The 51st India International Garment Fair was inaugurated by Dr. K.S. Rao, Hon'ble Minister of Textiles in the presence of Smt. Zohra Chatterji, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, Shri Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, EAC, AEPC, EC members of AEPC and other dignitaries, media persons etc. at Shakuntlam Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Dr. K S Rao during his inaugural address promised all help to the industry.
He emphasized on the skill development and training to be the thrust areas. He also advocated for the flexibility in labour laws so as to optimize the output. Minister Rao also assured of increasing the MDA and MAI assistance if need be. It was a three day fair (15th to 17th July 2013). Chairman (Export Promotion) of AEPC, Shri Sekhri gave the vote of thanks.
Commenting on the three day event Dr. A Sakthivel Chairman AEPC stated that, “The response to the 51st IIGF had been very good. 975 buyers and 1399 Buying Agents visited IIGF- totaling it to be 2374. This IIGF has been successful in getting business worth Rs 1000 cr and business same amount is in the pipeline.
51th IIGF served 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.
It will definitely provide the much needed fillip to the Indian Textile export.” IIGF is unique fair that brings together the best in Indian Apparel & Accessories, Fabrics– all under one roof. The associations like AEMA, GEA, CMAI and GEAR are also participated in the 51th IIGF, he added.
Dr. A Sakthivel in his speech demanded, enlargement of the garment export basket by manufacturing garments (Knitted and woven) from fabrics which are not widely available in India – Issuance of duty credit scrip (offsetting custom duties) on import of specialty fabrics at the rate of 5% for the export performance in the year 2012-13 and in the entire 12th five year plan.
During the inauguration function, Hon'ble Minister of Textiles unveiled the Fair Catalogue of the 51st IIGF. After that, Chairman, AEPC presented a cheque of Rs. 21,03,250/- lakhs to the Hon'ble Minister towards the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.
After inauguration, the Hon'ble Minister announced the fair open by cutting the ribbon and lighting of lamp at Hall No. 14. After that, the Ho'ble Minister took a round of the fair and attended the fashion show. After that Hon'ble Minister addressed a Press Conference while he answered various questions asked by various media persons.
The Best Display Trophy and Certificate of Merits were also awarded to the exhibitors. Vani Clothing Company won the gold trophy and Shikhar Overseas won the silver trophy. The Best Display Awards were given by Sh. H.K.L. Magu, Sr. Vice Chairman, AEPC and Sh. Lalit Thukral, Convener, EAC and Sh. Vijay Mathur, ASG, AEPC. Fashion shows were held one in the morning and one in the evening. Shri Vijay Mathur gave vote of thanks encouraging the participants.
During the second day of the fair Mr. Syed Zirgham Raza, First Secretary, High Commission of Pakistan, Shri Jagdish Tytler, Former MP also visited the fair. During the third day of the fair i.e. 17th July'2013, Ms. Rita Menon, IAS, Chairperson, ITPO alongwith Shri P.K Gera, DG, NIFT visited the fair.
Many companies and buyers from across the world have come this time for the event. The one to one meeting and matching of buyers will be organized on the spot for the business generation. Every day there will be fashion shows for the promotion of products displayed. The list of products to be displayed includes in category of casual wear & city wear, high fashion & occasional wear, lingerie, specialty and sportswear.
