- Uniqlo plans to increase sourcing from India for domestic and global stores
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Uniqlo CEO Tadashi Yanai in Tokyo
- Indian textile firms must meet Japanese quality, design, and sizing standards
Japanese apparel giant Uniqlo plans to increase its sourcing from India, creating opportunities for Indian textile manufacturers to supply not only its domestic operations but also its stores across global markets, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said.
Goyal made the remarks after meeting Uniqlo founder and CEO Tadashi Yanai in Tokyo, where discussions focused on expanding cooperation in retail and manufacturing.
He said there was significant scope to deepen India-Japan ties in textiles and apparel, particularly as Japanese companies look to diversify sourcing and strengthen supply chains.
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Uniqlo, operated by Fast Retailing, currently has more than 20 stores in India and is looking to expand its footprint in the country.
Goyal said greater sourcing from India could create opportunities for Indian manufacturers to cater to Uniqlo's international stores.
He noted that Indian textile companies are increasingly adapting to Japanese requirements, although the market demands higher quality, specialised products and closer attention to design specifications.
Indian manufacturers also need to adjust to Japanese sizing, styles and consumer preferences to compete more effectively, the minister said.
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Goyal's comments come amid efforts to expand bilateral trade and investment between India and Japan.
The minister has also indicated that the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, signed 15 years ago, needs to be made more contemporary and its scope expanded.
He said several Japanese companies are keen to increase their presence in India, while the government is working to address investment and business-related concerns.
A stronger textile partnership, Goyal suggested, could therefore support India's ambition to become a larger manufacturing and sourcing hub while giving Japanese companies greater access to Indian production capabilities.
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