Category: Business

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the global availability of the Galaxy S26 series and the Galaxy Buds4 series. As Samsung’s third generation of AI phones, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 deliver the most intuitive and proactive Galaxy AI experiences yet, helping users accomplish more with fewer steps. Following Galaxy Unpacked, the newly launched Galaxy S26 series has generated exceptional early demand, with initial pre-order figures surpassing previous records and marking a double-digit increase. The premium Galaxy S26 Ultra has quickly become the standout model, selected by more than 70% of pre-order customers worldwide.

 Galaxy S26 Ultra: Where Innovation Leads

Galaxy S26 Ultra brings together Samsung’s most advanced innovation in a single device – powerful performance, an industry-leading camera system, enhanced intuitive Galaxy AI and the world’s first mobile phone with a built-in Privacy Display.

Privacy Display, which has drawn widespread praise since its unveiling, isa breakthrough in display technology that fundamentally changes how privacy can be protected on a phone at a pixel level. Designed for everyday situations, hardware and software are working as one to protect privacy without compromising everyday viewing experiences.

Built for all-day performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers the most powerful performance on a Galaxy S series yet, powered by a customized mobile processor — Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy  with significant gains across the CPU, GPU and NPU to support faster, smoother experiences that keep up throughout the day.s

Galaxy S26 Ultra also features Samsung’s most intuitive and user-friendly AI experience to date. Features like Now Nudge provide proactive and relevant context-aware suggestions, while Now Brief surfaces timely reminders for important events. A choice of agents also help users to complete tasks easier with a single button press or voice prompt.

Galaxy S26 Ultra builds on Samsung’s industry-leading camera system, seamlessly integrating capture, editing and sharing into one intuitive workflow. Nightography video, keeps footage vibrant even in low light, and Super Steady, which comes with a new horizontal lock option for greater stability, even during dynamic movement. Editing is just as easy and straight forward. With the upgraded Photo Assist, users can refine images and express their creativity by simply describing what they want in their own words, while Creative Studio empowers users to easily turn their ideas into polished visuals — from stickers and invitations to personalized wallpapers.

Galaxy Buds4 series: Superior Hi-Fi Sound with Computationally Designed Fit

Users can enhance the capabilities of the Galaxy S26 with the new Galaxy Buds4 series which integrated Samsung’s most advanced audio and wearability innovations together in one seamless experience. The Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 deliver superior hi-fi audio and everyday wearability to achieve the best listening experience across the Galaxy Buds series to date.

The Galaxy Buds4 series establishes a new iconic blade design with an engraved pinch control and ultra-sleek ergonomic fit, achieved by analyzing hundreds of millions of global ear data points and running over 10,000 simulations to optimize for all-day wearability and comfort.

Powerful hardware and software innovations on the Galaxy Buds4 Pro such as a wider woofer and an enhanced Adaptive Equalizer and Active Noise Cancellation produce rich full-spectrum sound true to the original recording. With the integration of several AI agents and intuitive hands-free controls, the Galaxy Buds4 series becomes a natural companion to Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone.

 

Over the decades, Chembur has been home to several iconic landmarks that once defined the suburb’s cultural, recreational and industrial identity. Today, many of these locations are gradually transforming into some of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential addresses, giving rise to a new chapter of premium housing in the micro-market. 

Chembur’s evolution mirrors the larger urban transformation seen across Mumbai where historic and industrial landmarks are being reimagined as lifestyle-driven residential destinations. Locations that were once associated with studios, factories and institutional spaces are now emerging as signature addresses, attracting leading developers and premium residential projects. 

 

One of the most prominent examples is the historic R. K. Studio, which for decades stood as a symbol of Indian cinema. The redevelopment of the studio land has drawn significant attention to the locality, highlighting how legacy land parcels can be repurposed to create modern residential spaces that blend heritage with contemporary living. The iconic Dukes Factory, once synonymous with Chembur’s industrial character, represents the broader shift in land use across the area. As older industrial units gradually made way for redevelopment, several such locations began attracting residential development, unlocking new possibilities for premium housing. 

