Apparel council, Taiwan firm sign pact on functional fabrics

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) India's Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Friday signed an agreement with a Taiwanese manufacturer to enhance the availability of functional fabrics in the country.

Functional fabrics have an inherent advantage as these are bacteria resistant, stain-resistant and need not be washed.

Under the pact, the Taipei-based Pai Lung Machinery Mill will provide support for AEPC's Knitwear Technology Mission for transfer of skills on various types of textiles including industrial fabrics and eco-friendly textiles.

The mission will identify and widen the range of fabrics to promote manufacture of heavy winter wear, swim wear and performance wear.

'The knitwear industry has so far concentrated only on cotton wear for the summer season, leaving a huge gap in fabrics to keep pace with emerging trends in fashion internationally, especially for winter and sports wear,' AEPC chairman Rakesh Vaid said in a statement.

The Taiwanese manufacturer will conduct workshops, make sample apparels and give support to Indian manufacturers in setting up knitting units for speciality garments.

Vaid said the mission, which is estimated to be worth Rs.150 million ($3.3 million) is expected to empower the exporting community to go for a wider range of products to cater to a larger market.

The agency representing over 8,000 garment manufacturers had last week inaugurated the mission in Tripura.