Surat, July 18 — The three-day "WeaveKnitt-2025" textile exhibition, organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), was inaugurated on Friday at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sarsana.
The event was inaugurated by Manmohan Singh, Group Executive President of Birla Cellulose–Grasim Industries Ltd., with Gujarat’s Joint Commissioner of Industries D.M. Jadeja attending as the Guest of Honour.
In his inaugural address, SGCCI President Nikhil Madrasi emphasized Surat’s weaving and textile sector as the backbone of the region’s economy. He highlighted that exhibitions like WeaveKnitt-2025 not only provide a platform for networking and technological innovation but also inspire the youth to explore entrepreneurship in the textile industry.
He announced that SGCCI plans to host five major textile exhibitions this year and is working with the Gujarat Government to organize a regional edition of Vibrant Gujarat in South Gujarat.
Chief Guest Manmohan Singh spoke about future industry challenges, noting, “By 2030, India may face a shortfall of around 2,000 tonnes of cotton per day. In such a scenario, viscose and modal yarns will become the preferred choice.” He added that Surat currently requires 10,000 tonnes of yarn per day, expected to double to 20,000 tonnes in the next three years, whereas local production stands at only 2,000 tonnes — the rest being imported.
Joint Industries Commissioner D.M. Jadeja praised the exhibition's role in transforming entrepreneurial mindsets. “In today’s age of technology, innovation is essential in business,” he said, adding that the Gujarat Government is actively supporting industrialists through various policies and schemes. He also asserted that Gujarat offers the best infrastructure for business in India and that many young people are now opting for entrepreneurship over employment.
SGCCI Vice President Ashok Jirawala thanked all the participants, stating that WeaveKnitt is playing a crucial role not only in advancing Surat’s textile sector but also in promoting India’s textile industry on a global platform.
Exhibition Chairman Kiran Thummar informed that over 15,000 buyers and visitors from across the country are expected to attend during the three-day event.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including past SGCCI President Vijay Mewawala, Honorary Secretary Bijal Jariwala, Treasurer CA Mitish Modi, Co-chairman Nirav Mandalewala, WeaveKnitt President Haresh Patel, former presidents Himanshu Bodawala, Pravin Nanavati, and Ramesh Vaghasia, along with leading industrialists.
The event was anchored by Krutikaben Shah. The WeaveKnitt-2025 exhibition will remain open until July 20, showcasing the latest trends, machinery, and yarns in the textile industry.
