Marking a strategic leap for India’s textile and apparel industry, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Chhattisgarh during the FAB Show 2025 in Mumbai. The MoU, formalized in the esteemed presence of Chhattisgarh’s Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, aims to establish a CMAI Textile & Apparel Facilitation Centre in Raipur.
This collaboration signifies a progressive alignment between the state’s development goals and the national apparel industry’s growth agenda. It reflects Chhattisgarh’s active role in boosting investments, creating job opportunities, and reinforcing its stature as a prominent hub for textile manufacturing.
Hon’ble CM Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized that this partnership will empower MSMEs in the region and support the growth of the local textile industry. He also announced the establishment of a NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) campus in Raipur with an investment of ₹271 crore. This initiative, coupled with new industry policies that offer incentives for employing over 1,000 local residents, underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth.
The MoU includes key initiatives such as:
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Setting up a CMAI office in Chhattisgarh
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Raising awareness about the state’s industrial policies
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Enabling Chhattisgarh-based apparel manufacturers to access wider domestic markets
Mr. Santosh Katariya, President of CMAI, noted that Chhattisgarh has the potential to become a vital contributor to India’s textile sector. Through this collaboration, CMAI intends to offer a robust platform for industry engagement, policy dialogue, and capacity building. The local CMAI office will facilitate coordination between state-based manufacturers and national players.
Several high-ranking officials from Chhattisgarh—including Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain and Industries Secretary Shri Rajat Kumar—were present at the signing ceremony, alongside CMAI leadership and committee members.
The MoU was signed during the 5th edition of the CMAI FAB Show 2025, India’s leading sourcing exhibition for fabrics and accessories. Chhattisgarh participated as a State Partner and showcased its homegrown textile ecosystem, aligning with the state’s Business Made Easy initiative focused on MSME growth and investment facilitation.
About CMAI:
CMAI is the premier association representing India’s apparel industry, with over 5,000 members and a retail network of 35,000+. Established over 60 years ago, CMAI is a key policy advocate and sustainability promoter in the sector. It represents Indian apparel at global forums such as the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and is authorized by the Government of India to issue non-preferential Certificates of Origin.
