MANITEX 2025 set for grand comeback, 16 countries to join Manipur’s global textile showcase

After a two-year hiatus caused by internal disturbances, the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) is making a powerful return this year, reaffirming the state’s position on the global textile map.

Organized by the Directorate of Handlooms & Textiles, under the Department of Textiles, Commerce and Industry, Government of Manipur, MANITEX 2025 will be held from November 8 to 12 at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, Imphal. The event will feature participation from 16 countries, including major buyers, exporters, and designers from Japan, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, aiming to bridge Manipur’s traditional weaving heritage with the international fashion industry.

Addressing the media during a press conference, Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary (Commerce and Textiles), said that the expo marks a significant milestone for the state’s textile sector after a two-year pause. “With conditions improving considerably across Manipur, we are thrilled to host MANITEX again to showcase our rich, unique, and exquisite textile heritage before a global audience,” he stated.

The theme for MANITEX 2025 - “Weaving a Sustainable Future: Manipur’s Handloom Heritage to Global Fashion” underscores the state’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly practices, natural dyes, and sustainable weaving rooted in age-old Manipuri traditions.

Bajpai highlighted that the handloom and handicraft sector continues to serve as a vital source of income for thousands of artisans in the state. The expo, he added, is strategically designed not only as a cultural display but also as a commercial catalyst, enabling direct interaction between local weavers and international markets.

“Beyond being an exhibition, MANITEX 2025 aims to enhance Manipur’s brand visibility globally, nurture export-ready entrepreneurs, and pave a clear roadmap for inclusive growth in the textile sector,” Bajpai noted.

Adding to its grandeur, the event will also feature leading names in Indian high-end fashion such as Krishna Mehta Studio and Prama by Pratima Pandey. International and domestic industry leaders including IDEA NUOVA, Luxe Living, HEPC, CoFT, CAU, and Manipur University (MU) are expected to conduct special sessions on market access, design innovation, and brand development.