In a bid to aid West Bengal apparel industry to compete at the global level, Amit Mitra, State Finance minister has announced to set up a Common Facility Centre (CFC). The minister urged the West Bengal Garment Manufacturers and Dealers Association to collaborate with the state government at the 47th Garment Buyers and Sellers Meet which was hosted in New Town to take the industry to new heights and enhance the apparel manufacturing sector.

He further added that the industry must use modern software-driven machinery to produce better products. The design and branding part should not be overlooked along with offering ‘on the job training’ to the people working in the industry for better production of apparel.

“I came to know that you are exporting garments, especially kidswear to the Middle Eastern countries. Why not export it to the USA or Europe? Please provide us with suggestions on how to make our products more advanced. The state government is ready to help.” – Amit Mitra, Finance Minister, West Bengal

The minister and the association also marked out that, Kolkata has risen in the recent past as the hub for kidswear section. Various chain stores and retailers rely on the city to meet the demands of the childrenswear merchandises.

Focussing on the increasing kidswear demand, Mitra elucidated that they are looking to host a ‘kids’ garment exhibition, something that has not happened in the state till date.