Similarly, the presence of the prestigious Bombay Presidency Golf Club has played a key role in elevating Chembur’s residential appeal. Homes overlooking or located near the golf course have increasingly become aspirational addresses, offering residents rare green views and a tranquil lifestyle within Mumbai’s dense urban fabric. 

Commenting on the emergence of such landmark-driven residential pockets, Mr. Vijay Choraria, Managing Director, Crest Ventures Limited said “Globally, iconic landmarks often become anchors for premium residential development. In Chembur, locations around the Bombay Presidency Golf Club have evolved into distinctive residential enclaves because they offer a rare lifestyle proposition such as expansive permanent green views, exclusivity and proximity to key parts of the city. Over time, these locations naturally develop into signature addresses that homebuyers strongly associate with prestige and quality living.” 

Leading developers have recognized the potential of these landmark-driven locations and are increasingly investing in the micro-market. City’s Developers such as Godrej Properties, The Wadhwa Group, Rustomjee, House Of Hiranandani and Chandak Group have introduced premium residential developments that are reshaping Chembur’s skyline and elevating its reputation as an upscale residential destination. 

Redevelopment is further accelerating this shift. Many ageing buildings and industrial plots are being transformed into modern residential towers offering upgraded amenities and improved urban planning. 

A spokesperson from Chandak Group said, “Redevelopment has been a major catalyst in Chembur’s transformation. Several older structures and underutilized land parcels are now being reimagined as contemporary residential developments. This process is helping create luxury homes with modern amenities and better open spaces, turning previously industrial or legacy locations into premium residential addresses.”

 Improved connectivity has also strengthened the suburb’s attractiveness. Infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai Monorail, along with easy access to the Eastern Freeway and major arterial roads, have enhanced Chembur’s connectivity with South Mumbai, BKC and Navi Mumbai, making it a convenient residential choice for professionals and business owners. 

As iconic locations continue to be redeveloped and reimagined, Chembur is steadily transitioning into a neighbourhood defined not just by its history, but by its new identity as a cluster of signature residential addresses. The suburb’s transformation demonstrates how legacy landmarks can become the foundation for modern, premium urban living.

 

Hyderabad, Mar 13: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in association with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), organized a seminar on “Emerging Export Opportunities in Food & Agri Products from Telangana – Impact of FTAs” at KLN Prasad Auditorium, Federation House, Hyderabad on Friday.

The seminar was inaugurated by Sri Tummala Nageswara Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Marketing, Co-operation and Handlooms & Textiles, Government of Telangana, who attended as the Chief Guest. Senior officials from DGFT and APEDA, exporters, food processors, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), agri-entrepreneurs and industry representatives also participated in the program.

In his keynote address, Sri Tummala Nageswara Rao highlighted Telangana’s remarkable growth in agriculture over the past few years, noting that the State has emerged as the number one producer of paddy in the country. He emphasized that while production levels have increased significantly, the next priority is to ensure better value realization for farmers through exports, value addition, and food processing.

The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening grading, processing, packaging, branding, and compliance with international quality standards to enable Telangana’s agricultural products to compete successfully in global markets. He noted that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sri Revanth Reddy, is focusing on the development of food processing infrastructure and agri-based industries.

He highlighted initiatives such as the Mega Food Park being established at Buggapadu in Khammam district, which will provide modern processing facilities, cold storage, logistics support, and value addition opportunities for farmers and food processing industries.

The Minister also pointed out the strong export potential of Telangana’s horticulture sector, including fruits, vegetables, and spices such as turmeric and chilli. With improved supply chains, pack houses, cold storage infrastructure, and logistics networks, these sectors can significantly expand their presence in international markets.

At the same time, he emphasized that while promoting agricultural exports, the interests of Indian farmers must be safeguarded, particularly in the context of international trade agreements and tariff policies affecting agricultural commodities.

Earlier, Sri R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. He highlighted Telangana’s growing role in India’s agricultural export landscape, noting that the State produces around 168 lakh metric tonnes of rice annually and has strong potential in exports of rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, and processed food products.

