Why Are We Trailing Bangladesh in Textiles? Yogi Challenges Entrepreneurs
Adityanath Challenges India to Match Bangladesh in Garment Exports
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday questioned why India, with a population of 140 crore, trails Bangladesh—a nation of 16 crore—in readymade garment exports. Speaking at an investor meet in Lucknow for a textile park under the PM MITRA scheme, he urged India to seize its potential and emerge as a global textile leader.
“If Bangladesh can excel in this sector, why can’t India?” Adityanath asked, emphasizing the untapped opportunities in the readymade garment industry. “We have the chance to create a world-class brand by mapping the global market.” He highlighted India’s vast workforce as a key asset, noting, “There’s a large population eager for work—they just need guidance and opportunities.”
Adityanath pitched Uttar Pradesh as a pivotal player, calling it “the biggest consumer market” in India. Beyond serving its own residents, the state meets demands from neighboring regions, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. He stressed the need for a robust PM MITRA Park in UP, equipped with end-to-end facilities—sewing, dyeing, printing, packaging, and designing—to cater to both domestic and international markets.
The CM’s remarks come as Bangladesh’s garment exports, valued at over $45 billion annually, dwarf India’s $16 billion, despite India’s larger resources. Adityanath’s call aligns with the Centre’s push to boost textile exports, positioning UP as a hub to bridge the gap and challenge global competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
