Tokyo | July 15, 2025 | By PIB / Economy India Desk
Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh commenced his official visit to Japan on July 14, 2025, by paying floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Gandhiji’s ideals of truth, non-violence, and compassion.
The Minister’s visit marks a strategic step towards strengthening India–Japan textile and apparel cooperation, enhancing trade, investments, and joint ventures in this vital sector of both economies.
🏛️ Engagement at Indian Embassy, Tokyo
Shri Giriraj Singh visited the Embassy of India in Tokyo, where he chaired a press interaction hosted by Indian Ambassador Shri Sibi George. The interaction focused on India–Japan relations and emerging textile sector opportunities, including sourcing, technology, and manufacturing tie-ups.
🤝 Strategic Meeting with Fast Retailing CEO Tadashi Yanai
In a key development, Minister Singh held a high-level strategic meeting with Mr. Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President, and CEO of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd, one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies and parent of global brand Uniqlo.
The discussions revolved around expanding sourcing, manufacturing, and retail operations in India. Minister Singh highlighted India’s evolving textile infrastructure, favourable policies, and the scope for Fast Retailing to scale its India operations under government flagship initiatives.
🧵 Engagements with Leading Japanese Textile Firms
Minister Singh also met the leadership of Stylem Co. Ltd, a leading textile trading and OEM enterprise in Japan. He invited the firm to collaborate through India’s:
- PM MITRA Parks (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks)
- PLI schemes (Production Linked Incentives)
- Sustainability-linked textile value chains
In another significant interaction, Shri Singh met with directors of Daiso Industries, a popular Japanese retail chain. The company announced plans to open 200 stores in India and start domestic cotton product manufacturing. The Minister welcomed the move and assured support through India’s robust textile ecosystem.
🧩 CEO Roundtable with Japanese Textile and Apparel Companies
The day concluded with a roundtable discussion chaired by Shri Giriraj Singh, attended by CEOs of major Japanese textile, apparel, fiber, and machinery companies. Discussions included investment opportunities in:
- Technical textiles
- Sustainable fiber production
- Advanced textile machinery
- Skill development and R&D collaboration
The session was inaugurated by Ambassador Shri Sibi George, while Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, delivered a detailed presentation on India’s policy roadmap, investment incentives, and upcoming initiatives in the sector.
🌏 Strategic Importance: India–Japan Textile Partnership
The visit is part of India’s broader push to:
- Position itself as a global textile hub
- Strengthen value chains across Asia-Pacific
- Leverage Japan’s technology and India’s manufacturing capacity
India’s textile exports to Japan reached over $650 million in FY 2024–25, with potential to grow exponentially through joint R&D, clean-tech textiles, and smart manufacturing.
Minister Giriraj Singh’s official visit to Japan underscores India’s proactive engagement with global textile leaders, aiming to forge strategic trade partnerships, attract investments, and boost innovation. With mutual interests aligned in sustainability, innovation, and regional cooperation, the India–Japan textile corridor appears poised for robust growth.
(Economy India)
