Question : MoU with Australia

(a) whether India and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) to intensify cooperation in the fields of textiles, clothing, handloom and fashion and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the benefits that Indian weavers are likely to get out of this MoU;

(c) the estimated Indian textiles to be exported to Australia through this MoU and the estimated quantum of foreign exchange likely to be earned therefrom; and

(d) the other steps taken by the Government to connect the Australian and Indian textile and fashion sectors and promote collaboration between the two countries?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

(a) to (d): Yes Madam. The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (Government of Australia) has signed MOU with Ministry of Textiles, Government of India to promote Textiles & Fashion Sector in India, Australia and other international market.

Ministry of Textiles, Government of India is responsible for holistic development of this sector by implementing various innovations in handloom sector. It has been an endeavour of the Ministry to popularize the handloom products among younger generation. The Australian fashion designers, producing garments using Indian woven and other textiles of Indian for India and Australian market will work with stakeholders including weavers in India which includes cooperation with textiles, handloom sector with a view to provide state of art, designing of textiles and handloom products and market them in India as well as international market.

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to facilitate cooperation in relation to matters within the textiles and fashion sectors that may be of mutual interest and benefit to the participants. The Participants will endeavour to work collaboratively in identifying appropriate measures to connect the Australian and Indian textile and fashion sectors; promote collaboration and international engagement between those sectors; nurture the skills and talents within those sectors; promote economic opportunities for Australia and India; and encourage professional engagement, training, skill development and public exhibition of products derived from those sectors within both Australia and India.

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