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Kanpur dialogue focuses on investment, MSMEs, exports, technical textiles, infrastructure and employment ahead of UPTEX 2026
Pooja Srivastava | Anytime News Network
The industry’s voice is emerging as a crucial factor in shaping Uttar Pradesh’s proposed new textile policy. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Uttar Pradesh, organised the UPTEX Roadshow in Kanpur on September 2, bringing policymakers, manufacturers, exporters, entrepreneurs and other industry stakeholders to a common platform.
The roadshow was organised ahead of UPTEX 2026, proposed to be held in Lucknow on September 8-9. The interaction provided an opportunity for the government and industry to discuss the opportunities, challenges and policy interventions needed to make Uttar Pradesh a stronger textile manufacturing and investment destination.
Uttar Pradesh Minister for Khadi and Village Industries, Silk, Handloom and Textiles Rakesh Sachan, who attended as the chief guest, highlighted the state’s infrastructure development under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He said improved infrastructure has created a stronger environment for industrial activity and investment.
Sachan also highlighted the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, saying it has helped traditional products, artisans and local enterprises gain wider recognition and market opportunities.
The minister said the state’s textile policies offer subsidies and financial incentives for setting up new units and expanding existing businesses. He added that the government is working on further schemes and support measures in response to the changing needs of the textile industry.
K. Vijayendra Pandian, Divisional Commissioner, Kanpur and Director of Industries, highlighted Kanpur’s established industrial base and its growing potential in defence and technical textiles. He urged local businesses to actively participate in UPTEX 2026 and use the platform to understand policy incentives, subsidies and emerging investment opportunities.
Joint Commissioner Pramod Chandra Thakur said the textile sector has shown encouraging growth and that the time is right to accelerate investment, modernisation, exports and employment. He stressed that industry participation would be vital in designing a new textile policy that reflects actual business requirements.
CII Kanpur Zone Chairman Gaurav Pilania called for stronger infrastructure, technological upgrading, export promotion and greater opportunities in emerging segments such as technical textiles. Vice-Chairman Sudeep Goenka highlighted Kanpur’s existing capabilities and the need to expand into high-potential areas such as technical and defence textiles.
Manish Balani, Vice President of Threads India Pvt. Ltd., called for stronger support for existing units and improvements in ease of doing business. Aman Peshawari, CEO of Meenu Creations, highlighted the growing importance of sustainability for apparel exporters and stressed the need for stronger skill development. Rajiv Kishore Bhartiya, Managing Director of Universal Yarns & Tex Pvt. Ltd., emphasised technology adoption, modernisation and better support for existing manufacturing units.
The discussions produced several key industry priorities for the proposed textile policy, including modern textile infrastructure, removal of regulatory hurdles, stronger MSME support, improved competitiveness of existing units, easier investment processes, export growth and development of technical textiles.
With UPTEX 2026 scheduled for September 8-9 in Lucknow, expectations are now rising that the industry’s recommendations will translate into practical policy measures. For Uttar Pradesh, the real test will be whether the new policy can convert investment interest into stronger manufacturing, more jobs, higher exports and sustainable long-term growth.
