India’s leading MMF manufacturing hub, Surat now aims to make a mark in garment manufacturing as well. The city currently manufactures around four crore metres of grey fabric annually. Of this, a small portion is used locally for manufacturing ethnic garments. The largest share is used to manufacture saris and the remaining is exported. Currently, Surat has around 1 lakh stitching machines. But, majority of these are used for stitching lace on saris, says Ashish Gujarati, President, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).
The city has around 200 medium and small size garment units. However, there are many new and emerging entrepreneurs, adds Gujarati. The Chamber is also exploring opportunities for garment parks in Surat and requesting the government to provide land. SGCCI also plans to participate in CMAI Fab Show in Mumbai next month to promote and explore opportunities in garment manufacturing in the city. It will organize workshops to create awareness about garment manufacturing at the event.
