50th IIGF opens in the capital

The Golden Jubilee (50th) edition of India international Garment Fair (IIGF)

was inaugurated by cabinet secretary Ajit Kumar Seth the in presence of Kiran Dhingra, Secretary Textiles (Guest of Honour), V Srinivas, Joint Secretary, Exports, Ministry of Textiles, A Sakthivel Chairman AEPC and representatives from the apparel industry from across the globe. The 50th IIGF is being held from January 22-24, 2013 in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

After the inauguration Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth chaired a consultative meeting with exporters and listened to their demand on exports related to apparel and textiles sector. With a view to take faster decisions and faster implementation of the projects in export promotion and addressing the problems of textiles and garment sector Chairman AEPC proposed setting up of the Inter-Ministerial group on textiles and garment sector. A Sakthivel said that, “The Inter-Ministerial Group will look into the grievances of the textiles and apparel industry. They will meet after every three months and will have members from textiles, commerce, revenue, and customs. I have requested cabinet secretary to head the group.”

Seth has agreed to the setting of the inter-ministerial group for addressing the grievances and swift movement of held up projects. The group will take up issues related to labour, taxes, import of synthetic fabrics, customs etc, he added. Commenting on the IIGF Sakthivel said, “We are very hopeful that 50th IIGF will serve as a much needed platform and an opportunity for a large number of exhibitors and buyers from across the globe to interact under one roof. Response to the earlier IIGF had been commendable and this time too it will definitely provide the much needed fillip to the Indian textile industry.”