Bharat Tex roadshow showcases Kashmir’s textile heritage

Srinagar, Nov 12: To promote India’s rich carpet and textile heritage, the Carpet Export Promotion Council of India (CEPC), in partnership with the Wool & Woolens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), hosted a grand roadshow under Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile exhibition.

This event, held in Srinagar, provided local artisans, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders a preview of Bharat Tex 2025, scheduled to take place from February 14 to 17, 2025, in New Delhi and Greater Noida.

The roadshow opened with a welcome address by Jag Mohan, OEDS, CEPC, highlighted the objectives of Bharat Tex 2025 in elevating India’s position in the global textile industry. Esteemed dignitaries in attendance included Parveez Sajad, JKAS Joint Director, Handicrafts and Handloom; Atul Sharma, MD, J&K Handloom & Handicraft Corporation.; Dr. Romesh Khajuria, Chairman of WWEPC; and representatives from local business communities.

In his remarks, Parveez Sajad praised Kashmir’s artisanship and underscored the importance of harnessing this platform for local entrepreneurs. Faiz Ahmed Bakshi, General Secretary of KCCI, and A.P. Vicky Shaw, Chairman of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the region’s unique artisanal heritage, emphasizing the roadshow’s role in supporting the handicraft sector.

The roadshow also featured a presentation by Sheikh Rafiq, Assistant Director, Development Commissioner, Handicrafts (HSC Srinagar), outlined Bharat Tex 2025’s expansive scope and potential for connecting Indian textile businesses with international markets.

Dr. Romesh Khajuria, Chairman of the Wool & Woolens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), emphasized the roadshow’s objectives and vision for Bharat Tex 2025, underscoring the event’s critical role in elevating India’s standing in the global textile industry.

Supported by the Ministry of Textiles and organized by a consortium of Textile Export Promotion Councils, Bharat Tex 2025 aims to showcase India’s textile industry across the value chain, from raw materials to finished products. Building on the success of the previous edition, Bharat Tex 2025 will span 2,20,000 square meters, featuring over 5,000 exhibitors and drawing approximately 6,000 international buyers from 110+ countries. Expected to attract 1.2 lakh visitors, the event will also host trade fairs, conferences, CEO roundtables, B2B and G2B meetings, and strategic announcements, creating a dynamic networking and business platform for the textile industry.

Beyond business engagements, Bharat Tex 2025 will include cultural performances, fashion shows, and sustainability workshops. These initiatives highlight India’s advancements in the textile sector while fostering global dialogue.

Echoing this sentiment, Mehraj Yasin Jan, also a COA Member of CEPC, emphasized that Bharat Tex serves as a unique platform to uplift Kashmir’s carpet sector, enabling it to connect with global markets and enhance visibility for the region’s artisans. Similarly, Vicky Shaw, Chairman of PHDCCI, highlighted the potential of Bharat Tex to significantly bolster Kashmir’s economy by promoting its renowned handicrafts on a global scale.

Prominent local industry leaders voiced their support for Bharat Tex 2025. Sheikh Ashiq, former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) and Member of the Committee of Administration (COA), CEPC, commended officials for bringing the event to Srinagar, urging all stakeholders to seize this invaluable opportunity.