders and contracts, to enable Start-ups in scaling operations from ideation to growth stage in minimal time, and spur hyper-local job-creation and wealth-generation and for achieving socially-inclusive economic growth.

While Government has relaxed norms in Public Procurement for Start-ups by exempting them from

prior experience, prior turnover and Earnest Money Deposit [EMD] stipulations, subject to meeting of quality and technical specifications, product comparison and price discovery are two major constraints for Government buyers in procuring innovative products from Start-ups.

Start-up Runway will enable Start-ups to conduct market trials with government buyers, seek time-bound feedback and gain realistic product, price comparison and market valuation from potential buyers and investors.

Certified Start-ups will register on GeM portal as a seller with their DPIIT number, provide basic description about the performance of their products/services along with the Test Certificates of quality, their functional utility and specify potential user Ministry/ departments where these products can be used.

Ministries and departments will be sensitised proactively through system generated messages/ alerts in Marketplace about availability of such innovative products on the portal Potential buyers can evaluate these products and services with respect to their utility, uniqueness with respect to design, process and concept, and provide feedback in a time-bound interval and manner. Innovative products with 3+ ratings on a rating scale of (1-5) from 3 or more buyers will be accepted for listing as a regular product or service on GeM

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Approximately 1,516 Start-ups are presently registered on GeM with 12,915 products to offer and have received more than 5,000 orders till date.

GeM Start-up Runway seeks to support technology development, spur research and innovation by ensuring a conducive policy environment for industrial diversification and value addition to commodities, and aligns with Government’s philosophy to turn Job-seekers into job-creators.

GeM Start-up Runway will address goals and objectives under United Nations Sustainable Development Goal

9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

Government e Marketplace, an online market place for procurement of common use goods and services by government ministries, departments and CPSEs was setup in 2016 and has 801,956 products and 5,197 services, with 199,654 registered sellers, service providers and 33,536 government buyers. Since inception, GeM has processed 1,386,030 orders worth Rs. 19,214 crore in gross merchandise value.

The Government has announced the revised Duty Drawback rates vide CBIC Notification No. 95/2018 – CUSTOMS (N.T) dated December 6, 2018. The All Industry Rates of Duty Drawback reimburses the incidence of duties of Customs on inputs and remnant Central Excise Duty on specified petroleum products used for generation of captive power for manufacture or processing of export goods.

Other acceptable documents(for Proprietorship only): Aadhar Card | Passport | Voter Id

In case the address proof is not in the name of the applicant firm, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the firm premises owner in favour of the firm along with the address proof is to be submitted as a single PDF document

(ii) Digital Signature Certificate - Now Not Required Copy of PAN Card - Now Not Required Photograph - Now Not Required

New Duty Drawback Rates will Boost Textiles Exports

Easy Procedure Introduced by the DGFT for IEC Application/ Modification

The Revised Drawback rates will lead to increase in the exports of textiles.

Woollen Industry extended his thanks to Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Hon’ble Union Textiles Minister for her support in getting the Drawback rates increased. The industry also thanked the Department of Revenue and the Drawback Committee for the increase in the Drawback rates.

New Procedure for online IEC application/modification has been introduced vide Trade Notice No 23/2018-19 New Delhi, Dated the 8th August, 2018. Kindly see the following:

(i) Mandatory Documents to be uploaded for new IEC(a) Bank Certificate / Pre-

printed Cancelled Cheque - Required *

(b) Address Proof of the firm - Required *

Any of the Following Documents: Sale deed | Rent agreement | Lease Deed | Electricity bill | Telephone Land line bill | Mobile Postpaid bill | MOU | Partnership Deed

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Export of Wool & Woollens Products 2018-19 (Upto Nov. 2018)The export of wool and wool blended products shown growth of 2.88% in dollar terms during April 2018 to November 2018 compared with the same period of corresponding year 2017-18 as the data released by the Dept. of Commerce.

Value in US$ MillionSource: Dept. of Commerce

Chapter Description 2017-18 2017-18

(April to Nov.)2018-19

(April to Nov.)% INC/DEC

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WOOL, FINE OR COARSE ANIMAL HAIR, HORSEHAIR YARN AND WOVEN FABRIC

WOOL RAW, WOOL NOILS & WOOL TOPS 34.60 18.81 26.15 39.02

WOOL YARN 94.60 55.94 74.89 33.88WOOL FABRICS 35.18 22.41 20.57 -8.21

55MANMADE STAPLE FIBRES (YARN AND FABRIC OF POLYSTER, MIXED WITH WOOL/FINE ANIMAL HAIR)

105.64 66.86 70.05 4.77

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WADDING, FELT AND NONWOVENS; SPACIAL YARNS; TWINE, CORDAGE, ROPES AND CABLES AND ARTICLES THEREOF OF WOOL

40.75 26.27 27.48 4.61

60 KNITTED OR CROCHETED FABRICS OF WOOL 5.21 3.01 4.23 40.53

61ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES, KNITTED OR CORCHETED OF WOOL

251.63 190.24 161.79 -14.95

62ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES, NOT KNITTED OR CROCHETED OF WOOL.

214.82 152.12 166.89 9.71

63 WOOL BLANKETS AND MADE-UPS 15.79 13.92 13.42 -3.59

65 WOOLLEN KNITTED CAPS 0.14 0.12 0.01 -89.17

67WOOL/OTHER ANIMAL HAIR DRESSED/ OTHER WISE WORKED

0.02 0.01 0.05 400.00

TOTAL 798.37 549.71 565.53 2.88

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Import of Wool and Woollen Blended ProductsThe import of wool and woollen blended products during April 2018 to November 2018 compared with the corresponding year 2017-18 as per the data released by the Dept. of Commerce is as under:

Value in US$ MillionSource: Dept. of Commerce

Chapter Description 2017-182017-18

April to Nov.2018-19

April to Nov.% INC/ DEC

51WOOL, FINE OR COARSE ANIMAL HAIR, HORSEHAIR YARN AND WOVEN FABRIC.

WOOL RAW, WOOL TOPS 311.31 220.45 248.64 12.79

WOOL YARN 3.02 1.74 2.83 62.64

WOOL FABRICS 30.68 22.44 26.13 16.44

55MAN-MADE STAPLE FIBRES. (YARN AND FABRIC OF POLSTR,MXD WTH WOOL/FINE ANIMAL HAIR)

46.65 24.88 37.14 49.28

56WADDING, FELT AND NONWOVENS; SPACIAL YARNS; TWINE, CORDAGE, ROPES AND CABLES AND ARTICLES THEREOF (WOOL).

0.45 0.19 0.36 89.47

60 KNITTED OR CROCHETED FABRICS OF WOOL. 16.31 8.74 13.32 52.40

61ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES, KNITTED OR CORCHETED OF WOOL AND WOOL BLENDED.

15.03 11.37 15.86 39.49

62ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES NOT KNITTED OR CROCHETED OF WOOL AND WOOL BLENDED.

22.84 14.89 17.02 14.30

63 BLANKETS, MADE-UPS ETC. OF WOOL 26.12 12.22 27.24 122.91

65 KNITTED CAPS OF WOOL 0.04 0.04 0.1 150.00

TOTAL 472.45 316.96 388.64 22.61

Quantity in Tons

Chapter Description 2017-18 2017-18April to Nov.

2018-19April to Nov.

% DECLINE

51 WOOL RAW, WOOL TOPS 79951 54900 56392 2.72

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WWEPC organized participation in “PURE LONDON FAIR IN PURE ORIGIN SECTION” held at Kensington Olympia, London, United Kingdom from 10th to 12th February, 2019 under Market Access Initiative Scheme of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India to boost the export of wool and wool blended products. The Council was represented by Shri Mahesh N Sanil, Executive Director Cum Secretary.

Two shows under one roof:

Pure London is the United Kingdom’s leading fashion trade show which takes place twice a year in Olympia, London, UK. The timings of Pure ties in with the seasonal trends and buying patterns Autumn/Winter and Summer/Spring. Pure is predominantly focused on ready-to-wear women’s wear and has additional sections for young fashion (spirit) and accessories.

Pure Origin, the section of Pure London dedicated to fashion sourcing and manufacturing, an area showcasing new technologies and emerging trends in the fashion world. Pure Origin gives you also access to Pure London, a trade collective of fashion brands, buyers, minds and inspirations.

About Pure London

Pure London is UK’s number one leading fashion trade event that brings together the entire fashion supply chain, right the way from fibre through to finished ready to wear garments. No other UK show offers sourcing and brands together, making Pure London and Pure Origin the only event to cater to all your fashion buying needs under one central London roof.

Hosted bi-annually, in February and July, the event welcomes over 17,000 visitors/buyers through its doors at Olympia London and features over 1,300 women’s wear, menswear and kids wear collections and 160 garment and fabric suppliers from 13 countries including

Italy, Mauritius, Turkey, Portugal and Taiwan. This event is to discover the Festival of Fashion where the UK meets the rest of the World.

About Pure Origin

Uniting manufacturers and buyers in London’s busiest fashion trade hub.

Held in the heart of London alongside Pure London and Pure Man, Pure Origin brings together all aspects of fashion sourcing and manufacturing under one spectacular roof at London’s Olympia.

This event is convenient and cost effective way for buyers to meet with UK and international manufacturers.

Pure Origin allows buyers, designers and retailers to meet with manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world under one roof at London Olympia, it connects you to the right people and gives you the opportunity to network with industry experts.

Pure Origin gives the opportunity to manufacturers to meet not only the best retailers but also UK and International brands. Key brands and retailers that visit include: Asos, White Stuff, Victoria Beckham, River Island, JD Sports, Marks & Spencer and Selfridges. Major participation were from China, India, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Bangladesh and France.

Display your new collections to thousands of buyers

Be at the very heart of the fashion industry with Pure London. The light-filled hall and stunning period architecture makes Olympia London the ideal location to showcase your collections to thousands of top retailers.

Offering expertly curated show sectors, from Ready-to-

Councils participation in “PURE LONDON FAIR IN PURE ORIGIN SECTION” held in United Kingdom

from 10th to 12th February, 2019

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Wear to Conscious, explore the eclectic mix of emerging designers and established brands.

