The 60th National Garment Fair opens in Mumbai

The 60th edition of National Garments Fair kicked off at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. The two day fair will be held from January 28 to 29. Textile commissioner Kiran Soni Gupta, inaugurated the fair in the presence of Rahul Mehta, President and members of managing committee of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India. In her speech, Gupta laid special emphasis on the collaboration among the SAARC countries for further development of textile sector in the strategically important region. She also highlighted the various initiatives taken up by the Indian government to strengthen the sector in the light of increasing global competition.

NGF attracts buyers and exhibitors from across India

As per Rahul Mehta, President, International Apparel Federation and Clothing Manufacturers Association of India CMAI, informed that this time nearly 260 exhibitors are participating in the event, nearly 100 more than previous year. “It’s a hardcore business fair therefore no other activity is taking place during the event. We have brought down display expenses by installing pre-fabricated stalls. The fair will provide apparel houses and brands good opportunity for the wedding season. Summer fair is a good chance for them as they get time to experiment with their offerings and can plan their business strategies,” says Mehta. NGF is held twice a year once for summer business bookings in January and Festive Winter bookings in June. Garment manufacturers and apparel brands from all over the country participate and retailers visit as buyers to make their booking before the respective seasons.

The glittering event is awaited by apparel and textile manufacturers every six months. Talking further, Gupta pointed out that with China slowing down operations in textile space and it is great opportunity for India to increase its share in the sector. “We just need to do value addition as we already have enough quality raw material and infrastructure to increase global competitiveness,” she said. The Indian government has taken up numerous measures and schemes to be specifically implemented in Northeastern region. Some of them are: AgroTex and GeoTex scheme worth Rs 427 crores, setting up of textile parks and impressive stimulus for bamboo, hemp, jute and silk fibres. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative is perfect at a time when conditions are encouraging for Indian brands to grow their business overseas," she stressed.