Surat Chosen as Key Location for Textiles Export Facilitation Centre
The bustling textile hub of Surat has been officially selected as one of six strategic locations across India for the establishment of a Textiles Export Facilitation Centre (TEFC). This initiative is being spearheaded by the textiles committee under the union textile ministry, marking a significant development for the nation's textile sector.
Six Strategic Locations Identified
According to a trade notice issued on February 9, 2026, the TEFCs will be launched on a pilot basis in six major textile clusters. The selected cities are:
- Surat (Gujarat)
- Karur (Tamil Nadu)
- Ichalkaranji (Maharashtra)
- Jaipur (Rajasthan)
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
- Ludhiana (Punjab)
The primary objective of these centres is to strengthen the export competitiveness of both existing and emerging textile exporters by providing comprehensive support services.
Surat's Specialized Focus on Technical Textiles and MMF
In Surat, the TEFC will specifically concentrate on technical textiles and man-made fibre (MMF) articles. This targeted approach is well-aligned with the city's reputation as one of India's largest man-made textile hubs. The centre will operate from the textiles committee office in Surat and offer a wide array of export-related services designed to streamline and enhance international trade operations.
The services to be provided include:
- Quality appraisal and export certification
- Laboratory testing for textiles
- ISO consultancy services
- Market research and analysis
- Support in implementing key government schemes such as Samarth and Handloom Mark
Expected Production Boost and Economic Impact
Ashok Jirawala, vice-president of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative. "At present, Surat produces nearly 60 million metres of fabric per day. With a dedicated facilitation centre and enhanced export services, production is expected to increase to 100–120 million metres per day over the next five years, giving a major boost to the weaving sector," he stated.
Jirawala further noted that approximately 40,000 small and large textile units in Surat are likely to shift their focus towards export-quality production. "Surat's speciality fabrics, bedsheets, curtains and man-made textiles have strong potential in markets such as Europe, the US and the Gulf," he added, underscoring the global market opportunities awaiting local manufacturers.
Comprehensive Objectives of the TEFCs
The TEFCs have been established with several key objectives to empower textile exporters:
- Training and capacity-building programs for exporters
- Assistance in HS classification for international trade
- Support in preparing detailed export roadmaps
- Dissemination of information on export-import tariffs and regulations
- Guidance on technical and non-technical compliance requirements of different countries
- Awareness campaigns about government schemes and emerging export markets
Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative
Ashish Gujarati, former president of SGCCI, welcomed the establishment of the TEFC in Surat as a significant step forward. "It is a significant step for the growth of the textile industry and will boost exports from Gujarat. We expect a larger contribution from Gujarat's textile and garment manufacturers to the country's overall exports," he remarked.
This strategic move is poised to enhance Surat's position in the global textile market, leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise in man-made fabrics to drive export growth and economic development.
