The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) announced that it has launched a new cooperation platform called the “UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition” following the United Kingdom-India Free Trade Agreement. The official launch of the initiative will take place on May 8 at the India ITME Centre in Mumbai. BTMA CEO Jason Kent stated that the agreement will significantly reduce tariffs on India’s apparel and home textile exports to the UK, increasing the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers. Kent noted that India is one of the world’s largest textile production centres and continues to invest in modernisation. It was also stated that this development creates important opportunities for British textile machinery manufacturers.
Investment in future industry leaders
BTMA also announced new programmes aimed at strengthening human resources within the sector. Through the Future Leaders Committee, the organisation aims to support the development of mid-career professionals in leadership and strategic management, while scholarship programmes and the “Curious about Textiles” training course are designed to bring new talent into the industry.