He emphasized the need to strengthen export infrastructure, including pack houses, integrated cold chain systems, food testing laboratories, and refrigerated logistics networks, to support exporters and ensure compliance with international standards. He also underscored the importance of building export-oriented Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) clusters to integrate farmers with global value chains.

Sri Ravi Kumar also requested the Government to consider the development of integrated agri-export processing and logistics zones in Telangana to support the growing food processing and export ecosystem.

Introducing the seminar, Sri S. Chandra Mohan, Chairman, Agro & Food Processing Committee, FTCCI, said the program aims to provide practical insights into export opportunities, international trade trends, and the implications of Free Trade Agreements for the agri and food processing sectors.

He noted that the seminar would help exporters, food processors, agri-entrepreneurs, and FPOs understand global market requirements, export financing, regulatory compliance, and opportunities arising from evolving global trade dynamics.

Officials from DGFT and APEDA —Mr Akshay SC, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Directorate General of Foreign Trade(DGFT), Govt of India, and RP Naidu, Regional Head of APEDA delivered technical presentations on India’s trade strategy, export procedures, market access, quality standards, and support mechanisms available for agri exporters.

Mr Akshay SC, DGFT explained what is FTA (Free Trade Agreement) and how it helps.

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a trade agreement between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs (import duties) and trade barriers on goods and services between them he said

The goal of an FTA is to make trade easier, cheaper, and faster between the participating countries, he added.

India has FTAs with many countries or regions. 250 plus participants through DGFT website and familiarised them with registration process.

Naidu of APEDA said APEDA covers about 700+ agricultural and processed food products under its export promotion mandate. Exports of agricultural and processed food products promoted by APEDA reached approximately ₹2.45 lakh crore in the last financial year. Exports of non-basmati rice facilitated by APEDA reached around ₹55,000 crore last year.

Speaking further he added that Nizamabad has developed into an important rice processing hub, with several rice mills approved for exports to the United States. These mills are performing well in global markets and contributing significantly to India’s non-basmati rice exports.

The seminar also featured panel discussions on export finance, quality and compliance requirements, and product-specific export opportunities from Telangana, along with discussions on the role of government support in strengthening the agri-export ecosystem.

The program witnessed active participation from exporters, food processing units, agri-entrepreneurs, logistics providers, consultants, and Farmer Producer Organizations, who engaged in discussions on expanding Telangana’s presence in global agricultural markets.

The seminar concluded with a strong emphasis on collaboration between government agencies, industry bodies, exporters, and farmers to position Telangana as a major hub for agricultural and food product exports.

The half day seminar featured technical sessions. Experts from government agencies and industry shared insights on India’s trade strategy and Free Trade Agreements, product–market mapping under FTAs, export finance and credit facilities, managing export risks through credit insurance, and export documentation and certification for new exporters. A panel discussion on product-specific export opportunities from Telangana and state support brought together representatives from the Department of Industries, Spices Board, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for strengthening the state’s agri-export ecosystem.

Hyderabad, Mar 13: IBO, India’s largest home building retail chain, has launched its flagship summer campaign, ‘Cool Homes, Cooler Prices’, which will run from 1st March to 31st March 2026 across all 40 stores in India. The campaign combines special summer offers on cooling products with assured gifts linked to billing milestones.

During the campaign period, customers will have access to special offers across air conditioners, air coolers, and ceiling fans from leading brands such as Lloyd, Godrej, Voltas, Daikin, Symphony, Bajaj, Havells, Orient Electric, Crompton, V-Guard, and Atomberg. Customers can also avail of cashback on select bank cards and finance options.

Shoppers across home-building categories during the campaign will be eligible for assured gifts including VIP Trolleys, Airfryers, and Soundbars based on their total bill value. Rewards are applicable on cumulative purchases starting at a minimum spend, covering categories such as hardware, electricals, plumbing, sanitaryware, lighting, plywood and laminates, as well as power and hand tools.

IBO currently operates 40 stores across key South Indian markets including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Warangal, Tumkur, and Tirupur. The store has become the preferred choice for thousands of contractors, architects, interior designers, and individual home builders who rely on ready material availability, transparent shelf pricing, and standardized service support.

