In order to meet the short fall, the Indian Government is planning to liberalise import of textile machinery and encourage joint ventures for domestic manufacturing. While inaugurating the 36th India International Garment Fair Mr. Qaiser Shamim, Joint Secretary, Ministry of textiles, said, “Domestic textile machinery manufacturers cannot meet the demand of the sector. We are looking at easing imports of machinery to ensure that the demand is met.” India has one major manufacturer of textile machinery and due to the increase in orders after phasing out of quotas it is taking anywhere between 12-18 months to supply machines. “The textile sector needs Rs. 14,00,000 mln of investment by 2010 of which Rs. 700,000 mln would be in machinery. Domestic manufacturers cannot cope with the demand. Apart from easing imports we are working to create a situation where more Foreign Direct investment (FDI) comes in to the sector,” he said. Mr. Shamim said the government was also working for more joint ventures between foreign manufacturers and Indian
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| players for machinery manufacture. He also said, Indian textile exports were doing well and can do even better. To boost textile exports from India, a group of ministers has been constituted under Agriculture Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar. Mr. Vijay Agarwal Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council said, “Apparel exports from the country are expected to touch $6.5 billion in 2005-06 as compared to $5.6 billion in 2004-05.” Over 340 exhibitors from all over the country are displaying their autumn-winter 2006 collection at the fair. Some of the biggest buyers who are expected to place orders include Max Mara and Organe from Italy, Hobo Silk and Lotus Creations from the US, Rockford Trading and Tessa Maynard from the UK and Marcel Bauer from France. Mr. Pritam Goel Chairman International Garment Fair Association said “The fair has received far greater response than the previous fairs. Over the years there has been a steady growth in not only the response but also in business conducted.” The fair is expected to generate business of over $70 million, an increase of over 100 % compared to 34th IIGF. 
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