AEPC Calls for Taiwan Joint Ventures to Boost India's MMF Sector

Sakthivel also proposed a dedicated fund for technology upgradation covering automation and digitalisation, including AI-enabled solutions. He called for modern hostel facilities for workers in major textile clusters to improve labour mobility and address manpower shortages. Such infrastructure would improve worker welfare and help manufacturing hubs retain talent, the council said.

The thesis that India can build a competitive MMF ecosystem through Taiwan partnerships will be confirmed if joint ventures are announced in the next 12 months, if the government creates the proposed tech fund, and if policy incentives for MMF production are introduced. A weakening signal would be a lack of follow-through from either side, or protectionist measures that limit technology transfer.

The summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and state government representatives. No specific joint ventures were announced at the event. The council said the textile sector contributes 2.3% to India's GDP, accounts for 10% of manufacturing output, and employs nearly 50 million people. The sector exports to more than 190 countries.