Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: The Government of Victoria in Australia, along with Austrade and under the guidance of Dr. Monica Kennedy, Minister-Commercial and Head of Austrade for South Asia, has made notable strides in enhancing bilateral trade within the wool industry. Previously led by Michelle Wade, Commissioner of South Asia, this initiative was organized by Gopi Shanker, Director of Global Trade for Victoria.
A delegation of 40 Australian wool growers, headed by Alister Carr from Fox & Lillie Australia (which acquired Karee Wool in September 2024), visited premier wool manufacturing facilities in Ludhiana, including Monte Carlo Fashions Limited and Sharman Shawls. The visit, aided by technical partners Technisch Kaizen Services Private Limited in collaboration with the Knitwear and Textile Club of India, aimed to explore new opportunities for the use of Australian wool within India.
Annil Suri, Director of Trade and Promotion at the Knitwear and Textile Club, pointed out key industry challenges, particularly the steep cost of obtaining the Woolmark franchise (Rs 7.5 lakh annually). He urged Austrade to address this issue to motivate more Indian SMEs in Ludhiana and Jammu & Kashmir to persist in utilizing pure wool instead of transitioning to synthetic alternatives.
Dr. Navneet Kaur, Director of Public Relations and Exhibitions, highlighted the necessity for consumer education about the Australian Woolmark to enhance quality recognition. She suggested organizing collaborative events, exhibitions, and conclaves that bridge the Indian and Australian textile industries to support sustainable products.
Gurneet Singh, Director of Projects and Consulting, reaffirmed the critical need for technological partnerships in wool processing to improve production capabilities. He advocated for integrating Australian innovations into the wool sectors of Ludhiana and Jammu & Kashmir via Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to elevate wool imports and enhance India’s export potential.
The discussions concluded with Michelle Wade reiterating Austrade’s dedication to collaborating closely with the Knitwear and Textile Club and its technical partners. Mementoes of appreciation were exchanged to honor their ongoing efforts toward sustainability and inclusivity in trade.
Michelle delivered a vote of thanks, supported by Gopi Shankar, marking a significant advancement in the collaboration between India and Australia in the wool industry.
