A team of officials from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on 22nd Jan 2009 visited the 42nd India International Garment Fair (IIGF) which moved on to the third day today.
The officials led by deputy director Ashok Arora and industrial adviser Shaish Kumar visited the exhibition hall, fashion streets and theme-based display areas. Both were appreciative of garments made of organic cotton fabrics.
More than 300 leading apparel manufacturers and exporters have laid out a spectacular collection for autumn and winter seasons of 2009-10 at the event showcasing fine garments for men, women and children.
Minister of state for commerce Jairam Ramesh is scheduled to visit the IIGF on 23rd Jan, 2009. The event has been jointly organised by International Garment Fair Association, Apparel Export Promotion Council, Garment Exporters Association, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India, Apparel Exporters and Manufacturers Association and Apparel and Handloom Exporters Association.
IGFA convenor Lalit Thukral said a total of 436 buyers and 318 buying agents have checked in so far at the IIGF, one of the world's largest and most popular apparel fair held twice a year.
"There are many first-time visitors this time. A lot of boutique buyers have also come to India," he said. Among the visitors are companies like Li & Fung, Karstadt, Absolunt, Odel and Themost.
"Indian apparel and fashion industry can definitely hope for a major rise in its exports during this year," said Mr Thukral.
Ms Devinder Singh, vice-president of Li & Fung India, said a lot of young, creative exporters are participating in the 42nd IIGF.
The event offers a vast collection of garments, fabrics and fashion accessories manufactured by some of India's premier fashion and export houses. Adding to the glitz are fashion streets, theme-based fair displays and avant-garde ramp shows displaying all the creations in colors and designs.
With exhibition area of over 16,150 square meters, the show is focused on strengthening existing markets and exploring new ones. There have been launches of new ranges and products and offering of special product displays through the theme area.
The product profile includes: designer and private labels, bridal wear, cocktail and evening dresses, blazers, cardigans, cashmere products, jacket, pullover, sweater, sweat shirt, children's wear, denim wear, infants' wear, knit wear, ladies wear, men's wear, shirts, shorts, silk garments, skirts, suits, T-shirts, trousers, body suit, brassiere, brief, home wear, men's underwear, nightwear and pajamas, outerwear, swimwear, body wear, skiwear and track suits.
India is the sixth largest exporter of readymade garments in the world. Apparel worth 9.7 billion dollars was exported from the country in 2007-08.
Source : www.fibre2fashion.com