The UK’s leading fashion retail event

Experience a show that not only offers a haven of inspiration and never-before-seen collections but also mind-opening panels, fashion shows, fashion forecasting and extensive educational seminars to 700+ inspirational brands.

WWEPC Participation:

WWEPC organized India Pavilion in this exhibition with eighteen exhibitors. Our exhibitors comprised producers and marketers of apparels like woollen/pashmina shawls, stoles, woollen/acrylic knitwears, readymade garments, fashion accessories etc. for men, women and children.

which were remain source of attraction for all buyers/importers. There was big inflow of wholesale and retail trade representatives, manufacturing enterprises sourcing agents, showroom owners, distributors, wholesalers, and representatives of large-format fashion retail chains, apparel brands, ecommerce retailers and many more.

Our exhibitors had fruitful discussions with the buyers and carried out good business negotiations. Buyers from not only UK but from surrounding European Countries like Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France and from China, USA and other countries of the globe attend this show.

As per feedback, participants reported export inquires worth US$ 10 Million.

During the exhibition, business meetings were organized by the Council to create a platform for the Indian business. The Council also distributed member’s directory and brochures on Indian Woollen Industry to international visitors.

Apparel Industry of UK

The UK is a major consumption center of a variety of textile and apparel products from around the world. Its decision to exit from the EU (Brexit) sent shock waves throughout the world. In the short term, negative implications were predicted in trade in general. In textile and apparel, imports of all categories faced a decline due to pound sterling devaluation. However, the scenario looks optimistic in the longer term.The booths of our exhibitors were beautifully decorated

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2018 to Dec. 2018. The export of woollen products to UK during April 2018 to Dec. 2018 shown impressive growth of 35% as per data of Dept. of Commerce.

Key Benefits

• A convenient and cost effective way for buyers to meet with UK and International manufacturers

• Pure Origin takes place next to the biggest UK fashion trade show, giving the opportunity to manufacturers to meet not only the best retailers but also UK and International brands.

• The UK retail market has the strongest presence of retailers, branded collections and industry growth within Europe.

• A stunning Central London Location uniting brands, retailers and manufactures in one place

• This participation was organized to popularize wool & wool blended products and to promote India’s export in UK and European Countries. It was a three days event that provided immense opportunity to the exporters to exhibit their products and to know about modern fashion trends within and around the globe.

• The show provided platform to the exporters for visibility, awareness, technology exchange, business promotion facility and interaction.

• Our participants achieved three main established objectives: raising visitors’ awareness about the goods, search for potential customers and increase of the enterprise popularity level.

• Our participation in this show will develop network opportunities and therefore the advancement and future enlargement of the related market sector are going to be increased with additional improved technologies and latest market trends that may be introduced during this international platform.

We are thankful to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Textiles for approving our participation in this very important market.

For India, the UK is one of the key markets for textile and apparel products. Out of India’s total textile and apparel exports to the EU, the UK accounted for about 20% share. Presently, around 32% of textile and apparel import demand by the UK is met by the EU 28 countries such as Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain. Moreover, Turkey, which has a Custom Union with the EU, has a share of 8% in the UK’s textile and apparel imports.

Apparel is the largest imported category by the UK, representing around 75% of total textile and apparel imports. Top 10 suppliers accounted for 70% of textile and apparel imports by the UK. China is the largest supplier accounting for a 24% share, followed by Bangladesh, Turkey and India with a share of 10%, 8% and 7% respectively. Hence, there is huge potential in this market for textile and clothing.

India’s exports to the UK

India is the fourth largest supplier of textile and apparel products to the UK. Apparel is the largest category in India’s Textile & Apparels exports to the UK. UK is also one of the most important export destination for Indian woollen blended products and readymade garments for India because of growing importance of UK as an independent sourcing region after Brexit. India exports of textiles and clothing to UK was US$ 2302.20 Million during 2017-18 and US$ 1567.77 Million during April

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Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (W&WEPC) in association with India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) set up INDIA PAVILION at the 23rd AF’L ARTIGIANO IN FIERA, Milan (Italy) held from 1st to 9th December, 2018 under Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India to boost export of Indian wool and wool blended products like pashmina / woollen shawls, stoles, scarves, mufflers, gloves, caps, ponchos, garments, jackets, blazers, inner wears, carpets, home furnishings, fashion accessories, etc.

About the Fair:

AF-L ARTIGIANO IN FIERA is the biggest international retail/business trade event (B2C & B2B) dedicated to textiles, arts and handicrafts to promote small and medium artisans/ manufacturers/traders.

AF-L started in the year 1996 and is organized with a clear objective to focus on textiles, handicrafts and handmade products with a view to sell directly, book orders and try out new alliance for new products in the market.

AFL’ Artgiano Fiera in Milan, Italy is an important event, held every year in the month of December, just prior to the Christmas, basically to promote multi-products from various parts of the world to Italy and other European markets. The event provides a worldwide forum to display traditional textile and other products. The speciality of the fair is that sales across the counter are permitted during the currency of the fair, besides booking of orders for long term business. It also helps the visitors to compare, learn and find out more about new solutions by contacting other exhibitors.

The structure and the services available for exhibitors and visitors are of a great international standard. Organizers made an impressive, widespread promotional and advertising campaign. Nine days event was a festive celebration of different textures, styles and lifestyles of

one and all. The fair is not only the oldest, but also leading in variety of latest fashionable products showcased.

The fair was open to wholesalers, retailers, departmental stores and buyers/trade visitors who want to see the latest designs from the fashion industry from India and the world.

The exhibition was open to general public and trade visitors, both for spot booking and retail sale. The fair was spread in an area of more than 1,00,000 sq. mtr and was participated by more than 3000 exhibitors from over 100 countries and was visited by more than 1.5 million visitors, both general and trade visitors, as reported by the Organisers of the AF’L Artigiano.

WWEPC Leads large Delegation of Exports to AF’L Artigiano in Fiera, Milan (Italy) from 1st to 9th December, 2018

Visit of Dignitaries to India Pavilion :

The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Smt. Gloria Gangte, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India at Rome (Italy), Shri Rajneesh Ghai, Chairman, WWEPC, Shri Mahesh N Sanil, Executive Director, WWEPC and Shri Vikas Malhotra, General Manager, ITPO in a simple Ribbon Cutting Ceremony as per the traditional Indian customs. During the ceremony, Mr. Antonio Intiglitta, President of the AF’L Artigiano was also present.

Smt. Gloria was taken to all the booths and she had interaction with each and every participant in Indian

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Pavilion to boost their morale. Smt. Gloria briefed about the economy of Italy and also offered full support to participants to boost India’s exports to Italy. She assured full support from Embassy of India at Rome as also Consulate General of India at Milan for all future participations in this show.

India Pavilion was set up in Hall No.10 (Asia Pavilion) and was the place of attraction for visitors/buyers and brand India image was established. The participants were small entrepreneurs. In the same Hall there were participants from Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Shri Sanjay Sharan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India paid visit to the fair from December 5 to 9, 2018. During the visit, Shri Sharan paid visit to each and every booth in India Pavilion and interacted with all the exhibitors to get first hand feedback from them, i.e. their views about the market, whether it is their first time participation or regular participation, etc. and to boost their morale.

India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) has been organising India’s national level participation in this Fair for the last more than one decade. This year WWEPC jointly organized India Pavilion with ITPO in an area of 984 sq.mts., in which 117 booths were set up, out of which 55 booths belonged to WWEPC. The India Pavilion was awarded the Certificate of Biggest Participant in the Overseas Category and was also presented a Memento by the President of the Fair during the visit of the Smt. Gloria Gangte, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Rome (Italy).

Shri Sharan also visited pavilions set up by other Foreign Countries at the Fair and met the Organizers of the fair.

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• The component of subsidy should be enhanced from 65% presently admissible as huge expenditure is involved in participation like freight, decoration, publicity, etc.

• Travel grant should also be allowed to regular employee(s) of the firm/company as admissible earlier under erstwhile MDA Scheme as a Proprietor cannot go to two exhibitions simultaneously and has to send at one place his employee and travel grant is admissible only for the Proprietor.

• Grant pattern under all Marketing Schemes of Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and o/o the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) should be similar to each other.

In addition to the JS (SS), Shri D. S. Negi, Economic Advisor, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India and Shri A. K. Mohanty, Addl. Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles also visited the India Pavilion.

AF’L attracted large number of visitors like professionals, decision makers, suppliers, buyers, retailers, general public and much more who were looking for latest trendy designs and quality products from India. The buyers from UK, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Japan, Turkey, Spain, Greece, etc. visited the booths of our participants in addition to the Italian trade and industry.

On the last day, Shri Sharan again interacted with all participants and they expressed satisfaction on the business negotiated during the fair, i.e. their purpose of participation in the fair has been achieved. The exhibitors at this event not only raised awareness of their products, but also reported impressive amount of business/sales during the fair.

The participants at the fair made following submissions before the JS (SS) during the interaction with them related to grants admissible under Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme:

Feedback from participants & business generated:

The fair was visited by the visitors from all parts of the Europe in general and Italy in particular. The participants were satisfied with the quality of visitors to their booths during the currency of the Fair.

Usually the exhibitors are reluctant to share the details about the quantum of business generated by them at the fair. In view of this, the parameter to gauge the success of the fair is the interest of companies willing to participate again in this fair. As per the report received, around 95% of the exhibitors have shown interest to participate in this fair. In addition to this, around 95%

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of the exhibitors have rated “Overall arrangements made by WWEPC/ITPO as “Very Good/Excellent”.

Trade enquires worth US$ 40 Million approximately were received by the participants as per information received from them. The buyers take time to confirm orders as they call in for samples and do testing/formalities which takes time to finalise big orders.

Importing Environment:

There are no restrictions on imports into Italy, which are allowed on payment of customs duty prescribed by the Italian customs tariff. No quotas have been set up for the import of any commodities from India. Italy has a highly booming economy, wherein incomes are rising fast. The overall increase in demand is largely being met through increased imports, thereby creating greater prospects for foreign goods. About 40% of Italian imports are from other EC countries.

