Rachna Shah, the textiles secretary, made an encouraging announcement at an event organized jointly by FICCI, BIS, and the Ministry of Textiles, stating that the Indian technical textiles sector is on the brink of remarkable growth. With the current market value standing at $22 billion, the sector is expected to reach an astonishing $50 billion within the next five years. 

Shah highlighted the significant progress witnessed both nationally and internationally in the technical textiles segment. The global technical textiles market, valued at around $260 billion, is projected to surge to $325 billion by 2025-26. To achieve this ambitious target, the government is employing a multifaceted approach, with a strong emphasis on research and development in the technical textile sector, spanning fibers and various applications. 

Additionally, the government is dedicated to establishing a well-structured skilling ecosystem to foster a skilled workforce essential for the sector's expansion. Shah stressed the importance of collaboration between certification agencies, the industry, and various government ministries to enhance demand and penetration of technical textiles. 

She highlighted the need for standards and regulations for these highly specialized products with stringent performance requirements. Furthermore, the Ministry of Textiles has already taken proactive steps by notifying two quality control orders (QCOs) for 31 technical textiles, effective 7 October. 

Additionally, draft QCOs for 28 items, including Agro Textiles and Medical Textiles, have been published on the WTO's website to encourage feedback. With such comprehensive strategies and government support, the Indian technical textiles sector is poised for exponential growth, positioning itself as a significant player in the global market.