CII’s recent study ‘Indian Exports: The Next Trajectory - Mapping Products and Destinations; has listed women’s wear as a product category to focus on to help increase Indian exports. Other products highlighted for their export potential in the study include furniture and drugs. The CII report suggests developing export strategies at a state level to tailor the strategy to the specific region. The study also suggested that domestic production must be increased whilst targeted promotions are simultaneously rolled out overseas. This sentiment is echoed by the government’s “Make in India” drive which calls for an increase in domestic production, notably for textiles and garments, in order to reduce imports and increase exports.

This export strategy assumes greater significance given a rapidly changing global trade landscape, shifting of global value chains and new free trade agreements, including mega trade agreements.