India’s Exports to Italy

The Italian fashion industry - a world of glamour, creativity, exquisiteness and originality Fashion is an important part of the Italian culture and Italians love to spend money on their expensive attire, be it clothes or shoes, expensive jewellery or super-fast cars. Italy is called the fashion capital of the world and is the home to numerous globally renowned fashion designers and its fashion industry makes Italy the most active in the world.

Needless to say, Italy is a fashion hub and Italian textile products, especially its RMGs comprising mainly of woven and knit apparel are second-to-none in the world. Considering this exuberance of Italian fashion and textile, it seems at first sight that the Italian textile market could hardly offer any opportunity to overseas manufacturers who want to export their textile products to Italy. But when we look beyond the surface and analyse Italy’s RMG import trade data, it becomes crystal clear that there are enough opportunities in the Italian textile market for Indian products.

Conclusion

• Textile is the largest sector of India’s export to Italy. There is a large retail presence in Italy of the famous

brands. In order to increase our exports to this market, Indian companies should try to establish their own brand names for higher realizations and customer loyalty. Participation in local trade fairs would also improve widening of business opportunities.

• This is a potential fair in European market and more focused on the retail visitors and small retailers / wholesalers. During the Fair, it was observed that Woollen/Pashmina Shawls and Stoles attracted good number of visitors to India pavilion. Considering the fact that even in the prevailing economic scenario in the European Region, the overall outcome of this fair is quite encouraging. Efforts can be made by India for display of new products for European market, especially the Italian Market, by regular participation in this fair.

• More than 3000 exhibitors were there not only to present their products, but also to create business contacts with suppliers and distributors and to deal with the market and the tastes and trends of the public.

• The fair provided an excellent opportunity for the SME Sector to discuss on the latest opportunities and new developments in the respective field and disseminate and publicize their business in the global markets.

• The fair provided an extraordinary marketing opportunity for woollen blended textiles products

• This fair allows enterprises to measure themselves against the market and to evaluate their own products by meeting thousands of people face-to-face every day.

• Promoting work to large business community• The fair helped exhibitors to strengthen existing

relationships and to establish new ones• The fair provided the much need support to the SME

participants to reach out to the European Importers.• It is expected that this participation will substantially

increase India’s market share in European Markets, particularly, Italy.

We are thankful to the Embassy of India for extending their co-operation for successful participation in this fair. We are also thankful to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Textiles for approving this participation under MAI Scheme to boost the exports.

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WWEPC organized participation in 15th International Exhibition - New Year Gift Fair, at Sport and Concert Complex, Yuri Gagarin pr., 8, St. Petersburg, Russia from 6th to 9th December, 2018 under Market Access Initiative Scheme of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India. The objective of this participation was to explore the Russian and provide the exporters opportunities to interact with buyers/importers to strengthen India’s presence in the field of woollen exports in CIS Region. The CIS Region offers tremendous potential because of liberalised economies and streamlining of banking operations.

About the fair:

The international exhibition “New Year Gift” is the biggest New Year exhibition in Russia for national and international, B2B & B2C buyers. Traditionally, the exhibition offers huge range of products that attract more visitors from all over the world which includes apparels and clothing, consumer goods, gifts, New Year stuff, fashion accessories, household products, VIP gifts, products for the New Year’s feast. The show provides an ideal platform for more than 700 exhibiting companies to showcase their products, goods and an excellent opportunity to meet more than 65,000 businessmen, industry experts, suppliers and wholesale buyers, retailers from Russia and other CIS Countries at one place.

New Year Gift Expo is organized by Farexpo Limited, which is known as a leading organization in conducting various important shows. December is traditionally known as the month of big expenses in Russia. It is necessary not only to buy gifts for relatives, friends and colleagues, but also to set the holiday table and choose the festive attire for New Year’s Eve.

WWEPC Participation:

WWEPC and FIEO organized India Pavilion in this

exhibition. Our exhibitors comprised producers and marketers of apparels like woollen/pashmina shawls, stoles, woollen/acrylic knitwears, readymade garments, fashion accessories etc. for men, women and children.

Councils Participation in “15th New Year Gift Show” in Saint Petersburg, Russia

from 6th to 9th December, 2018

The booths of our exhibitors were beautifully decorated which were remain source of attraction for all visitors. There was big inflow of regional wholesale and retail trade representatives, manufacturing enterprises sourcing agents, showroom owners, distributors, wholesalers, representatives of large-format fashion retail chains, apparel brands, ecommerce retailers and many more who were interested in establishing regional contacts.

The exporters had fruitful discussions with the buyers and carried out good business negotiations Russian and CIS Buyers. Buyers from not only Russia but from surrounding CIS and European Countries like Italy, Switzerland etc also visited the Councils Stalls and good business materialized during the fair. As per feedback, participants reported export inquires worth US$ 15 Million.

During the exhibition, business meetings were organized by the Council to create a platform for the Indian and Russian business. The Council also distributed member’s

31

directory and brochures on Indian Woollen Industry to international visitors.

Visit of Dignitaries

The Council made interactions with the Embassy of India in Russia for making the event successful. Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Vice Consul, Consulate General of India in Saint Petersburg extended their full support and guidance for making the participation successful. Mr. Ranjan visited the fair and interacted with our participants, briefed them about the economy of Russia. He visited each stall and had one-to-one interactions with all the participants. He praised the presence of Indian exhibitors in this show.

basis. Russian buyers prefer to make payments, off-take merchandise and then go ahead with the sale of these items. The neighboring European Countries, mainly China, Turkey, South Korea have occupied a major portion of trade markets in these countries.

This participation was organized to popularize wool & wool blended products and to promote India’s export in CIS Countries. It was a four days event that provided immense opportunity to the exporters to exhibit their products and to know about modern fashion trends within and around the world. The fair provided platform to the exporters for visibility, awareness, technology exchange, business promotion facility and interaction.

Our participants achieved three main established objectives: raising visitors’ awareness about the goods, search for potential customers and increase of the enterprise popularity level. Our participants believe that their expectations of participation in the fair were satisfied and they are planning to participate in subsequent fairs.

Our participation in this fair will develop network opportunities and therefore the advancement and future enlargement of the related market sector are going to be increased with additional improved technologies and latest market trends that may be introduced during this international platform.

Most of the visitors who visited the Councils stall were curious to know whether our member exporters have a local contact, as it was easier for them to establish

Boosting interest in business

Due to cold climate conditions, the CIS region offer huge opportunities and ample scope for increasing exports of woollen products from India to these countries. During the exhibition it is noticed that significant proportion of business in Russia is carried on a ‘cash and carry’

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minds. Russia is a huge market with great potential for further growth. Russia represents the 6th economy in the world and the biggest market in Europe with some 160 million consumers.

Saint Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city after Moscow, with five million inhabitants and an important Russian port on the Baltic Sea. Saint Petersburg is the most Westernized city of Russia, as well as its cultural capital. A large number of foreign consulates, international corporations, banks and businesses have offices in Saint Petersburg.

The exhibitors also appreciated arrangements made by the Council and the support extending by the Consulate General of India in Saint Petersburg.

We are thankful to Shri Rajeev Ranjan, Vice Consul and other officials of the Consulate for extending their co-operation for successful participation in this fair. We are also thankful to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Textiles for approving our participation in this very important market.

business relations with exporters having local office etc in Russia due to problems like Custom Clearance, Language Barriers, Inadequate Transit Facility and Banking Facilities i.e. difficulty in realization of payments are disheartening the exporters.

Russian is the main language for communication in Russia and for the purpose of communicating with Russian Buyers, services of the Interpreter are must. Publicity Material like pamphlets, Visiting Cards etc. published in Russian are must and members should carry these alongwith them whenever visiting Russia for business purposes

Russia and neighboring CIS Countries are also showing signs of recovery. Thus with the improvement of economic conditions, the demand of Indian products as well as Indian Woollen Products is likely to rise in future.

The potential for economic cooperation between Russia and India has not been realized to the full extent and provides ample opportunities for business. Russia has traditionally been associated in the Indian public’s

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Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (W&WEPC) organized participation of member-exporters in International Sourcing Expo, Melbourne (Australia) from 20th 22nd November, 2018 under Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India to boost export of Indian Wool and wool blended products like pashmina/woollen shawls, stoles, scarves, mufflers, gloves, caps, ponchos, garments, jackets, blazers, inner wears, carpets, home furnishings, fashion accessories etc.

India’s participation:

India’s participation in this expo led by key export organisations including substantial involvement from Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), as well as Apparel Export Promotion Council, Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council, and Handloom Export Promotion Council and our strong presence supported India’s continued focus on the Australian market.

India Pavilion was decorated beautifully and was the place of attraction for visitors/buyers and brand India image was established. The Indian Pavilion was inaugurated by Shri Rakesh Malhotra, Acting Counsel General of India in Melbourne and attended by senior representatives from the FIEO, AEPC, WWEPC and HEPC and the Australian industry.

About the fair:

The 9th International Sourcing Expo Australia a 3 days event held from 20th to 22nd November 2018 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, Australia.

International Sourcing Expo is Australia’s leading sourcing platform for the apparel, accessories and textile industry. This established business event enjoys an impressive following of industry leaders and qualified trade buyers from across Australia & New Zealand.

The expo featured 450+ companies from over 15 countries including major representation from India and China and broader Asia. With a focus on apparel, accessories and textiles, the event provides an efficient way for international sourcing, learning and networking for industry professionals.

ISEA connected Australian and New Zealand trade buyers with a broad range of manufacturers and suppliers from across the globe. The expo was packed with structured learning and networking programs including an international seminar series plus business matchmaking.

More than 4000 buyers from large fashion retailers to niche fashion brands, start-up labels, online outlets and fashion designers looking to make valuable connections with potential and existing suppliers visited this expo.

Countries that exhibited in 2018 include:

India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Italy, Fiji, Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal, USA, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Serbia.

Co-located Events:

ISEA was co-located with China Clothing Textile Accessories Expo and Footwear and Leather Show. This provides a compelling destination for the Australian

Council’s Participation in International Sourcing Expo, Melbourne (Australia) from 20th to 22nd November, 2018

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and New Zealand industry and buying professionals with more than 700+ exhibitors on display across the combined events.

