In a significant development for India’s textile export ecosystem, Surat has been selected as one of six locations for the establishment of a Textiles Export Facilitation Centre (TEFC) by the Textiles Committee under the Ministry of Textiles.
The other TEFCs will be set up in Karur (Tamil Nadu), Ichalkaranji (Maharashtra), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Ludhiana (Punjab), covering major textile clusters across the country. The centres will be established on a pilot basis with the objective of enhancing export competitiveness among both existing and emerging exporters.
Focus on MMF and Technical Textiles
In Surat—widely recognised as one of India’s largest hubs for man-made fabrics—the TEFC will focus on technical textiles and man-made fibre (MMF) products. The centre will function from the local office of the Textiles Committee and offer a range of services including:
Quality appraisal and export certification
Laboratory testing
ISO consultancy
Market research support
Assistance in implementation of government schemes such as Samarth and Handloom Mark
The initiative is expected to strengthen Surat’s position as a leading manufacturing hub for synthetic and technical textiles.
Production and Export Potential
Ashok Jirawala, Vice-President of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), stated that Surat currently produces nearly 60 million metres of fabric per day. With the support of a dedicated facilitation centre and enhanced export-oriented services, production could increase to between 100 million and 120 million metres per day over the next five years, he said.
He further indicated that approximately 40,000 small and large textile units in Surat may shift their focus towards export-quality production. Surat’s speciality fabrics, bedsheets, curtains and man-made textiles are seen to have strong demand potential in Europe, the United States and the Gulf region.
Capacity Building and Compliance Support
The TEFCs are designed to provide comprehensive support to exporters, including:
Training and capacity-building programmes
Assistance in Harmonised System (HS) classification
Preparation of export roadmaps
Information on export-import tariffs
Guidance on technical and non-technical compliance requirements in international markets
Awareness of government schemes and emerging export destinations
Ashish Gujarati, former President of SGCCI, described the initiative as a significant step for the growth of the textile industry. He expressed confidence that the move would boost exports from Gujarat and enhance the contribution of the state’s textile and garment manufacturers to India’s overall export performance.
The establishment of the TEFC in Surat is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s textile export ecosystem while positioning the city as a global hub for man-made and technical textile exports.
