Filipino exporters of piña, Abaca fibers eye India

MANILA, Philippines – Exporters of Philippine fibers such as piña and abaca are looking at India as their next international market to conquer.

In a September 7 statement, Federation of Philippine Textile Industry (TEXPAP) said India is a good market especially for exporters of piña, abaca, and other indigenous fibers who can offer a “huge competitive advantage” for their products, including an affordable price.

“Natural products from [the Philippines] have strong [advantage]. The barong shirt is [a product] which you can export. The Philippines [also has a competitive advanrtage in] embroidery,” TEXPAP Director Shashank R. Pareek said in a statement released by local export group, Philexport.

Need for variety

Pareek said India’s 1.2 billion population consumes around 4.8 billion kilos of textiles per year. However, these products are not similar to Philippine items made of indigenous fibers.

He said 40% to 50% of the young population in India are looking for more variety and new products to consume. He added that around 50% of the middle class, estimated at 600 million, consists of educated young professionals who have a lot of earning power.

“They are more price conscious than Filipinos. You can see 40 to 50 percent of Indian population which are the youngsters who are beginning to look for new products when they try out. Youngsters are more connected to internet,” Pareek said.

Trade fairs galore

To introduce their products to the Indian market, Pareek urged Filipino exporters to participate in trade fairs in India.

Pareek said the Philippine embassy in India, which has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata (Calcutta), also promotes and facilitates trade between the two countries.

“You can create a section there for Philippine products. You can launch an advertising campaign there or hire a local actor there to promote (your product) or tie-up with some leading brands in India,” Pareek added.

The Philippines supplies 85% of the world’s requirement for abaca which is exported in the form of fiber and pulp. Piña fiber, meanwhile, is widely used for making clothes. – Rappler.com