Visitor Snapshot

The expo was visited by buyers across industry, ready to do business. As per the report conducted by the expo organizer the visitor snapshot:

• 63 percent of visitors were from Victoria; 31 percent from other cities in Australia; and 6 percent from overseas

• 89 percent of visitors discovered new products/suppliers at the event

• 76 percent of visitors had final decision-making authority, with an additional 21 percent making recommendations to influence the final decision

• 56 percent of visitors cited their business import activities would increase as a result of attending the International Sourcing Expo Australia

Programmes During Expo:

• GLOBAL SOURCING SEMINARS

Comprehensive series of Seminars were organised by the fair authority for all industry professionals from international denim trends, expert sourcing tips, legal information, ethical sourcing advice, help for fashion start-ups, international insights and more.

The expo’s Global Sourcing Seminar series was well-attended by exhibitors and visitors to the show and proved to be a major draw card. The comprehensive three-day program led by industry experts and facilitated by fashion commentator and journalist, Patty Huntington, provided valuable market insights and business tips. From international denim trends, expert sourcing tips, legal information, ethical sourcing advice, help for fashion start-ups, international fashion and footwear insights and more, the seminar series had something for all industry professionals.

Among the most popular seminars was ‘Source for Success’ presented by fashion business consultant and Fashion Equipped founder, Elizabeth Formosa and ‘The

Changing Nature of the Garment and Textile Industry in China’ presented by China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles (CCCT). Strong attendance was also seen at the seminar presented by Hong Kong based sourcing expert Brian Garvin who shared his ten biggest sourcing lessons to find and manage the right supplier among the thousands on offer.

• GLOBAL RUNWAY

For the first time, quality and style was showcased in professionally styled and curated Global Runway Shows. A highlight of the event was the launch of Global Runway, where emerging and established designers from India, Indonesia, China and Australia showcased their collections on the runway. Positioned on the show floor, the runway shows were supported by Australian Fashion Council and enjoyed by strong crowds across two days.

“Global Runway was an energetic addition to our successful and established program. The designers brought their collections to life on the runway and feedback from our visitors has been very positive. We are always looking for new ways to showcase the incredible breadth of the expo’s exhibitors and we are delighted to have introduced Global Runway to highlight some of the vast talent and craftsmanship on the show floor,” Marie Kinsella, CEO, IEC Group Pty Ltd said.

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India’s Export to Australia :

India and Australia have a strong and productive bilateral partnership. The scope of Australia’s relationship with India has increased in line with India’s rapid economic and strategic growth.

• GLOBAL BUSINESS MATCHING PROGRAM

Show organisers set out to provide opportunities for exhibitors to make valuable connections while they were in Melbourne and introduced an online recommendation engine to match buyers and sellers in an efficient and effective manner. Global Business Matching did just that, and exhibitors embraced the portal to connect with relevant buyers to set up private networking opportunities and meetings at their stand or at a business matching lounge sponsored by MATRADE.

The Global Business Matching Program was a service we are offering for attendees of both the Sourcing and Footwear Expo that will make the whole buying experience more efficient, easier and accessible for the attendees. This was an offering that will save time and money and fast track connection to production partners around the globe.

Feedback from Participants:

The participants informed that the arrangements made by WWEPC were good and most of them have expressed their interest to participate again through WWEPC. The turnout of buyers was evaluated by the participants to be good. There were a 300 business visitors to the stalls of WWEPC participants. As per the feedback received from the participants, export inquires worth US$ 20 Million were received by them.

Conclusion

Australia is one of the important trading partners of India. At present balance of trade is in favor of Australia and there is an immense potential to increase India’s exports to this region.

Showcasing the creative and amazingly beautiful collections, this three day event was a global platform in Australia where overseas apparel buyers will get

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the opportunity of sourcing and shaping the business relationship with fashion domain of other countries. Moreover, the exhibition rendered an unmatched chance for meeting and establishing relationships with some of the best traders and suppliers of the fashion industry.

This is a potential fair in Australia and more focused on the business visitors and small retailers / wholesalers. Our products Shawls, Stoles, garments, home furnishings, fashion accessories attracted good number of visitors. Considering the fact that even in the prevailing economic scenario in the Australia, the overall outcome of this fair is quite encouraging. Efforts can be made by India for display of new products by regular participation in this expo.

The expo provided an excellent opportunity for the SME Sector to discuss on the latest opportunities and new developments in the respective field and disseminate and publicize their business in the global markets.

The show provides opportunities for both volumes sourcing, as well as smaller operators including start-ups. Whether you are an established manufacturer or exporter, you will be inspired by participating in the event.

We are also thankful to the CGI, Melbourne for extending their co-operation for successful participation in this fair. We are also thankful to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Textiles for approving this participation under MAI Scheme to boost the exports.

ICGATE (Indian Customs EDI Gateway) is an e-commerce portal of the Indian Customs which offers services such as e-filing of Bills of Entry (Import Goods Declaration); Shipping Bills (Export Goods

Declaration) and EDI between Customs ad its Trade Partners for EGM, Customs Duty Payment and Drawback Disbursal through electronic messages.

Exporter may also check status of Shipping Bill wise Duty Drawback Disbursal details. For more information please visit Exporter and Importer Menu on website: https://www.icegate.gov.in/

ATTN: MEMBERS

Check Status of Duty Drawback Shipping Bill Online

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W&WEPC organized participation with ten exporters in INDEX SERIES held at World Trade Centre, Dubai held from 16th to 18th September, 2018 under Market Access Initiative Scheme of Dept. of Commerce, Govt. of India to promote the exports of woollen blended textiles products. The Council was represented by Mr. Gourav Soni during participation in this event.

India Pavilion had exhibitors under the banner of three organizations namely Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH), Wool & Woolen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) and the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC). Shri Vipul, Consul General of India inaugurated the India pavilion and interacted with the Indian exhibitors at the venue. India Pavilion was decorated beautifully and remained place of attraction for visitors/buyers. All our participants displayed clothing accessories like shawls, stoles, scarves, garments etc.

About the fair:

Index Series Exhibition was held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 16th – 18th September, 2018. INDEX is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates – considered by many to be the business hub of the Middle East. Dubai is a strategic meeting point and is one of the world’s most globalized cities. INDEX launched in 1990 and it is the Middle East & North Africa’s largest gathering for the design & textiles community.

The Index offers visitors the latest trends and products simultaneously in one place. On the whole the organiser welcomed during 3 days of the fair, about 550 exhibitors from 40 countries and 30,000 visitors from 91 countries on the Index in Dubai.

Visit of Dignitaries

H.E. Shri Vipul, Consul General of India in Dubai inaugurated the India Pavilion organized jointly by EPCH, CEPC & WWEPC. He also visited all the exhibitors and had interactions with each and every one to boost the morale. Shri Vipul briefed the participants

about the economy of Middle East and also offered full support to them to boost India’s exports. He assured full support from High Commission for participation in future events.

Council’s Participation in INDEX SERIES held at World Trade Centre, Dubai

Business Generated

This fair was open to wholesalers, retailers, departmental stores, supplies and many other buyers who want to see the latest trendy designs from the fashion industry. The exhibitors expressed satisfaction on the business negotiated during the fair. The exhibitors at this event not only raised awareness of their products but also generated an impressive amount of leads and sales as revealed by them. The total business generated by the exhibitors was US$ 0.5 Million approximately.

Shri Vipul, Consul General of India, in Dubai inaugurated India Pavilion

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Economy

UAE has the second largest economy in the GCC (after Saudi Arabia) with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $377 billion (1.38 trillion AED) in 2012. Since independence in 1971, UAE’s economy has grown by nearly 231 times to 1.45 trillion AED in 2013. The non-oil trade has grown to 1.2 trillion AED, a growth by around 28 times from 1981 to 2012. UAE is ranked as the 31st best nation in the world for doing business based on its economy and regulatory environment, ranked by the Doing Business 2016 Report published by the World Bank Group. The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP based on oil and gas

output to 25%. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE more than 30 years ago, the country has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector involvement. The country’s free trade zones - offering 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes - are helping to attract foreign investors.

India’s Export to UAE

India is a big trading partner of UAE. India has historically enjoyed strong ties with the UAE and businesses are well aware of the opportunities for bilateral trade.

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Conclusion

India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoy strong bonds of friendship founded on Millennia old cultural, religious and economic intercourse between the two regions. People – to- people contacts and barter trade between two regions have existed for centuries. The relationship flourished since the creation of the UAE Federation in 1971 and trade has played a major role in the strengthening the bilateral relationship.

Trading links between India and UAE have existed since long. Growing Indo-UAE economic and commercial relations contribute valuable stability and strength to bilateral relationship between the two countries. The UAE enjoys a broad and comprehensive economic relationship with the India, based on mutual interests.

The UAE achieved an overall rank of 21 out of the 190 countries in Ease of Doing Business.

Currently, India’s textile and garment export is focused to Europe and United States markets. By participation in the trade fair, our export envisages to serve major GCC

countries directly. The United Arab Emirates is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a unified collection of oil-rich Gulf monarchies – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates is our major partner in terms of textile exports.

The fair provided the much need support to the participants to reach out to the UAE Importers. B2B Meetings were also held during the exhibition.

Our participation facilitated participation of 10 SME exporters to showcase their products to buyers. Our assumption is that this participation will substantially increase India’s market share in UAE. Mostly in B2B events, buyers take time to finalise confirmed orders as they call in for samples and do testing/formalities which takes time to finalise big orders.

We are also thankful to Shri Vipul, CGI for extending their co-operation for successful participation in this fair.

WWEPC and participants are very thankful to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Textiles for approving this event under MAI Scheme.

Superkids KnitwearsManufacturer & Exporter of wide range of Knitted Garments

Boys & Girls Sweatshirts, Woollen Jackets & Coats

For Business Inquiries, please contact us

Punj Peer Road, Dairy Complex, B- Block, Humbran Road, Humbran Road,

Ludhiana-141002, Punjab, India

Mobile: +91-9814851597

Email: superkidsknitwear@yahoo.com

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W&WEPC organized participation with ten exporters in Apparel Textile Sourcing Fair, Toronto, Canada held from 20th to 22nd August, 2018 under Market Access Initiative Scheme of Dept. of Commerce, Govt. of India to promote the exports of woollen blended textiles products. Shri Mahesh N Sanil, Executive Director Cum Secretary coordinated the participation in this event. The India Pavilion was organized jointly with FICCI, AEPC and WWEPC in this show which was decorated beautifully and remained place of attraction for visitors/buyers. All our participants displayed clothing accessories like shawls, stoles, scarves, garments etc.

