If the technologies, displayed at AME 06 (Apparel Machinery Exposition), are brought into use, the Indian apparel industry will achieve global levels in the next few years, Textiles Minister Shankar Sinh Vaghela said today.

Inaugurating the AME 06, organised by the Clothing Manufacturers' Association of India (CMAI) here, the Minister said, "The domestic apparel industry will be the next Indian software industry offering international quality products and services. Following the dismantling of the textile quota regime, Indian apparel industry has already grown and events like AME 06 will assist local players to match international quality standards.'' Mr Premal Udani, President of CMAI, the organisers of the show, said the three-day exhibition offers a good platform for the industry players to grow internationally.

The event, which is supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, AEPC, Garment Exporters Association (GEA), Apparel Exporters & Manufacturers Association (AEMA), Apparel and Handloom Exporters Association (AHEA) and Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA), is showcasing the latest machinery with regard to sewing, knitting, laundry and finishing, CAD/CAM, embroidery, apparel accessories and support services.

More than 400 companies have displayed nearly 1,000 latest and new products at the show.

Indian textile industry is the largest single industry accounting for about 20 per cent of the total industrial production, providing direct employment to around 35 million people.

Textile and clothing exports account for about 31.1 per cent of the total value of exports from the country and 19 per cent of the total share of exports.

Textile exports could touch 40 billion dollars by 2010, raising India's share in the global textile and clothing trade from the current 3 to 6 per cent. Indian apparel exports are slated to grow at 15-18 per cent annually and win 5 per cent of the global apparel export market, Mr Vaghela said.

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