From decades, Indian garment industry has felt the need for world-class sourcing and technology events. But instead of working in that direction, each organiser is only concentrated on putting up their shows together without any consideration of what the visitors/industry wants.
Not so surprising, this year as well, the clash of dates of similarly placed events is a concern for most of the industry stakeholders. The irony is that most of these events are well-established and many in the industry would like to participate/visit all the fairs.
India International Garment Fair (IIGF), the only international apparel sourcing fair of India, scheduled to take place from 16th-19th July at Greater Noida, is clashing with the prestigious National Garment Fair, Mumbai of CMAI (a major event for domestic brands), which is going to be held from 16th-19th July in Mumbai.
Though the majority of participants and visitors are different for both the events but few exporters or domestic manufacturers are keen to participate in both. Besides, from 16th-18th July, there is also the Fabric and Accessory (FNA) show at Pragati Maidan in Delhi.
Not only the apparel sourcing fairs, dates of technology-based events are also clashing, as Garment Technology Expo (GTE), Bangalore, and Gartex, Delhi both are scheduled to take place on 18th-20th August. Some of the participants seem to be common in the shows. Apart from established garment manufacturers, both events attract many new visitors from across the country.
Seeing the current scenario of the Indian textile and apparel export industry, it becomes extremely relevant for the organising bodies to host shows in a systematic manner, thus allowing players to showcase strength accordingly as these shows are the mirror to reflect what this potential textile and apparel market has to offer the world.
