Union Minister Giriraj Singh Begins Japan Visit, Strengthens Textile Industry Ties

Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh kicked off his official visit to Japan with a series of high-level meetings aimed at deepening collaboration between the two countries in the textile and apparel sector.

The Minister began his visit by paying floral tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo, highlighting the enduring global relevance of Gandhiji’s principles of truth, non-violence, and compassion.

At the Embassy of India in Tokyo, Giriraj Singh was briefed by Ambassador Sibi George on the current status and future potential of India-Japan textile relations. The Minister highlighted India’s expanding manufacturing base, skilled workforce, and key initiatives such as PM MITRA Parks that are transforming the country’s textile landscape.

In a significant meeting with Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President and CEO of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd, the parent company of global fashion brand UNIQLO, discussions centered on expanding sourcing, manufacturing, and retail operations in India. The Minister extended an invitation to scale up Fast Retailing’s footprint in India, citing favourable policy frameworks and strong consumer demand.

Giriraj Singh also held talks with the leadership of Stylem Co. Ltd, a prominent textile trading and OEM company, urging them to explore deeper partnerships with India through government-supported platforms and investment incentives.

In another key development, the Minister met with Directors of Daiso Industries, who announced plans to open 200 retail stores and begin manufacturing cotton products in India. Singh encouraged Daiso to leverage India’s robust textile ecosystem and benefit from incentives under schemes like PM MITRA.

The Minister also shared a meeting with the President of Workman Co., a leading Japanese brand in workwear, functional apparel, and protective gear. Giriraj Singh highlighted India’s growing industrial and manufacturing capabilities and invited the company to set up production facilities in India, particularly in PM MITRA Parks. The Workman leadership expressed keen interest in entering the Indian market, seeing it as a promising business destination.

The day concluded with an interactive roundtable with CEOs of major Japanese textile and apparel companies. Ambassador Sibi George delivered the opening remarks, while Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, presented India’s key policies and investment opportunities. The roundtable focused on areas such as technical textiles, fibre production, and textile machinery, encouraging Japanese industry leaders to explore collaborative ventures with India.