Discuss the impact of globalisation on the location of textile and garment industries. How has this affected traditional textile centres in India and other developing countries? [150 words, 10 marks]

Approach:

• • Introduction: Define globalisation in context of textile industry

• Body: 

• • Impact on location of industries 
  • Effects on traditional textile centres in India 
  • Effects on other developing countries
• Conclusion: Summarise impacts and suggest sustainable solutions

Model Answer:

Introduction: Globalisation, characterised by increased international trade and economic interdependence, has significantly reshaped the textile and garment industry landscape. This shift has led to the relocation of production centres and altered traditional manufacturing hubs worldwide.

Body:

Impact on location of textile and garment industries: 

• Manufacturing has moved to developing countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, driven by lower costs and less strict regulations. This shift has reshaped global economics and supply chains.
• Global value chains have emerged, splitting production across countries. Design often stays in developed nations while manufacturing occurs in developing ones, optimising each production stage.
• Fast fashion has accelerated production cycles, requiring flexible and quick-response manufacturing. This trend favours locations that can rapidly adapt to changing consumer demands.
• Technology, including automation and digitalization, is changing manufacturing needs. This can reduce reliance on large labour forces but also creates new types of jobs, affecting location decisions.
• Trade agreements, infrastructure development, and varying regulations influence production locations. These factors, along with geopolitical considerations, continue to shape the global manufacturing landscape.

Effects on traditional textile centres in India: 

• Traditional hubs like Ahmedabad and Kanpur are declining due to global competition, leading to mill closures and job losses.
• Employment is shifting from organised to unorganised sectors, often resulting in lower wages and job security. A growing skill gap necessitates worker re-skilling.
• Established centres face pressure to modernise and adapt to export markets to remain competitive, challenging smaller operators.
• New export-oriented clusters, like Tirupur in Tamil Nadu, are emerging, creating regional disparities in the industry's development.
• The changing landscape highlights the need for balanced policies to support both traditional and new textile hubs, addressing issues of worker welfare and sustainable growth.

Effects on other developing countries: 

• Economic boost: Rapid industrial growth and significant foreign exchange earnings from textile exports in countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
• Job creation: Millions of new jobs, especially for women, in nations such as Cambodia and Sri Lanka.
• Infrastructure development: Increased investment in ports, roads, and power systems, alongside gradual improvements in manufacturing capabilities.
• Social and environmental issues: Worker safety concerns and rights violations, coupled with rising pollution and resource depletion in new manufacturing hubs.
• Global market vulnerability: Growing dependence on international markets, making these economies susceptible to global economic shocks and changing trade policies.

Conclusion: While globalisation has brought economic opportunities to developing countries, it has also posed challenges to traditional textile centres. Sustainable development of the industry requires balancing economic growth with worker welfare and environmental protection.