jay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State (MoS) for Textiles inaugurated the 60th edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) at Pragati Maidan. Organised at Hall Nos. 11, 12 & 12A at Pragati Maidan, the three day international fair covered the Autumn/Winter season of European Union, USA and other Western markets.
While speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles said, “IIGF is a big platform which brings together the overseas garment buyers and garment exporters with almost half of the Indian States participating in the fair. Garment sector is one of the largest employment providers and is helping a large number of people to earn their livelihood. The apparel industry is going through a challenging phase and to address the concerns of the industry, a committee has been formed by the government to look into the issues raised by the industry. The textile package announced by the Honourable Prime Minister is benefitting the sector, immensely. During the last IIGF, business worth $200 mn was conducted and this time I would like to see more buyers participating in the fair. My best wishes to all the buyers and exporters who are participating in the fair.”
Speaking on the occasion HKL Magu, Chairman, AEPC said, “I feel happy to note the huge transformation the fair the industry has witnessed in these years. The fair has grown in scale and scope and emerged as the one of the largest and most popular platforms in Asia where overseas garment buyers can source and forge the business relationship with India’s finest in apparel and fashion accessories domain. This time the fair is happening at a time when industry is facing lot of challenges both domestically and globally. These are challenging times for the industry with global headwinds blowing over us. The post GST transformation for the industry has been challenging, but I am sure the industry will show the resilience it has shown in the past, and emerge stronger.”
A total of 294 exporters from 11 States namely Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal participated at the 60th IIGF. These 294 participants showcased women’s wear, accessories, kid’s wear and menswear. International buyers from 95 countries like Brazil, Spain, Japan, Uruguay, UK, Hong Kong, US etc. visited the fair this year.
However, the show when compared to its previous edition, this time was a little smaller and was visited by lesser no. of buyers, according to the exhibitors.
IIGF also witnessed fashion shows, twice a day on all three days for exhibiting the collections for business development. Besides this, the best displayed stalls were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze Trophies in an award function on 18th January 2018.
India International Garment Fair is a B-2-B fair started in 1988 .The fair is being organised in association with International Garment Fair Association and four major Garment Exporters’ Associations Viz. Apparel Exporters & Manufacturers Association (AEMA), Garment Exporters Association (GEA), The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) and Garment Exporters of Rajasthan (GEAR).This is only B-2-B fair and is meant for conducting meaningful and quality business.
On this occasion, an IIGF fair guide was also unveiled by the Hon’ble Minister of State (MoS) for Textiles, Ajay Tamta along with HKL Magu, Chairman AEPC, Lalit Thukral, Chairman, Exhibition Advisory Committee, IIGF and Rahul Mehta, President, CMAI. Closing remarks and vote of thanks was given by Rahul Mehta, President, CMAI.