IBO offers customers a truly omnichannel experience, allowing them to shop through its physical stores as well as digital touchpoints, including its website and app, offering over 250 leading home-building brands under one roof.

New Delhi, Mar 13th: Masterclass Space, an online learning platform founded by BITS Pilani alumni and supported by graduates from IITs and IIMs, has announced the launch of its VITEEE Test Series 2026, designed to help engineering aspirants prepare effectively for the VITEEE.

The newly launched test series is crafted to closely replicate the latest VITEEE exam pattern and difficulty level, offering students a realistic exam simulation before they attempt the actual paper. With VITEEE introducing a revised marking scheme of +4 for every correct answer and −1 for every incorrect answer, the 2026 edition has been updated to fully align with the new guidelines.

Based on extensive feedback from previous batches, the difficulty level of the test papers has been recalibrated to better reflect the evolving trends of VITEEE. The structure, question distribution, and marking logic have been carefully designed to mirror the actual exam environment, ensuring aspirants are well-prepared for both accuracy and time management under negative marking conditions.

One of the core strengths of the VITEEE Test Series 2026 lies in its comprehensive performance analysis. After each test, students receive:

• Section-wise score breakdown

• Time spent per section and per question

• Comparative analysis with toppers

• Insights into peer performance trends

This data-driven analysis enables aspirants to identify weak areas, refine their test-taking strategy, and optimize time allocation.

According to Masterclass Space, in previous years, students’ actual VITEEE scores have consistently fallen within ±15% of their mock test scores, demonstrating strong alignment with the real exam in terms of pattern, difficulty, and topic weightage.

When VITEEE was conducted for 125 marks, several students who consistently scored 110+ in mock tests went on to secure 100–110 marks in the actual examination, helping them secure preferred branches and admission under Category 1, the most economical fee category at Vellore Institute of Technology.

The test series has been curated by experienced faculty members from IITs, IIMs, and BITS Pilani, many of whom have over a decade of experience in competitive exam mentoring. The content is continuously refined using detailed student feedback and past exam analysis, making the series increasingly relevant with each edition.

The test series is available online via the Masterclass Space test platform and mobile application and will remain accessible until the last day of VITEEE 2026. A free demo test is also available, allowing students to experience the test interface and analytics before purchasing.

Sharing his thoughts, Founder Aditya Shanker Raghwanshi said, “We launched the VITEEE Test Series after the immense success of our BITSAT program. Similar to BITSAT, relevance and detailed analysis remain the core pillars of our VITEEE series. Our aim is to provide aspirants with maximum practice, in-depth analysis, and continuous improvement so they can achieve their dream score in VITEEE.”

With its close proximity to the real exam, detailed analytics, upgraded marking scheme integration, and consistent student outcomes, Masterclass Space’s VITEEE Test Series 2026 aims to empower serious aspirants with structured, strategic, and result-oriented preparation.

For engineering aspirants targeting VIT in 2026, the platform offers not just mock tests but a comprehensive preparation ecosystem designed to translate practice into performance.

New Delhi, March 13: Indian equity markets continue to trade within a narrow range despite strong corporate earnings growth, as global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions keep investor sentiment cautious, according to a recent report by Bajaj Finserv Asset Management.

The report highlighted that companies in the Nifty 500 index posted a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in profits in the third quarter of FY26, marking the strongest earnings growth seen in nearly two years. The performance reflects improving profitability across sectors and indicates a gradual strengthening of corporate balance sheets.

Despite this positive earnings momentum, domestic stock markets have not witnessed a major rally and have remained largely range-bound for more than a year. Analysts attribute this trend to external factors, including global economic uncertainties and geopolitical risks, which continue to influence market movements.

According to market experts, strengthening corporate earnings provide a solid base for the long-term growth of Indian equities. However, global developments have created volatility and limited the immediate upside in the markets.

The report also pointed to improving domestic economic indicators. Credit growth in the banking sector has returned to double-digit levels, signalling a rise in economic activity and demand for loans. Meanwhile, consumption trends have shown signs of recovery following recent policy measures, including tax relief through GST adjustments.

