Last week, WoolProducers CEO, Ms Jo Hall, participated in an Australian cotton and wool delegation, on a visit to India, with the mission to strengthen ties between Australia's natural fibre industries and India's thriving textile sector.
The delegation's journey began at Bharat Tex, a mega textile event inaugurated by the esteemed Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The event provided a valuable platform for fostering collaboration and exploring new opportunities.
Ms Hall said, “It was a great opportunity to further underscore relations with India’s government and textiles industry, of which WoolProducers have been working on over the past 12 months”.
“The Ministry of Textiles has some ambitious goals including increasing India’s textile exports to $100 billion by 2030, including a nearly three-fold increase of woollen exports in the same period, something that the Australian industry can play an integral role in supporting.” Ms Hall said.
The Australian contingent also made its presence felt at the Australian Woolmark Stand, showcasing the nation's exceptional wool offerings.
Further, the delegation participated in the Australia Connect session, chaired by Alice Payne of RMIT University, further solidifying the connection between the two countries' textile sectors.
“David Michell from Wool Industries Australia and Mark Grave from AWEX represented the Australian wool industry on this panel, where Mr Michell presented on Australia’s industry dynamics, the growth potential between the wool industry and India’s textile sector and collaboration opportunities as presented in the Indian Roadmap as developed under the WoolProducers commissioned Ensuring a sustainable future for Australia’s wool supply chain – Phase 2 report,” Ms Hall said.
Additional discussions throughout the visit, including a CXO Roundtable with representatives from the Australian industries and hosted by the Honourable Minister of Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, which centred on crucial topics, including enhancing India and Australia's agricultural cooperation, and building a sustainable future.
The dialogue with the Indian industry and government representatives explored ways to improve collaboration in areas like wool shearing, classing, and processing, contributing to a more robust and efficient textile supply chain.”
“Discussions also emphasised the importance of fostering a sustainable textile industry, encompassing every stage – from farm to fibre, factory to fashion, and ultimately, foreign markets.” Ms Hall said.
Following Bharat Tex, the delegation embarked on farm visits dedicated to wool and cotton production. These visits offered a firsthand look at the industry's practices and potential areas for enhancing productivity.
The wool delegation, which also included Dr Richard Niall, First Secretary (Agriculture) from the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and Jason Letchford from the Shearing Contractors Association of Australia, travelled to northern India, where delegates saw first hand on-farm practices including animal management and husbandry and wool harvesting techniques at the North Temperate Regional Station, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, and also met with the Central Wool Development Board and Bhuttico Shawls.
“A large part of the interim Free Trade Agreement signed between Australia and India in late 2022 known as AI-ECTA (Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement) focuses on cooperation, given that India has as many sheep as Australia, this trip to Northern India further highlighted a number of issues that Australia and India can work together on to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for both parties”, Ms Hall said.
This important visit to India underscores the commitment of both nations to enhancing a strong and mutually beneficial partnership in the production and textile sectors. By working together, Australia and India can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the global woollen textile industry.
ENDS **Photos available on request**
WoolProducers Australia contacts:
Jo Hall, CEO
0488 554 811
About WoolProducers’ Australia
WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.
Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.
The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool
Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.
WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders. It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.
WoolProducers is the sole wool industry member of Animal Health Australia, and as such, carries a significant responsibility for decision making on behalf of the industry in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.
As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.
WoolProducers also works closely with the Federal Government Departments on key issues such as animal health and welfare, biosecurity, pest management control, natural resource management, drought preparedness, emergency animal disease outbreak preparedness and industry development, including research, trade and logistics.