Union Minister of Textile, Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the three day long the 58th edition of India international Garment fair (IIGF), catering to Autumn- Winter 2017/ 18 organized by Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) on Wednesday in New Delhi.

The inauguration was done in the presence of dignitaries- Ajay Tamta, Hon'ble Minister of State for Textiles; Rashmi Verma, IAS, Secretary (Textiles), Ministry Of Textiles; Subrata Gupta, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles amongst many others.

Speaking on the inauguration, Irani said that festivity in terms of trade had begun under the aegis of AEPC which is organizing its 58th Fair. The B2B (Business-to-Business) trade fairs like India International Garment Fair (IIGF) are the most cost effective platform for small and medium enterprise (SME) exporters to go global.

Irani congratulating the participants for presenting their talent to the rest of the world said that over thousand of buyers visiting the fair today can leverage the talent that India has to offer. Also, AEPC through these endeavors goes from strength to strength... small and medium enterprises which are new in the world of exports can use these platforms which are comparatively cost effective.

Speaking on the occasion Ashok G Rajani, Chairman, AEPC said that India's RMG export to World during April-December of 2016-17 witnessed a decline of 0.2% compared to the same period in the previous financial year. The market sentiments have been affected due to delays in roll out of special package which was announced for the apparel sector in June 2016 and stagnation in the Europe and US markets.

They are expecting the 58th IIGF to bring in double digit growth in the Indian export market, bringing in optimism amongst exporters, added Rajani.

Lalit Thukral, Chairman Exhibition Advisory Committee, AEPC said that the 58th IIGF aims to be one of the largest platforms in Asia where overseas garment buyers can source and forge the business relationship with India's finest in Apparel and Fashion Accessories domain.

They are expecting participation from nearly 1100 national and international buyers and buying houses at IIGF. About 1081 buyers have confirmed from 94 countries across the world. Buyers from Europe, The United States of America, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa amongst many others are participating in the event.

Fourteen states from India viz. Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Gujarat, Karnataka to name a few are participating. A total of 312 participants are showcasing women's wear, accessories, kid's wear and men's wear.

Buyers attending the Fair are expected to visit for immediate sourcing requirements and deliveries. This scenario will immensely benefit manufacturers with capacities prepared to deliver at a short notice.