Monetary policy easing has also supported the economy. The Reserve Bank of India’s cumulative rate cuts and liquidity measures have helped reduce borrowing costs for businesses and households, which could support investment and consumption in the coming quarters.

However, emerging global trends are creating new challenges. The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence technologies has raised concerns about potential short-term disruptions in India’s IT services sector, particularly regarding demand patterns and employment dynamics.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are another key risk factor. As India imports the majority of its crude oil, any disruption in global supply routes could lead to higher oil prices, putting pressure on inflation and the rupee.

The report warned that prolonged geopolitical instability may also affect sectors such as aviation, chemicals, paints and oil marketing companies, while increasing the risk of foreign investor outflows.

Meanwhile, the bond market has also witnessed fluctuations due to foreign capital movements and global developments, which have influenced currency movements and government bond yields.

Despite near-term challenges, analysts believe that improving domestic fundamentals and stable inflation could help support market stability in the medium term, although global developments will continue to shape investor sentiment.

New York, Mar 13: Despite rising geopolitical tensions, increasing tariffs, and growing uncertainty around global trade policies, globalization continues to remain at historically high levels, according to the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026, released today by DHL in partnership with the NYU Stern School of Business.

 The report, based on more than 9 million data points, tracks international flows of trade, capital, information, and people across 180 countries, representing 99.6% of global GDP and 99% of the world’s population. It provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of the state of globalization worldwide.

According to the report, global connectedness has remained stable since 2022, with globalization levels reaching 25% in 2025, matching the highest level ever recorded on the report’s scale measuring cross-border flows.

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, emphasized the resilience of global integration despite political tensions. He noted that the continued strength of globalization highlights the importance of global cooperation in addressing major challenges such as poverty and climate change.

Trade Growth Supported by AI and Pre-Tariff Imports

The report highlights that global trade growth in 2025 was the fastest since 2017, excluding the volatile pandemic period. Increased trade activity was partly driven by companies accelerating imports before the introduction of higher U.S. tariffs.

Demand for AI-related infrastructure and technology also played a major role in boosting global trade. According to World Trade Organization (WTO) data, AI-related products accounted for 42% of the growth in goods trade during the first three quarters of 2025.

While higher tariffs in the United States could slow trade growth slightly in 2026, global goods trade is still expected to expand at an average rate of 2.6% annually through 2029, broadly in line with growth seen over the past decade.

Limited Impact of U.S.–China Trade Tensions

The report finds that trade between the United States and China has continued to decline, falling from 3.6% of global trade in 2015 to 2.7% in 2024, and further down to 2.0% during the first three quarters of 2025. However, these flows represent only a small portion of total global trade, meaning their decline has had limited impact on overall globalization levels.

At the same time, countries and companies are diversifying supply chains and trade partnerships, with nations such as India and Vietnam emerging as key beneficiaries.

Record Movement of Goods and People

The report also highlights several major trends in other global flows:

• Capital: Foreign investment remains resilient, with multinational companies continuing to generate large portions of their sales internationally. While greenfield foreign direct investment announcements declined in 2025, overall FDI flows increased and cross-border mergers and acquisitions remained strong.

• Information: Growth in cross-border data and information flows has slowed since 2021 due to geopolitical tensions and increasing restrictions on data transfers.

• People: International travel, migration, and student mobility have rebounded strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic and are now reaching record levels.

Singapore Tops Globalization Rankings

In the report’s country rankings, Singapore remains the world’s most globalized country, followed by Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Regionally, Europe ranks as the most globally connected region, followed by North America and the Middle East and North Africa.

The United Kingdom stands out for having the most geographically diversified international flows, while the United Arab Emirates has recorded the largest growth in globalization since 2001.

Globalization Still Far From Its Full Potential

Despite strong global connections, the report notes that the current 25% globalization level shows that the world still has significant room to expand cross-border exchanges if policy restrictions are reduced.

Professor Steven A. Altman, Director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management, noted that while political debates around globalization may appear volatile, actual global flows have proven to be remarkably resilient.

“Globalization faces real risks, but the resilience of international flows is equally real,” Altman said, emphasizing the importance of accurately understanding global economic connections when shaping future policy decisions.