About the Fair:Apparel Textile Sourcing is a premier destination to meet International apparel, textile, fashion and fabric manufacturers and leaders. ATSC held at the International Centre in Toronto, Canada at the state-of-the-art convention center from 20th to 22nd August, 2018. At this show exhibitors can meet hundreds of international manufacturers, touching the fabrics and fashions first-hand, and hearing directly from industry leaders - all at one convenient destination.

ATSC brings retailers, wholesalers, and online / e-commerce resellers contract manufacturers in dozens of product category and it is a premier destination to meet International apparel, textile, fashion and fabric manufacturers and leaders.

ATSC 2018 was more than a sourcing show, it was three days of networking, free seminars, fashion show and an inspiration. ATSC exhibitors came from over 20 countries, connecting the Canadian market to the global supply chain of manufacturers and suppliers of apparel, textile, and fashion. More than 4000 buyers/importers and 500+ exhibitors participated in the three days of jam-packed sourcing. Event Website: http://www.appareltextilesourcing.com/

Some Highlights of ATSC:• ATSC had over 4,000 buyers in attendance from

more than 20 countries• 500+ exhibitors showcasing their products• 20 exhibiting countries• VIP level buyers attendance• Representatives from Consular Offices, High Commissions

and Trade Offices from 15 different countries• Expansion into General Merchandise to ATS• 30 Educational Sessions with the most respected and

top level speakers on sourcing and international trade

Visit of Dignitaries:H.E. Shri Dinesh Bhatia, IFS, Consul General of India in Toronto inaugurated the India Pavilion organized

Council’s Participation in Apparel Textile Sourcing Fair, Toronto, Canada

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jointly by FICCI, AEPC and WWEPC. He also visited all the exhibitors and had interactions with each and every one to boost the morale. Shri Bhatia briefed the participants about the economy of Canada and also

(Shri Dinesh Bhatia, IFS, Consul General of India, in Toronto inaugurated India Pavilion organized by FICCI, AEPC & WWEPC)

offered full support to them to boost India’s exports. He assured full support from High Commission for participation in future events.

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Business GeneratedThis fair was open to wholesalers, retailers, departmental stores, supplies and many other buyers who want to see the latest trendy designs from the fashion industry. The buyers from Canada, USA, China, Mexico etc. visited the booths of our participants. The exhibitors expressed satisfaction on the business negotiated during the fair. The exhibitors at this event not only raised awareness of their products but also generated an impressive amount of leads and sales as revealed by them. The total business generated by the exhibitors was US$ 1 Million approximately.

ConclusionCanada being a very good market has lots of potential for wool and woollen blended products. The hindrance faced by our exporters is high Customs Duties compared to China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Turkey and other competing Countries.

The fair provided the much need support to the participants to reach out to the Canadian Importers.

Meetings were held with Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce & Industry and other trade association. B2B Meetings were also held during the exhibition.

Our participation facilitated participation of 10 SME exporters to showcase their products to buyers. Our assumption is that this participation will substantially increase India’s market share in Canada.

Mostly in B2B events, buyers take time to finalise confirmed orders as they call in for samples and do testing/formalities which takes time to finalise big orders.

We are also thankful to Shri Dinesh Bhatia, CGI and Shri Saifullah Khan, Consul for extending their co-operation for successful participation in this fair. We are also thankful to Indo Canadian Chamber of Commerce for arranging B2B meetings, interactive sessions for our participants.

WWEPC and participants are very thankful to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Textiles for approving this event under MAI Scheme.

S T DyeingHigh Class Yarn, Cloth & Garment Dyeing

For Business Inquiries, please contact us

B-XXXIII-330, G T Road (West) Jalandhar Bye Pass, Ludhiana-141005

Tel. : 0161-5051326 Mobile : +91-9814851597

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Kashmiri Pashmina refers to the Fabric woven out of Pashm wool by Artisans from Kashmir. Pashm is the raw material used in weaving Pashmina and refers to the fine, fleece of Pashmina goats classified as“Capra Hiracus”. These goats graze at high altitudes in Himalayan ranges. Fabric Pashmina (also known as Pashm) is fine cashmere wool, coming from Kashmir in India and some parts of Nepal.

The word ‘Pashmina’ comes from the Persian word ‘Pashmineh’ which means ‘made from Pashm’, and Pash means wool in Persian. The Iranians, who came to Kashmir via the Ladakh route, gave the fabric its name, ‘Pashmina’. The famous Pashmina Shawls are made from this fine fiber.

The Most unique aspect of Kashmir Pashmina is:

The fineness of the Pashm wool is between 14-16 microns while the finest sheep’s wool being 23 microns thick and the human hair ranges up to 200 microns. One can easily spot the difference. The pure Pashm wool is so fine and delicate that it can only be handspun and hand woven into fabric as it keeps breaking during the entire process.

Origin

The Pashmina Goat was first discovered by a prominent Muslim scholar, Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani in Ladakh in the 1300s. Earlier, the fiber was also known as pashm. The first mention of Kashmiri woolen shawls were found in the Afghan texts between the 4th century BC and the 10th century AD. However, it was the 15th-century ruler of Kashmir, Zain-ul-Abidin, who started the Cashmere wool industry in India by introducing weavers from Central Asian countries. The Changpa tribe from the Changthang region is known to be the traditional producers of Pashmina wool in the Ladakh region. These tribal people rear sheep in harsh and chilly winter climate and lead a nomadic life to produce Pashmina wool. The Cashmere wool is collected every spring from the goats shedding their winter coat. Approximately 80–170

grams of the fiber is collected from each goat and spun. Throughout the winter season, the inner coat of the goat’s wool re-grows and becomes ready for extraction of wool in the next spring. The quality of the wool produced in the Gobi Desert is regarded better than the Himalayas variant because of its consistent manufacturing process and modern machinery.

Story of the Royal Pashmina

PASHMINA – GIFT OF KASHMIRI GOATS

The finest Pashmina (scarf, shawl, stole) is woven from the softest and warmest goat’s wool found in nature – from Pashmina. Soft fibers of this warm wool originate from a particularly delicate fluff from underbelly of furry breed the central Asian cashmere goats Chyangra (Capra Hircus – Ibex).Chyangra is domesticated and lives in the remote Himalayan valleys at an altitude of above 14,000 feet above sea level. To survive the harsh weather conditions, this mountain goat is equipped with a long, mostly white coat with a soft undercoat. Against extremely low temperatures at high altitude Himalayan during the long harsh winters insulates and protects goat Chyangra this thin inner coat of hair – fine fuzz, which is used to produce pashmina (cashmere).

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GENUINE PASHMINA IS ECOLOGICAL

Kashmiri goats Chyangra are rare. Every summer herders collect the under-fur from goats by hand. After sorting from bristly hairs and clearing gets the soft fluff and after a long process, Pashmina is produced. The size of raw cashmere fibre is 1/6 diameter of a human hair. Production of the Pashmina is ecological. These goats are not harmed in the process of producing pashmina, as it is collected after being shed naturally. From time immemorial are these natural procedures consistent also with today’s strict rules protecting animals, nature and the environment.

Moorcroft’s Study on raw material says that ‘every spring ,Himalayan farmers climb these mountains to comb fine woolen undercoat from neck and belly of the Capra Hiracus goat. It takes about 3 goats to produce the wool for one standard size shawl’.

He further adds that ‘in summer Ladakhi traders come to Chang–Thang to exchange raw fleece for grains, tea and manufactured goods. The traders collect fleece and transport it to Leh (Capital of Ladakh) where the Kashmiri dealers make their purchase and then forward wool to Srinagar’.

PASHMINA TODAY – SIGN OF STYLE

Pashmina was, is and will remain forever royal clothing. As in the old days in the Orient and also today Pashmina is an essential part of the fashionable wardrobe of modern woman. This fact indicates timelessness, attractiveness and practicality of this classical fashion accessory. Even today original pashmina, cashmere, wool and silk scarves and stoles remain magical and popular among fashion accessories. It is Luxury and stylish and genuine Pashmina is a precious gift of nature. Fine pure cashmere, wool and silk are a jewel of natural materials of the highest quality.

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Written by Mr. Dar Javed who is a craft management design postgraduate from CDI Srinagar.

It includes natural,synthetics and little known sustainable fibres that will become more popular over the coming years as people focus upon sustainability over ‘easy-care’ laundering.

It is one of the great challenges facing the knitwear industry as consumers start to balance the cost benefits of man-made synthetic fibres vs the environmental damage of the synthetic fibre production. Landfill concerns from fast fashion are forcing synthetic manufacturers to develop yarns that are as bio-degradable as natural yarns.

In the list, fibres that are from animal fleece are noted with ‘wool’ so as to help separate from the different plant based fibres. The term wool is usually reserved for sheep, but it is a generic description of a protected hair covering of an animal that can be sheared - such as a sheep, goat, yak etc.

Alpaca (Wool) - is made from the fleece of the South American alpaca, although often softer than sheep’s wool and also hypoallergenic. Alpaca require no pesticides or antibiotic treatment when raised for wool, making their lustrous and durable fleece naturally organic.

Angora (banned) - is made from the fur of angora rabbits. The long thin fibre is plucked or groomed from the rabbit and blended with other fibres to produce a knitting yarn. In 2013, disturbing video showed cruelty to rabbits being plucked and so angora as a fibre has been banned by many retailers.

Bamboo - is a type of grass originating from eastern Asia that requires no fertilizers or pesticides and very little water for its rapid growth. The fabric made from bamboo fiber is silky in texture, has moisture wicking properties, and is very durable. Although current bamboo fabric manufacturing processes involve toxic chemicals, developments for harmless and environmentally sound

processes are underway.

