IS HE ADVANCE. HE SHALL REMAIN RESOLUTE IN IMPLEMENTING OUR STRATEGIC
BLUEPRINT HITH R KEEN EMPHASIS ON GROHTH. HE ARE DEDICATED TO REINFORCING OUR CORE
BUSINESSES. RCCELERRTING INNOVATION. AND UNLOCKING EFFICIENCIES HHILE EXPLORING NEH
OPPORTUNITIES RND NAVIGATING CHALLENGES TO EMBRACE GROHTH."
It is an honour to address you as the Chairman of Maral Overseas. Our
journey over several decades has been characterised by resilience, innovation, and an
unwavering commitment to providing high-quality textile products that clothe millions of
individuals worldwide. As we navigate the complexities of our global landscape, marked by
the perils of geopolitical stress, heightened human conflict, protectionist trade
policies, environmental degradation, and climate change, our dedication to our core values
remains steadfast.
PERFORMANCE
FY25 was unrelenting in its challenges. The economic slowdown in key
global textile markets significantly impacted the offtake of textiles and apparel. Reduced
demand, intensified competition, and unviable prices impacted the textile trade. These
headwinds impacted our performance, too. All our business verticals had to contend with
reduced order flow, resulting in suboptimal operations.
Our Revenue from Operations increased by 9.06% over the previous year.
However, our Net Loss widened from Rs.9.77 Crore in FY24 to Rs.24.20 Crore in FY25 due to
increased operational costs.
Through strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and market
responsiveness, we navigated the complexities of an otherwise sluggish business ecosystem
with resilience and adaptability. This commitment underscores our dedication to
responsible operations.
PROSPECTS
The ominous clouds that previously overshadowed the growth drivers of
the textile sector seem to be dissipating, permitting the emergence of more favourable
prospects.
With inflation management being effectively controlled on a global
scale due to the prudent strategies implemented by Central Banks, discretionary spending
is gradually reviving, particularly in the United States and Europe, which are two
significant textile-consuming markets.
Furthermore, India is resolutely committed to establishing itself as a
global trade hub and is diligently negotiating trade agreements with its business partners
that yield mutually beneficial outcomes.
India and the United Kingdom concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) on 6th May 2025. Under this FTA, 99% of Indian exports to UK, including textiles,
will become duty-free. The removal of the 12% import duty on Indiantextiles positions
India to better compete with Asian countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This agreement
is expected to significantly boost India's textile and apparel exports to the UK,
potentially reclaiming the market share lost over the past decade.
India and the European Union (EU) are currently contemplating the
negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA). This agreement is anticipated to be "the
largest deal of its kind anywhere in the world," with negotiations progressing in
phases amid a fluctuating global trading environment resulting from the significant
imposition of tariffs by the United States. Both national leaders have expressed a strong
desire to finalise this highly anticipated free trade agreement by 2025.
Additionally, the ongoing political instability in Bangladesh has
disrupted garment factory operations and supply chains, prompting several global buyers to
reconsider their sourcing strategies. This shift presents a strategic opportunity for the
domestic players to capture increased demand and realign supply networks.
Moreover, India stands poised to be the first nation to secure a
bilateral trade agreement to circumvent the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United
States. This economic document aims to increase trade from over US$190 billion to US$500
billion by 2030.
Furthermore, having established a reputation as a dependable business
partner that honours its commitments despite challenges, Indian companies are increasingly
favoured as sourcing hubs by European brands.
The domestic market continues to exhibit significant resilience. The
growth of the economy has augmented discretionary spending power, and the rising
proportion of youth within India's workforce, along with controlled inflation, has
considerably mitigated consumer concerns. This trend is anticipated to stimulate increased
demand in the future.
Flagship initiatives such as 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'
are generating vital momentum for the long-term growth trajectory of the textile sector.
The government's emphasis on localising critical elements of textile production, in
conjunction with incentive schemes such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI), is
expected to foster substantial and sustained demand for textile products in the
foreseeable future.
PRIORITIES
In the aftermath of recent challenges, we have engaged in discussions,
deliberations, and decision-making regarding essential strategies to restore Maral to its
winning trajectory. Two predominant themes will underpin our strategic framework for the
future: Consolidation and Value-Addition. The former will concentrate on optimising
operating costs, while the latter will strive to enhance realisation. This judicious
combination is expected to bolster our business profitability and generate value for all
our stakeholders.
PROMISE
As we advance, we shall remain resolute in implementing our strategic
blueprint with a keen emphasis on growth. We are dedicated to reinforcing our core
businesses, accelerating innovation, and increasing efficiencies while exploring new
opportunities and navigating challenges to embrace growth.
IN CLOSING
In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all our
stakeholders for their confidence and continued support. I am confident that we will
embark on an exciting growth journey ahead. Looking forward to our prosperous future.
Warm regards, |
Shekhar Agarwal |
Chairman & Managing Director and CEO |