Mumbai,  Mar 13: Saatvik Green Energy Limited, one of India’s fastest-growing fully integrated renewable energy companies listed on the BSE and NSE, has announced the incorporation of its wholly owned subsidiary, Saatvik Power Storage Solutions Limited, in India. The newly formed entity will operate in the renewable energy and energy storage sector, focusing on the development and deployment of battery technologies and energy storage systems.

The initiative marks an important step in Saatvik’s strategy to build a future-ready clean energy platform that integrates solar generation with storage solutions. The subsidiary plans to explore opportunities in 20 GW of energy storage capacity over the next five years, supporting grid stability and renewable integration across key markets. The company also aims to introduce utility scale, C&I, retail and residential range of battery and energy storage solutions, catering to utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and distributed renewable energy applications.

Commenting on the development, Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy Limited, said:

“Energy storage will play a critical role in enabling the next phase of renewable energy growth. The incorporation of Saatvik Power Storage Solutions Limited reflects our long-term vision to build a comprehensive clean energy ecosystem that integrates solar manufacturing, EPC capabilities, and advanced storage technologies. This step positions Saatvik to contribute meaningfully to India’s transition toward reliable, round-the-clock renewable power.”

The subsidiary has been incorporated with an authorised capital of ?10,00,000 divided into 1,00,000 equity shares of ?10 each, with 100% shareholding held by Saatvik Green Energy Limited.

The establishment of the subsidiary reinforces Saatvik’s commitment to innovation, technology-led growth, and supporting India’s clean energy transition, particularly as the country accelerates deployment of renewable energy capacity supported by grid-scale and distributed storage solutions.

 

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and R.M.Williams have launched the National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026 – 2036 at Parliament House in Canberra – the first coordinated national roadmap to rebuild targeted domestic manufacturing capability across Australia’s textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sector.

 

The National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026 – 2036 launch at Parliament House in Canberra

 

As the official print and projection partner of the Australian Fashion Council, Epson are fully supporting this national manufacturing strategy, its strategic outcomes and strategic pillars, as detailed below, that that firmly promote Australia’s onshore manufacturing capabilities.

 

(l-r) Epson Australia Managing Director Craig Heckenberg, Samantha Delgos, General Manager, Australian Fashion Council, Marianne Perkovic, Executive Chair, Australian Fashion Council and Epson Australia Corporate Marketing Manager, Priscilla Dickason

The ten-year Strategy is the result of almost a year of industry consultation led by the AFC and R.M.Williams, including 14 national consultations with manufacturers, brands, educators and policymakers across the country. More than 300 stakeholders contributed to the process, generating over 1,000 proposed initiatives and nearly 900 votes on strategic priorities to shape the sector’s long-term manufacturing future.

The Strategy was unveiled at a breakfast symposium and AFC member showcase in Mural Hall attended by over 90 industry and parliamentary guests, including members of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Fashion & Textiles, and its Co-Chairs, Matt Burnell MP, Dai Le MP and Zoe McKenzie MP.

The Strategy comes at a critical time for the industry. With 97 per cent of Australia’s clothing and textile products manufactured offshore, the sector remains vulnerable to ongoing global supply disruptions and trade volatility. Rather than compete against high-volume offshore manufacturing markets, the Strategy is focussed on closing structural gaps and accelerating advanced manufacturing to scale the sector’s comparative advantage, aiming to position Australia to compete globally in premium, technology-enabled and traceable production, built on the country’s natural fibre strengths.

Table 1: Strategy Outcomes & Australia’s Comparative Advantage

Outcome

Comparative Advantage

1. Capture more value from Australian fibre

Australia is one of the world’s leading producers of premium natural fibres, including wool and cotton. Expanding domestic processing and spinning enables more of that value to be captured onshore.

2. Strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability

Australia has capability in specialised textile products where quality, compliance and supply security matter, including defence, healthcare and emergency service applications.

3. Build a globally competitive premium sector

Australia’s strength lies in high-quality, traceable and sustainably produced textiles and apparel, supported by natural fibres, strong design capability and advanced manufacturing.

