Malaysia can emulate Indian textile industry, says leading businessman

Malaysia can emulate India''s success in the textile industry by sending its fashion designers to train in India, says the president of Clothing Manufacturers Association of India, Premal Udani.

He said the textile and garment industry in India was worth US$50 billion with many Indian labels like `Oobe'', `Louis Phillipe'' and `Helina'' having gained acceptance in the international market.

But what makes the Indian textiles distinctive compared to their western competitors like denims and jeans is the ingenuity of the fashion designers and the publicity from Bollywood.

"The embroidery, cut and designs are the work of our fashion designers who helped propel the industry to greater heights," said Premal at the media launch of Incredible India 2003 trade fair here Wednesday.

India has leading fashion schools in New Delhi, Bombay and Hyderabad where Malaysians can learn about fashion designing.

The demands to meet the ever changing preferences of the population has kept fashion designers on their feet and their role is vital to the industry.