Camel (Wool) - for the production of fabric is obtained from the Bactrian camel, which reside in the steppes of Central and Eastern Asia. Camel hair is harvested by hand, then graded according to the color and fineness of the fiber, with about 30% making up the finest, apparel grade fiber. Usually light tan in color, (explaining the term for shade we call ‘camel’) it is typically blended with other fibers for an extremely supple material with excellent drape and temperature regulating properties.

Cashmere (Wool) - is made from the soft hairs that grow on the belly of a Kashmir goat, which is native to the Himalayas. The scarcity and arduous harvesting process of this fiber makes it a luxury material, as do its extremely soft, well-insulating, lightweight and durable properties as a fabric.

Cupro - is a cellulose yarn derived from the unused cotton linter fibre. This is the soft fibre that is around the cotton seed that is usually discarded after picking. However a Japanese company developed a way top reprocess the linter into a regenerated cotton-like alternative.

Hemp - fabric is made from the inner fibers of the stalk of the hemp plant, which belongs to the bast fiber group. Hemp does not require any pesticides or toxic chemicals when cultivated, produces 2-3 times more fiber per acre than cotton, and the plant even fixes nutrients back into the soil. Hemp fabric is breathable, warm, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial and easily blended with other natural fibers such as cotton and wool for a soft, durable textile.

Linen (Flax Fiber) - is made from flax, another plant in the bast fiber group, and has been used as a textile since Ancient Mesopotamian times. Growing linen requires far less water than growing cotton, no chemical fertilizers, and it is one of the strongest plant fibers. The material takes dyes well, is highly absorbent and keeps the wearer cool, making it ideal for a range of textile uses from apparel to home textiles and canvas bags.

Here is a list of the Most Popular and Not-So-Popular Fibres used in Knitwear Today

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Merino (wool) - is made from the fleece of Merino sheep, which are originally from Spain but now mainly bred in Australia. Merino wool is very soft, lightweight and regulates body temperature well, explaining its popularity in sportswear and performance base layers. The term ‘Non- Mulsed’ will become more important in the merino category in the coming years as the mulseing practice is stopped by Australian wool growers.

Milk Yarn - was invented in the 1930›s in Italy and America to compete with wool. Made from milk protein fibers extracted from commercial milk that doesn’t meet hygiene standards using ideas developed back in the 15th century. The fiber is environmentally friendly, demonstrates superior strength and has many of the same properties of wool.

Modal - is a fabric made from the cellulose found in beech tree fiber. The production process of Modal involves very few chemicals and recycles most of the water and solvents used. The fabric dyes well, resists shrinkage and fading and is extremely soft.

Mohair (Wool) - is made from the hair of the Angora goat, which has a lustrous and soft coat. Mohair goats are typically shorn twice a year, with no harm done to the animal. The finished material is very durable, takes dyes well, is very warm and has excellent insulating properties. Mohair is often blended with other fibers to add strength and warmth to a particular fabric.

Nylon - developed by Dupont in the 1930s as a replacement for silk, it became a ‘wonder fibre’ and caused a revolution in the hosiery/stocking market. It is now used more often as a blend with other fibres for knitting due to its abrasion resistence and elasticity and accounts for 7% of synthetic fibre production.

Organic Cotton - is obtained from cotton that is grown from non-GMO seed without the use of any harmful or synthetic chemicals, pesticides or herbicides. This method of growing cotton supports biodiversity, healthy ecosystems, improves the quality of soil and uses less water than the cultivation of conventional cotton. Growing organic cotton does require more time, knowledge and skill, and is currently more costly than growing conventional cotton.

Organic Wool - farming requires strict adherence to a set of rules and standards whereby farmers cannot use any chemical inputs on their fields or feed crops and must steer clear of chemical based insecticides and pesticides. The fiber bearing animals can only be fed 100% organic grains, graze on organic pastures, cannot be vaccinated with anything synthetic, and should be well cared for. Organic wool farms must also maintain stocking ratios so that the land can regenerate itself and sustain its environment and the animals grazing on it. Mills that process the wool must be free of synthetic chemicals and demonstrate water consciousness.

PLA - stands for polylactic acid fiber, which is derived from a plant sugar called dextrose obtained mostly from corn as well as sugar beets, wheat or sugar cane. Ingeo corn fibers are essentially PLA fibers, and so considered part of the plant-based synthetics fabric group.

Polyester - developed in the 1940s, it was ‘forgotten’ when nylon was developed. In the 1980s a campaign to promote polyester as being almost the same as cotton saw a re-surgence and today, polyester accounts for 70% of all synthetic fibres produced. Other versions are known as PET which better known as polar fleece. With the advent of micro fibres, polyester is now competing with silk.

Polyacrylic - developed by Dupont in the 1940’s as ‘polyacrilinitrile’, more commonly known as ‘acrylic’. , This is now one of the most popular knitting fibres as it can be readily blended with many other fibres.

Possum (wool) - is harvested in New Zealand from the pelts of the introduced Australian Brushtail possum which has become a pest. The possum has no natural competitor in NZ and therefore has become an environmental disaster for NZ wildlife. The soft inner down fibre of the pelt is blended with merino and has been found to have good thermal and laundering properties. The brushtail possum is still a protected species in Australia.

Qiviut (wool) - is the Inuit word for musk ox, whose warm and strong inner coat hairs are used to spin a silky and soft yarn. Qiviut is much warmer than wool and even softer than cashmere, but extremely rare since the oxen are never shorn, but rather their undercoat is

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gathered from objects the animals have brushed against each Spring.

Ramie - is an age-old bast fiber plant used by the Ancient Egyptians to make cloth for wrapping mummies. Though very similar to linen, ramie produces a lustrous, silk-like material that is soft to the touch, eight times stronger than cotton, and even strengthens when wet. Industrially processed ramie is chemically intensive, but hand processed ramie is environmentally friendly.

Recycled Polyester Recycled Polyester, or rPET, is made from post-consumer recycled plastic soda and water bottles, food containers, unusable second quality polyester fabrics and worn out polyester garments. The polyester in these items is broken down and re-spun into virgin quality polyester fiber. Using rPET reduces dependency on oil, utilizes waste, creates less air, soil and water contamination, and cuts out the need for a virgin polyester manufacturing industry.

Soy Yarn - invented by Henry Ford in the 1930s for use as upholstery, it is made from soybeans and by-products of soy foods (like tofu) that undergo chemical manipulation in order to be turned from plant into fabric. Soy fabric is soft in texture and comparable to silk in the way it drapes. It is also very durable and lends itself well to many different types of garments or home textiles like sheets. Although soy fabric is essentially a natural fiber, toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde are used in the production process.

Seacell - is a cellulose-based material that is made up of the fiber from eucalyptus trees blended with sushi grade, USDA certified organic, ‘knotted wrack’ seaweed. With a fiber structure that facilitates active exchange of nutrients between the skin and fabric, Seacell releases nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamin E (which is extremely beneficial for repairing stretched or damaged skin) onto the wearer. The fabric is very soft, breathes well and is produced through mostly sustainable processes.

Silk - is made from the cocoons of silkworms, which are often killed in order to obtain the silk of their cocoon. This ancient method of fiber production began in China

more than 3,500 years ago, and renders a fabric that is lustrous, manages moisture and is completely natural.

Wild Silk Raw silk - is different from conventional silk since the silkworm is allowed to live out its full life cycle. The moths are allowed to emerge from their cocoon before the cocoon is harvested for silk production, which requires gathering cocoons from the wild that moths have naturally left behind. The resulting fabric is not inferior to conventional silk, but the lives of the silkworms are spared.

Tencel / Lyocell - is a biosynthetic fiber made from the cellulose-rich pulp of rapidly growing eucalyptus trees. Lyocell was the original term for the fiber, but was coined Tencel by the company that currently manufactures the material. Tencel is produced through a closed-loop process where nearly 100% of the water and non-toic solvents used are re-used. The resulting fiber can be spun into high quality yarn that is used for anything from underwear to sheets, jersey fabrics and even denim. Tencel drapes well, is soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant and entirely biodegradable.

Vicuna (wool) - is made from the fleece of the Peruvian vicuna, which belongs to the camelid family and is similar in appearance to a llama. Vicuna fleece is considered to produce the finest wool in the world, and is also as warm and durable as sheep’s wool. Vicuna wool is extremely rare, as the animals roam wild and a single pound of fleece per animal is gathered only every 2 years

Yak (wool) - is harvested in Mongolia from the soft down fibre of the yak which is shed in spring and early summer. It has similar qualities as cashmere in that the fibre traps air and therefore has great insulation properties. At present there is limited supply of the fibre which means it is quite expensive

Z-twist - I promised an A-Z list and I couldn’t find a true yarn starting with Z. However in yarn spinning there are 2 terms you should know - S twist and Z twist. This is a clever way of describing which direction the spiral of the yarn is twisted. As you can see the letter S has the opposite shape to the letter Z. Therefore a Z twist describes a left-to-right spiral.

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Thriving in scorching summers and freezing winters, Merino Sheep are one of the oldest and toughest breeds around. Now bred mainly in New Zealand and Australia, Merino Sheep produce the finest and smoothest fibers of all wool. Perfected over centuries of selective breeding, and better than anything built in a lab, natural Merino Wool is the perfect performance fabric for the 21st Century.

Stay Warm When it’s Cold, and Cool When it’s Hot

Merino wool is the ultimate insulator. Providing exceptional warmth in extreme cold conditions, wool kept early explorers warm and safe long before synthetic fabrics were invented. But lightweight wool can also keep you cool on a hot day. How can one fiber do so much?

Merino Wool is naturally able to absorb and release moisture. As wool absorbs moisture from the atmosphere a chemical process in the wool releases heat, warming the wearer. In cold weather the crimp in wool fibers creates tiny pockets of trapped warm air that act as insulators, holding in heat next to the body. And unlike other fabrics wool retains much of its insulating properties when wet, a lifesaving feature in some scenarios! This same process has a cooling effect in warm weather, as wool releases moisture it absorbs heat from the wearer and traps cool air next to the skin. As wool pull moisture away from your skin to evaporate you feel cool and dry even in hot weather.

