Gujarat Invites South Korea’s Youngone Corporation to Explore Textile Investments and Joint Ventures

Proposed 1,142-acre PM MITRA Park in Navsari and Gujarat’s integrated textile value chain highlighted as opportunities for bilateral cooperation

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has invited South Korean textile major Youngone Corporation to explore investment and joint venture opportunities in Gujarat, with the proposed 1,142-acre PM MITRA textile park in Navsari presented as a potential base for collaboration.

The invitation was extended during a meeting with Youngone Corporation President Jae-young Park and senior company officials in Daegu, South Korea. A high-level Gujarat delegation is visiting the country as part of preparations for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, following an earlier visit to Japan to strengthen international partnerships.

Gujarat Highlights Its Textile Manufacturing Capabilities

During the meeting, Sanghavi highlighted Gujarat’s role in India’s textile industry, stating that the state accounts for around one-third of the country’s man-made fibre production and nearly 65% of its denim production.

“Gujarat had an integrated textile value chain, extending from cotton cultivation to spinning, fabric manufacturing and ready-made garments,” the Deputy CM said.

Youngone Corporation operates in outdoor sportswear, performance garments and textile manufacturing. The company has a global workforce of around one lakh people and is a major producer of high-quality fabrics and synthetic materials.

Sanghavi invited Youngone representatives to attend the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and visit textile clusters across the state to explore potential investment opportunities.

PM MITRA Park in Navsari Proposed as Investment Destination

The proposed PM MITRA Textile Park in Navsari, covering approximately 1,142 acres, was presented as a potential destination for Korean investment.

The park is intended to bring multiple stages of textile production together within an integrated ecosystem, including spinning, weaving, processing, technical textiles and garment manufacturing.

Sanghavi also highlighted Gujarat’s industrial policies and transport infrastructure, including Surat International Airport, Hazira Port and the Dedicated Freight Corridor, as factors that could support manufacturing and exports.

Gujarat-Korea Textile Industry Cooperation Roundtable

Earlier on Thursday, the Gujarat delegation, led by Sanghavi, participated in the Gujarat-Korea Textile Industry Cooperation Roundtable at the Korea Textile Development Institute (KTDI) in Daegu.

The discussions focused on technical exchanges, business cooperation and potential investments, particularly in textile machinery and fabric manufacturing.

Addressing the roundtable, Sanghavi said: “Textiles are woven into Gujarat's identity. From cotton fields to spinning mills, and from Ahmedabad's denim to Surat's synthetic fabrics, Gujarat connects the entire value chain—from farm to fibre, factory to fashion and foreign markets.”

He also highlighted the complementary capabilities of the two markets.

“Korea has exceptional expertise in advanced technology, advanced fibres and performance materials, while Gujarat has extensive manufacturing capacity and an integrated supply chain. Korean innovation and Gujarat's entrepreneurial skills can together create a new revolution in the global textile sector,” Sanghavi said.

Referring to the proposed Navsari project, he said it could provide Korean companies with a platform for cooperation and investment by bringing different stages of textile production under one roof.

“We have not come merely to extend a formal invitation to Korean entrepreneurs; we are keen to listen to their needs and move forward together. Visit Gujarat, and let us weave a new chapter in India-Korea friendship through innovation and sustainable growth,” he added.

Technical Research and Industry Engagement

The roundtable began with a visit by Sanghavi and the delegation to KTDI’s research and development facilities, pilot facilities, and testing and analysis centre.

Youngone Corporation President Jae-young Park welcomed the participants, while Nishikant Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Seoul, delivered the opening remarks on bilateral trade relations.

Mamata Verma, Additional Chief Secretary of Gujarat’s Industries and Mines Department, presented an overview of the state’s textile industry, infrastructure, policies and opportunities for Korean companies.

The delegation also held discussions with Korean manufacturers to identify potential areas of collaboration.

Textile Machinery and Fabric Manufacturers Participate

Gujarat government officials attending the meeting included Industries Commissioner P Swaroop; Arvind V, Joint Secretary (Budget) in the Finance Department; Joint Industries Commissioner Kanak Der; and Deputy Chief Minister’s Secretary Ashish Kumar.

Representatives from Youngone Corporation and KTDI participated alongside eight textile machinery companies, including Mikwang, Ace, Samil, Wooyang and Ilsung, and four fabric manufacturing companies: Haewon Trading, Bohyun Textile, Dongjin and Hyundai Chemical Fibre.

Around 28 delegates, including company heads and chief executive officers, attended the roundtable.