Bharat Tex Trade Federation and Première Vision SA Sign Strategic MoU
The Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF) and Première Vision SA, a leading international platform for creative fashion and textiles, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 2, 2026, at the Premiere Vision exhibition in Paris. This multi-year institutional partnership aims to strengthen India's engagement with the global fashion and textile ecosystem, building upon a Letter of Intent signed on July 14, 2026, at Bharat Tex 2026 in New Delhi.
The MoU was signed by Dr. A. Sakthivel, Core Committee Member of BTTF and Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), and Ms. Florence Rousson, CEO of Première Vision's Fashion Division. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), along with industry captains, leading designers, EPC officials, and Indian Embassy officials.
Strategic Objectives and Market Context
The partnership comes at a significant juncture following the conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement in January 2026, which provides preferential market access on 96.8% of tariff lines covering 99.5% of India's exports. Specifically for textiles, 90.7% of exports by trade value are expected to become duty-free upon implementation. This is particularly important given that the EU's global textile and apparel imports stood at approximately $292.8 billion in 2025, while India's textile and apparel exports to the EU are currently around $10.4 billion.
The core strategic objective is to facilitate India's movement beyond volume-driven exports toward high-value, design-led premium segments. Première Vision's trend intelligence platforms will support Indian enterprises in aligning with global market demands and building relationships with buyers seeking sustainable, high-quality sourcing solutions.
Key Areas of Collaboration
Under the MoU, which will be overseen by a Joint Steering Committee, both organizations will collaborate across four key areas: delegation and knowledge sessions involving reciprocal participation of exhibitors, delegations, speakers and experts; export promotion and market linkages through joint initiatives including buyer-seller meets and reverse buyer-seller meets; sustainability promotion focusing on circularity, traceability and responsible production; and heritage and craftsmanship through an Eternal Crafts Collaboration that will include "A Living Thread" showcase in January 2027 representing artisan and ateliers showcasing Indian hand embroidery, handloom and allied heritage techniques together with French textiles heritage.
Official Statements
Ms. Neelam Shami Rao stated that Bharat Tex, envisioned under the 5F Vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emerged as the world's largest integrated textiles event with focus on trade, sustainability and investment. She noted this partnership creates new opportunities to showcase India's luxury textiles and rich heritage while benefiting artisans, weavers, designers, women entrepreneurs and MSMEs across the country. Dr. Sakthivel emphasized the partnership will connect Indian textiles more closely with global markets while showcasing heritage and advancing sustainability. Ms. Rousson expressed delight in partnering with BTTF to foster creativity, innovation and responsible sourcing while creating new opportunities for Indian and French stakeholders across the textile value chain.