Keeps You Dry and Fresh

Nothing will keep you dry and comfortable in moist or sweaty conditions like merino wool, but how does wool wick moisture away from the wearer without relying on the chemicals used in synthetic fabrics?

Merino wool fibers are naturally hydrophilic. As wool absorbs water molecules it pulls moisture away from the skin to the surface of the fabric where it evaporates. Not only can wool wick sweat from the wearer, wool can move water vapor before it even turns to sweat! Merino wool’s ability to absorb and release moisture from the air makes it one of the most breathable materials available. Merino wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water and still feel dry to the touch. With merino you won’t end up with clammy, damp fabric clinging to your skin.

Odor Destroying

Wool is the best fabric to keep you smelling good after a long hike or a hot day out in the sun, you can even wear a wool garment day after day without developing a serious stink. What is it about wool that deters odor so well?

The lanolin present in all sheep’s wool has antimicrobial properties that kill the bacteria in sweat that creates odors. And because wool manages moisture so well, surviving bacteria don’t have the damp environment they need to thrive. Without the buildup of odor causing bacteria wool garments not only smell better at the end of the day, they don’t develop a permanent stink that can’t be washed away like so many synthetic fabrics.

Natural Sun Protection

Merino wool is the ultimate performance fabric year round, merino wool even provides natural protection from the sun. But how will your Woolx gear help keep you safe on a sunny day?

Natural wool absorbs radiation even when completely untreated by chemical processes. Different weight wool fabrics provide different amounts of UPF protection. A

What is Merino Wool ?

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UPF rating of 25 indicates the fabric of a garment will allow 1/25th (roughly 4 percent) of available UV radiation to pass through it. A garment rated UPF 50 permits only 1/50th (roughly 2 percent) UV transmission. All 230g and 400g weight 100% merino knits, like our Woolx mid and heavyweights, provide UPF 50 protection. And our thinner 160g lightweight knits provide UPF 25 protection.

Durable and Long Lasting

We all know wool garments are durable and hold their shape far longer than other fabrics, but what is it about wool that resists wear and tear so well?

Merino wool fibers are primarily made of an interlocking structure of Keratin molecules that allow wool to bend and stretch in multiple directions tens of thousands of

times without causing damage. By comparison silk and cotton can only withstand fewer than 5,000 bends without breaking, and nylon only 75. The natural curl of wool fibers also adds to the elasticity of wool garments, they can be worn and washed many times without losing their shape.

Incredibly Comfortable

Merino Wool is one of the softest materials available, as comfortable and luxurious as cashmere. But how can any wool, a fabric long known for being itchy, be so soft?

The smaller and smoother the fiber, the softer the fabric. Traditional wool came from sheep with course coats whose wool fibers were thick and rigid, causing itching and irritation. The inherent properties of Merino Wool create an all-natural material that performs as well as any technical synthetic fabric.

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UNDERSTANDING SUPERFINE WOOL FABRICS AND GARMENTScalled mean fiber diameter, which should not be confused with the yarn diameter. Fibers are the basic unitary elements that once twisted together form the yarn. The diameter of the yarn is called count.

Why are superfine wools better than coarser wools?Superfine wool fibers are softer and smoother to the touch than coarser wool, but that is not all. At equal yarn count there are more superfine wool fiber in the cross section compared to normal wool, this makes the yarn stronger, softer and more even. With finer fibers it is possible to spin

finer yarns, and with finer yarns it is possible to weave lighter fabrics, good for all seasons. (Yes, light fabrics of superfine wool are good even in summer!)

So it’s only about lower average fiber diameter? No, it is not. Wool is a natural fiber, with variations in each batch. Spinning fibers into yarns, weaving them into fabrics and performing the finishing process is an art that takes experience, mixing technology with tradition. To create consistently high quality superfine wool fabrics, the finishing process consists of washing, dying, pressing and other operations that are essential to transform raw fabrics into comfortable, soft, elegant materials with iconic style.

Is wool better than cotton or synthetics?No comparison! Wool is just a higher class. Superfine wool garments do not retain odors. If exposed to odor, for example, in a restaurant, it is enough to hang them in fresh air without the need of frequent cleaning. Wool is capable of regulating the body microclimate better than any other fiber: it keeps you warm when it is cold, but does not make you sweat when the temperature rises. It is a fiber for all seasons.

Superfine Wool Purchasing Guide

Why fabrics of superfine wool from traditionally recognized weavers are different?Why are single malt whiskeys very different from industrially produced malt whiskeys? For both almost 100% of their content is water and alcohol, but you can taste the difference with the first sip. The same happens with diamonds; they are made of carbon like coal but are so completely different! Suits and, more generally, garments made with superfine wool, are the same as single malt whiskeys or diamonds: chemically superfine wool is like generic wool, but follow the yarn to understand the difference.

What is superfine wool?Superfine wools are wools with an average fiber diameter below 17 micron, fine wools are from 17 to 19, above 19 are ordinary wools. A traditional but still very common method of indicating wool mean fiber diameter is the Super S: higher numbers indicate lower mean fiber diameter.

What is the average fiber diameter?It is the measurement in microns of the fiber diameter. The average of these measurements in a batch of wool is

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Wool Products Displaying Super (S) Labelsthe fineness of the wool, as defined and codified by the International Wool Textile Organisation and the US Wool Products Labeling Act. Labelling for fineness of fiber is voluntary, but if supplied, must be honest and accurate information, whether you are a fabric maker, garment maker, or retailer. Mislabelling may result in adverse publicity and even legal action against your company.

The International Wool Textile Organisation has codified fabric quality definitions relating to the use of Super “S” descriptions, stating:

The word Super (as in SUPER 100’s, for example) can only be used to describe fabrics made from pure new wool, and the “S” value is determined by, and must comply with, the Maximum Mean Fibre Diameter values is as under:

“S” VALUE MAXIMUM MEAN FIBRE DIAMETER* 80’S 19.75 μ 170’S 15.25 μ90’S 19.25 μ 180’S 14.75 μ100’S 18.75 μ 190’S 14.25 μ110’S 18,25 μ 200’S 13.75 μ120’S 17.75 μ 210’S 13.25 μ130’S 17.25 μ 220’S 12.75 μ140’S 16.75 μ 230’S 12.25 μ150’S 16.25 μ 240’S 11.75 μ160’S 15.75 μ 250’S 11.25 μ

(μ – Micron)Wool fibre is measured in micron (μ), or micrometre. A Micron is the measurement used to describe the diameter of a wool fiber. The smaller the Micron measurement, the finer and softer the wool. The finest gauge wool comes from Merino sheep, all Merino wool is considered Very Fine, meaning the fibers are smaller than 24 Microns in diameter. To give you an idea of how small that is, a human hair is on average around 100 Microns wide!

Classification: CASHMERE, CAMEL HAIR, SHEEP WOOL: Nobles fibers

As with cashmere it is important to have familiarity with the products. Fabrics made with fine and superfine wool are normally used in suits and formal wear. Lower ranges of these products are often made with fabrics blended with polyester, viscose, acrylic and other fibers.

When purchasing suits or other garments made with superfine wool pay attention to labels showing information like “Super xxx’S”, “Extrafine xxx’S”, “Merino xxx’S” or other similar statements with “xxx’S”. The “xxx” is normally replaced by numbers ranging from 80 to 250 with the most common between 100 and 160. These numbers indicate that the fabric is made of 100% superfine wool. Garments using those numbers but reporting other fibers in the content label for the main fabric (not including lining) should be considered fraudulent.

The higher the “Super S”; the lower the mean fiber diameter of the wool: “Super 120’S” uses a finer wool than “Super 100’S”. Finer wools are more expensive and softer and allow the production of lighter fabrics. It is virtually impossible to feel the difference between adjacent classes, but with some experience it is possible to distinguish fabrics that are divided by three or more classes.

Superfine Wool or Super “S”The term “Super” means that the fiber is pure wool, the number following (for example “Super 180’s”) specifies

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SOURCE:Cashmere: The Cashmere (Kashmir) or down goat. From the fine, soft undercoat or underlayer of hair. The straighter and coarser outer coat is called guard hair.

Camel Hair: The two-humped Bactrian camel. From the fine, soft undercoat or underlayer of hair. The straighter and coarser outer coat is called guard hair.

Sheep Wool: The term wool is used for fibers from many species of “sheep” and also from other animals. The species commonly referred to as producing wool is “Ovis Aries” (sheep) in

GEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN:Cashmere: From the high plateaus of Asia. Significant supplier countries are: China, Mongolia, Afghanistan and Iran. Today, little is supplied by the Kashmir Province of India, from which its name is derived. The cashmere products of this area first attracted the attention of Europeans in the early 1800s.

Camel Hair: Significant supplier countries are: China, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, New Zealand and Australia.

Sheep Wool: Fine wool is supplied in significant volumes by the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina.

GATHERING PROCESS:Cashmere: The specialty animal hair fibers are collected during molting seasons when the animals naturally shed their hairs. Goats molt during a several-week period in spring. The down is removed by hand with a coarse comb or the animals are sheared.

Camel Hair: The specialty animal hair fibers are collected during molting seasons when the animals naturally shed their hairs. From late spring to early summer, camels shed their hair. Fallen clumps of hair are still collected by traditional hand-gathering methods.

Sheep Wool: Sheep wool is sheared once a year from the animal. The shearing process is carried out by

professional and skilled shearers in order to increase productivity and keep the best part of the fleece separated by the ordinary and dirtier parts of the wool (usually the wool from the belly and legs).

PRODUCTION:Cashmere & Camel Hair

There are five primary steps to cashmere and camel hair production:

- Collection- Sorting, scouring- Dehairing- Spinning- Weaving or knitting

Sorting, Scouring: Hand sorting for coarse hair takes place. After sorting, the fiber is washed to remove dirt, grease and any vegetable matter gathered in the collection process.

Dehairing: The scoured material is then dehaired. This step removes vegetable matter, dandruff and the coarse outer guard hair. At the end of this process, the fiber is ready to be spun into yarns for weaving or knitting.

Sheep Wool: The production of wool starts with shearing the sheep. After the different parts of the fleece are sorted the following steps are basically the same as cashmere and camel hair.

