- Discuss Indo-Australian collaboration in exports
NEW DELHI/JAMMU: Romesh Khajuria, Chairman of Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, held a significant meeting with Dr. Richard Nail, First Secretary (Agriculture), at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi. The meeting centered around the discussions regarding the upcoming visit of Australian Wool Delegation to India.
Khajuria expressed optimism about the potential of this collaboration, emphasizing the mutual benefits it could bring to Indian and Australian wool sectors. Dr. Richard Nail, First Secretary (Agriculture) of the Australian High Commission, echoed these sentiments, underlining the importance of bilateral cooperation in agriculture and textiles.
The purpose of this visit is to explore investment opportunities in wool processing infrastructure within India. With a growing demand for wool products in the Indian market, approximately 130 million kilograms of raw wool are required by the Indian woollen industry, both for domestic consumption and export.
Currently, India imports around 90 million kilograms of wool from various countries, with a significant portion coming from Australia, along with other key suppliers such as China and New Zealand. In an effort to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new avenues for collaboration, an Australian delegation comprising experts and stakeholders of wool industry is slated to visit India in October 2023.
The primary objective of this visit is to explore investment opportunities in wool processing infrastructure within India. The wool and woollen industry in India is of paramount importance, with a significant demand for raw wool amounting to approximately 130 million kilograms.
This raw material is essential for the production of various wool and woollen products, both for domestic consumption and export purposes. India currently imports around 90 million kilograms of wool from various countries, with a substantial portion originating from Australia, China, New Zealand, and others nations.
The upcoming visit by the Australian delegation signifies a pivotal step towards strengthening trade relations and fostering collaboration in the field of wool and textiles. It is expected to open new avenues for investment and cooperation, benefiting both nations in the textile industry.
Khajuria’s optimism regarding this collaboration underscores the substantial mutual benefits that can be harnessed by the Indian and Australian wool sectors.
He highlighted that Australia can play a vital role in aiding Indian wool growers in improving both the quantity and quality of wool production through knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, Australia’s support in promoting Indian woollen products in their nation further strengthens the potential of this partnership, fostering a win-win scenario for both countries.
Dr. Richard Nail, First Secretary (Agriculture) of the Australian High Commission, echoed these sentiments, underlining the importance of bilateral cooperation in agriculture and textiles.
Khajuria highlighted that the export of wool and wool-blended products (excluding woollen carpets and floor coverings) during 2022-23 was US$ 639.12 million, as compared to US$ 561.78 million in 2021-22, according to the Department of Commerce, marking a growth of 14% in 2022-23. The total export of woollen products, including carpets, amounted to US$ 1,300 million. He also stated that global consumer’s preference for eco-friendly and sustainable products present an advantage for India’s woollen sector.
Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council eagerly anticipates this visit and the opportunities it will create for the growth and development of the wool and woollen industry in India.