The 45th India International Garment Fair organised by Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) concluded amid much fanfare and satisfaction on the part of both buyers and exhibitors.
The fair was visited by 1,592 buyers from 721 companies and 569 buying agents from 413 companies.
There was maximum participation from Spain with 115 buyers and the United States with 100 buyers. In all there were 2,949 visitors from 60 countries who came to see the Spring Summer 2011 collections.
Speaking on the occasion, Premal Udani, Chairman, AEPC, said, “We are very happy with the response received at the 45th IIGF, which has been much greater than last time. IIGF has now come to be recognised internationally as a forum for a wide range of apparel to select from. The response at
the fair has indicated that we are on course to achieve this year’s export target of US$12 billion.”
“Garments are the final link in the textile chain that starts from fibers. Given the raw material availability in India and our expertise in producing garments to international requirements, the apparel export sector has the highest potential for value addition and job creation,” he added.
Lalit Thukral, Convenor, International Garment Fair Association said, “The reach of the fair is continually expanding and this edition had a number of first time buyers from abroad, and a number of first time exhibitors. The feedback received by us indicates a still larger buyer and exhibitor turnout next time.”
The concluding day also saw the visit of R. K. Bhatia, former Indian Ambassador to South Africa, to assist AEPC’s endeavour to explore new markets like South Africa, Japan and Latin America.
The garment fair witnessed participants from across India including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Jaipur, Tirupur, Mumbai and the NCR region. The apparel on display included womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, knitwear and fashion accessories.
To encourage participation from all corners of India, AEPC had provided complementary return airfare and hotel accommodation according to the exhibit area besides a reimbursement to the tune of Rs 10,000 to all outstation exhibitors.