The Strategy outlines three strategic pillars underpinned by industry and government coordination as the levers required to deliver these outcomes by 2036.

Table 2: Strategy Pillars & Coordination

Strategic Pillar

Focus

1. Activate and drive demand

Demand is the critical enabler. Strategic public procurement (federal and state) can anchor it, while Australian-made identification and coordinated national promotion can extend it through to consumer sectors. 

2. Secure the workforce of the future

Create new skilled pathways for advanced manufacturing roles, enable skills transfer (median age of manufacturer is 57), protect women’s contribution and participation (58% of TCF manufacturers are women) and support the diverse communities in the sector (41% are from CALD communities). 

3. Accelerate advanced manufacturing

Co-invest in modern machinery, new technologies and advanced manufacturing, rebuild early-stage fibre processing and yarn spinning – the sector’s ‘missing middle’ – and enable innovation in circular manufacturing and fibre-to-fibre recycling.

AN ECONOMIC CASE FOR ACTION

Independent modelling by RMIT University that full implementation of the Strategy’s coordinated policy platform will grow TCF manufacturing value added from $2.6 billion to $2.9 billion by 2030/31, delivering a cumulative $1.4 billion economic dividend over five years. The Strategy is also projected to create more than 1,000 new skilled jobs and $864 million in additional wages, with approximately half of those jobs are projected to be filled by women.

At present, TCF manufacturing already employs more than 27,000 Australians – 58 per cent women (compared to 28 per cent in other manufacturing industries) and 41 per cent from culturally and linguistically diverse communities – and pays over $1.4 billion in wages annually. Strengthening this base will increase the competitiveness of Australia’s $28 billion fashion and textile industry, which employs nearly 500,000 Australians across the broader value chain.

SPOKESPERSON QUOTES

“This Strategy sets out a clear roadmap for rebuilding a globally competitive Australian fashion and textile manufacturing sector. Australia already has exceptional design talent, advanced manufacturing capability and globally recognised brands. With the right coordination across industry, skills and procurement policy, we have a real opportunity to strengthen sovereign capability, create skilled jobs and position Australia as a leader in premium manufacturing.”
Marianne Perkovic, Executive Chair, Australian Fashion Council

“Australia is the world’s largest exporter of greasy wool and a globally significant cotton producer. Yet we export raw fibre and import finished goods at multiples of the original value. Re-establishing fibre processing and spinning capability restores the missing link in our value chain. Building the next generation of capability to capture this value – capability that is advanced, technology-enabled and circular – will also require stronger demand signals. Strategic public procurement can help anchor that demand and support the growth of Australia’s domestic manufacturing capability.”
Samantha Delgos, General Manager, Australian Fashion Council

“R.M.Williams has manufactured in Adelaide for more than 90 years. We employ skilled craftspeople, invest in apprentices and continue to modernise production while competing globally. What’s needed now is to activate a flywheel: demand enables investment in skills, skills enable advanced manufacturing, and technology allows Australian manufacturers to scale while maintaining quality.”
Tara Moses, Chief Operating Officer, R.M.Williams

“This Strategy is a serious economic blueprint for communities, supporting skilled jobs, strengthening regional manufacturing, and creating clearer pathways for women into trades and long-term manufacturing careers. It presents a coordinated, cross-portfolio agenda that connects procurement, skills and industry capability. As Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends group, I’m committed to supporting the sector to turn this plan into long-term coordinated action.”
Matt Burnell MP, Co-Chair, Parliamentary Friends of Australian Fashion & Textiles

“Epson is firmly committed to our partnership with the Australian Fashion Council and our joint goals around improving local manufacturing, furthering innovation and developing digital transformation. To that end Epson are also working closely with the AFC on a feasibility study for a ‘smart factory’ and shared manufacturing hubs similar to those we have already developed and implemented with The Social Outfit and Citizen Wolf where Epson’s direct-to-fabric digital printing technologies play a part in the overall production workflow. This National Manufacturing Strategy represents an important step forward for Australia’s fashion and textile industry. Epson is proud to support this initiative and help accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies that can drive greater sustainability, unlock new opportunities, and create the jobs of the future.”

Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director, Epson Australia

The Strategy’s launch at Parliament House marked an important moment for Australia’s fashion and textile industry. To showcase the capability already operating in Australia, AFC members from across the manufacturing sector presented a cross-section of domestic production. The showcase featured R.M.Williams, Bianca Spender, Bond-Eye Australia, Clothing the Gaps, ABMT, Sylvia P, Waverley Mills, Silver Fleece and Stewart & Heaton. 

 

The National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026 – 2036 launch at Parliament House in Canberra

 

The AFC and R.M.Williams also produced a short film titled ‘Made Here, Worn Everywhere’ profiling AFC members including Australian Defence Apparel, The Social Outfit, Maara Collective, Citizen Wolf, Waverley Mills and Silver Fleece highlighting the diversity of manufacturing already taking place across Australia.

 

WHAT’S NEXT: FOUNDATION TO 2029

The Strategy will be led by the Australian Fashion Council as the peak body for the sector. Progress will be measured through a two-stage assessment framework.

1. Implementation review (to 2029): This phase will assess progress in establishing the core architecture underpinning the Strategy, including procurement reform, national capability mapping, skills recognition pilots, shared manufacturing infrastructure and governance arrangements to coordinate delivery.
2. Strategic outcomes review (to 2036): This phase will assess progress against the Strategy’s long-term ambition – a competitive, technology-enabled and domestically anchored manufacturing sector with a sustainable workforce pipeline and globally recognised market position.

 

The National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion & Textiles is supported by the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Fashion & Textiles group, co-chaired by Matt Burnell MP, Dai Le MP and Zoe McKenzie MP, with more than 60 bipartisan members across Parliament. 

PHDCCI organized a Roundtable on “Future of India’s Shipbuilding and Ship Recycling: Decoding Budget Announcements to power India’s Maritime Future”

New Delhi, Mar 13: Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, addressed a high-level Roundtable on the “Future of India’s Shipbuilding and Ship Recycling,” outlining a transformative roadmap to elevate India’s maritime standing. Speaking to distinguished delegates and industry leaders, Shri Purohit detailed how the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the strategic direction provided by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, have created the fiscal architecture necessary to shift India into a dominant maritime power.

The Chairperson highlighted that the comprehensive policy framework, championed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is built upon four strategic pillars: financing, capacity expansion, policy reform, and skill development. Central to this vision is the ₹69,725 crore Maritime Revitalisation Package, the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, and the extension of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme through 2036. Shri Purohit emphasised that the 48 per cent surge in the Ministry’s budget allocation to ₹5,164.8 crore signals a clear sovereign intent to reduce the ₹6 lakh crore annual freight drain to foreign shipping lines, fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the maritime sector.

A cornerstone of this industrial expansion is the newly announced Shipbuilding Project, to be executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named the ‘National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu’. This ambitious project is a 50:50 Joint Venture between the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority and the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT). With an estimated project cost of ₹30,000 crore and spanning a total land area of 2,000 acres, this facility will serve as a primary engine for India’s domestic maritime manufacturing and heavy engineering.

Significant focus was also placed on the integration of the circular economy through the Shipbreaking Credit Note Scheme. This innovative policy offers vessel owners a credit note equivalent to 40 per cent of the scrap value of ships recycled at Indian yards, redeemable against the cost of new domestic construction. Shri Purohit noted that under the guidance of Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, India has positioned itself as the world’s most responsible and regulation-ready recycling destination, with 106 yards at Alang already compliant with the Hong Kong International Convention.

The Chairperson also showcased V.O. Chidambaranar Port as a model for the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. As India’s first port to produce green hydrogen and the first to exceed one megawatt of rooftop solar generation, the port is currently executing a ₹15,000 crore Outer Harbour project. This expansion is set to establish Southern India as a premier transhipment hub capable of competing with major international ports such as Singapore and Colombo.

In his concluding remarks, Shri Purohit extended his gratitude to the PHDCCI for its catalytic role in bridging policy intent with industry action. He urged all stakeholders to move from deliberation to execution, seizing the global moment of supply-chain realignment to propel India into the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.