Giriraj Singh’s Tokyo visit focuses on boosting India’s textile exports, drawing Japanese investment, and deepening bilateral trade ties through PM MITRA and manufacturing incentives.
On the second day of his official visit to Japan, Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh ramped up efforts to attract Japanese investment into India’s textile sector, holding a string of high-level meetings with top corporate leaders in Tokyo and inaugurating the 16th edition of the India Trend Fair on Tuesday.
The three-day event, hosted at Tokyo’s Belle Salle Shibuya Garden, is one of the largest platforms for Indian exporters to directly connect with Japanese buyers. Organised by the Japan India Industry Promotion Association (JIIPA) and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, the fair is being seen as a springboard for a deeper and more diversified India-Japan textile trade.
In his keynote speech, Singh said, “The Government of India is committed to supporting our industries through schemes like labour subsidies, electricity incentives, and a plug-and-play model. We have decided that for two years, new employment in the sector will be supported through targeted incentives.”
Highlighting the long-standing cultural ties between India and Japan, Singh said Buddhism formed a “spiritual and civilisational bridge” between the two nations and could also inspire a closer economic partnership.
Strategic Business Push
The day’s engagements included discussions with the top brass of several Japanese industry leaders, many of whom signalled intent to either expand or initiate operations in India.
Among the prominent meetings was one with YKK Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of zippers and fastening products. Already operational in Haryana, YKK expressed interest in scaling up its footprint in India. Minister Singh invited the company to explore new investment opportunities in India’s upcoming PM MITRA Parks—mega textile parks launched to strengthen the country’s value chain and boost exports.
Singh also met with Workman Co., a major player in workwear and performance apparel. The company reportedly showed “strong interest” in establishing manufacturing bases in India under the MITRA framework, tapping into the country’s skilled workforce and expanding infrastructure.
A meeting with Konica Minolta, a global leader in industrial and digital printing, focused on sustainability and green manufacturing. The Minister urged the company to expand operations in India and contribute to its ESG (environmental, social and governance) targets. Konica Minolta welcomed the proposal, according to an official statement.
Further, the Minister met with Asahi Kasei Corporation, a $20 billion conglomerate engaged in textiles, fibres, and industrial materials. The firm expressed a desire to invest under India’s “Make in India for the World” initiative, indicating that New Delhi’s messaging is resonating with global manufacturers.
Focus on Retail and Market Expansion
On Monday, Singh had kicked off his Japan tour with a floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Tokyo, reaffirming Gandhian values as a foundation of India’s diplomatic outreach. He later chaired a strategic briefing by Ambassador Sibi George at the Embassy of India, discussing key facets of India-Japan relations and the emerging opportunities in the textile sector.
Among Singh’s other major meetings was an interaction with Tadashi Yanai, the influential Chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd, which owns the global fashion brand Uniqlo. Discussions focused on expanding sourcing and retail operations in India.
Singh also held talks with Stylem Co. Ltd, a significant textile trading and OEM company, inviting them to deepen ties with India via PM MITRA Parks and other schemes.
Another noteworthy engagement came with the directors of Daiso Industries, Japan’s popular value retailer. Daiso announced plans to open 200 stores and begin manufacturing cotton products in India. Singh encouraged them to make full use of India’s textile production capabilities, stating, “India offers scale, speed and skill—backed by stable policy and strong infrastructure.”
The India-Japan Textile Roundtable
Capping off the day, the Indian Embassy hosted an interactive roundtable with over 100 industry leaders from Japan’s textile and apparel sector. Singh, accompanied by Ambassador Sibi George and Additional Secretary Rohit Kansal, presented India as a reliable and ambitious textile manufacturing partner.
“We are inviting Japan’s best to participate in India’s best,” Singh said at the event, underlining India’s intention to become a hub for technical textiles, fibre innovation, and sustainable manufacturing.
Kansal also outlined key government policies including production-linked incentives, infrastructure grants, and custom duty support aimed at making India globally competitive in the textile value chain.
The Minister’s visit reflects a broader push by India to solidify its reputation as a go-to destination for global textile sourcing and production, while strategically positioning itself as a long-term partner in the Indo-Pacific economy.