ANNUAL YIELD:Cashmere: Up to one pound of fiber per goat, with the average 0.1 to 0.2kg of underdown.

Camel Hair: Approximately 8 to 10 kilograms.

Sheep Wool: Depends on the breed. Yields for sheep producing fine and superfine wool vary between 2.5 to 4 kg.

WARMTH:

Cashmere, Camel Hair & Sheep Wool: Natural light-weight insulation without bulk.

Facts about Cashmere, Camel and Wool

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Cashmere: Extremely warm to protect goats from cold mountain temperatures. Fibers are highly adaptable and are easily constructed into fine or thick yarns, and light to heavy-weight fabrics. Appropriate for all climates. A high moisture content allows insulation properties to change with the relative humidity in the air.

Camel Hair: Has thermostatic properties which protect and insulate the camel in high mountain cold and blizzards while keeping cool in desert heat. Camel hair garments are worn by native desert travelers to protect them from the heat. These same characteristics are transferred to fabrics made from camel hair.

Sheep Wool: Wool is very warm but it also protects sheep from sun during the hot season. Wool fibers are highly crimped providing elasticity and resilience, this makes wool very versatile. Depending on how the yarns and fabric are constructed it is possible to create products fit for any season.

HAND:Cashmere & Camel Hair: Luxuriously soft, with high napability and loft.

Sheep Wool: Soft, but also elastic and resilient.

Natural Colours:

Cahsmere: Gray, Brown and White

Camel Hair: Golden Tan

Sheep Wool: White

DYEABILITY:Cashmere, Camel Hair & Sheep Wool: Capable of dyeing to a broad range of colors. Accepts dye equally as well as wool.

BEST BLENDS:Cashmere: Pure virgin* fiber or blended with wool, silk or cotton. Blends with nylon or tri-blends with wool and nylon in woven patterns may indicate the use of inferior quality recycled** fiber. Nylon, however, is used with virgin quality cashmere in hosiery and some other knitted products.

Camel Hair: Pure virgin* fiber or blended with wool

only. Blends with nylon or tri-blends with wool and nylon in woven patterns may indicate the use of inferior quality recycled** fiber. Nylon, however, is used with virgin quality camel hair in hosiery and some other knitted products.

Sheep Wool: Virgin wool performs well alone, but is also extremely versatile and can be blended with many fibers depending on the use. With cashmere and silk to increase luxury. With synthetics for sport or more technical applications.

END USES:Cashmere, Camel Hair & Sheep Wool: Men’s and women’s coats, jackets and blazers, skirts, hosiery, sweaters, gloves, scarves, mufflers, caps and robes.

*Virgin Fiber:Cashmere, Camel Hair & Sheep Wool: New fiber that has not been processed in any way, or has been made into yarns, fabrics or garments for the first time.

**Recycled Fiber:

Cashmere, Camel Hair & Sheep Wool: Fibers reclaimed from scraps or fabrics that were previously woven or felted and may or may not have been used by the consumer.

GARMENT CARE: Caring For Your Cashmere and Superfine Wool Garments: Cashmere, Camel Hair & Sheep Wool: Dry clean wovens; knit goods may be hand washed, or depending on specials cycles available in some selected models also machine washed.

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Once you’ve purchased a cashmere or superfine wool garment, how best to care for it?Keep the garment clean; a dirty garment will attract moths. Woven garments should be dry-cleaned.

How should I store my knitted cashmere or superfine wool garments?Knitted or loose woven garments should be neatly folded on a shelf, not a hanger. It should be clean and in some sort of sealable garment bag with protection against moths. If they wrinkle, you are better off steaming than pressing to remove the wrinkles.

What’s the best way to clean my cashmere or superfine wool garment?Hand wash knits with cold water, using a detergent suitable for wool/cashmere and silk. Never wring or twist. Gently press excess water out with towels. Dry on

a flat service on a fresh, dry towel until thoroughly air-dried. Woven garments should be dry-cleaned.

Does skipping cleanings prolong the life of cashmere or superfine wool garments?No, because a dirty garment is most attractive to moths and once a moth creates a hole, it’s trouble.

How can you keep cashmere looking new? How to avoid getting it fuzzy or developing pills?By keeping it clean. Avoid fuzzing and pilling by buying quality garments.

Is there a safe way to remove pills on my cashmere sweater?They actually do sell pill combs to comb the pills and fuzz, however high quality garments are normally less prone to pilling.

C O N TA C T U S

Sudsons Woollens Pvt. Ltd. Vill. Uchi Mangli, Opp. Osho Forge Chandigarh Road, Ludhiana-141123, Punjab, India

Contact No: +91-161-2224795, +91 98728-74795 Email: info@sudsonswollens.com, sales@sudsonswollens.com

CONTACT USSudsons Woollens Pvt. Ltd.

Vill.: Uchi Mangli, Opp. Osho Forge Chandigarh Road, Ludhiana-141123, Punjab, India Contact Person : Mr. Ashok Sud

Phone No: +91-161-2224795, 5011642 Mobile: +91 9814113833

Email: info@sudsonswollens.com, sales@sudsonswollens.com, sudsons@gmail.com

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WWEPC heartily acknowledge with thanks for voluntary contribution made by our esteemed members for repairs/renovations of our building at Saheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana (Punjab):

S.No. Name of Contributor/Donor Amount1 Temple Hosiery, Ludhiana Rs. 51,000/-2 Surbhi Enterprises, New Delhi Rs. 10,000/-3 R. K. Art Palace, New Delhi Rs. 10,000/-4 Neeraj Art & Craft, New Delhi Rs. 10,000/-5 R. Distributors, New Delhi Rs. 10,000/-6 Dare Deer Creations Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi Rs. 5,100/-7 Fair & More Inc., New Delhi Rs. 5,100/-8 Jain Shawls, Ludhiana Rs. 5,000/-9 Super Kids Knitwears, Ludhiana Rs. 5,000/-10 Sudsons Woollen Pvt. Ltd., Ludhiana Rs. 5,000/-11 Satguru Apparels, Ludhiana Rs. 5,000/-12 R. G. Fabrics, Ludhiana Rs. 5,000/-13 Puneet Knitwears, Ludhiana Rs. 5,000/-14 Sharman Shawls, Ludhiana Rs. 5,000/-15 Vashnavi Textiles, Ludhiana Rs. 5,000/-

The renovation work is in progress and we would request other esteemed members to contribute generously.email at headoffice@wwepcindia.com

Thanks to our Esteemed Members

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The 14th Edition of YARNEX and 8th Edition of TEXINDIA held from 18th to 20th January, 2019 at Knitwear & Textile Trade Centre, (Gold Souk Mall), NH-1, G.T. Road, Near to Eldeco One, Jalandar Bye-pass, Ludhiana.

Having emerged as India’s leading event over a decade in the fibres and yarns space, YARNEX and TEXINDIA is serving the sourcing requirements of the textile value chain in the knitwear hub of North India.

Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council participated in this show to give wide publicity for Council’s activities and Government promotional schemes. Many of our members also participated in this event.

The twin shows YARNEX / TEXINDIA has seen the most spectacular growth in its home-base of Tirupur since its launch in 2009. YARNEX / TEXINDIA comes from the house of S.S. Textile Media Pvt. Ltd., organizers of B2B trade shows for the textile

Twin Shows YARNEX and TEXINDIA held in Ludhiana

value chain in Bangalore, Tirupur, Delhi and now in Ludhiana.

More than 100 companies from across the country showcased their latest range of products in fibres, natural cotton, woollen/acrylic apparel, fabrics and many more.

Visitors to the YARNEX / TEXINDIA represent a diverse category including international buying houses and buying agents, composite mills, powerloom weavers, knitters, garment manufacturers & exporters; distributors and wholesalers, apparel brands, importers, fashion designers, fashion labels & trade body representatives.

The long list of exhibitors, which includes some of the topmost names in the fibers, yarns, fabrics and accessories domain, reflects the positive sentiments prevailing in the market and the enthusiastic reception that the event had generated.

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Manufacturer – Exporter – Supplier

Textile Fabric, Fashion Scarves, Designer Shawls Fashion Stoles, Bed Throws

For Business Inquiries, please contact

Rahul InternationalD - 350, Phase - VIII, Focal Point, Ludhiana, Punjab - 141010, India

Mobile: +91-9872856714, +91-9872856716Tel: +91-161-5027311

Contact Person: Sanjeev Kumar JagotaEmail: rahulshawls@gmail.com

Website: http://www.rahulinternational.com/ www.rahulshawls.in

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Forthcoming Events under Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme of Dept. of Commerce and Self Financing

S. No. Event Name Period

1 Made In Asia, Lodz, Poland April 5-15, 2019

2 China South Asia Exposition, Kunming, China June 2019

3 Intermoda, Guadalajara, Mexico July 16-19, 2019

4 Pure London, UK July 21-23, 2019

5 Sourcing at Magic, Las Vegas, USA August 2019

6 Apparel Textile Sourcing Fair, Toronto, Canada August 19-21, 2019

7 Fexpocruz International Fair of Santa Cruz, Bolivia Sept. 22-29, 2019

8 Perth Royal Show, Australia Sept. 28 to Oct. 5, 2019

9 Indo-Malaysia Trade Expo & Deepavali Carnival, Kuala Lumper, Malaysia October 18-26, 2019

10 India Show, Russia Oct./Nov. 2019

11 Baltic Fashion & Textile – The Biggest Fashion & Textile Fair In the Baltic States October 17-19, 2019

12 Berlin Bazaar, Germany November 6-10, 2019

13 International Sourcing Expo, Melbourne, Australia November 12-14, 2019

14 AF’L Artigiano in Fiera, Milan, Italy 30th Nov. to 8th Dec., 2019

15 India Show, Peru Jan. 2020

16 India Trend Fair (Winter Edition), Tokyo, Japan Feb. 2020 (3 Days)

17 Tex India in Africa Feb. 2020

18 Daegu Fashion Fair, Daegu, South Korea March 2020

19 Indian Woollen Exposition (RBSM), New Delhi 2019-20

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.wwepcindia.com/ or write us at info@wwepcindia.com

Call us at: +91-11-23315512, 23315205

Forthcoming Events

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