The first ever International Textile & Apparel Fair in Jaipur – Vastra, was a satisfactory event for the exhibitors, as deals worth US $ 58 million were reportedly inked at the event. Organized by the Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (RIICO) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the event has been scheduled as an annual event to boost the textile and garment industry in Rajasthan. Upbeat of the positive feedbacks from both the exhibitors and participants, Naveen Mahajan, MD, RIICO said, “We are expecting that business for the exhibitors will flow in even after the fair as a record 3,128 business-to-business sessions were held where serious discussions took place. For the next fair, we have set the target at US $ 750-1000 million.”
With more than 360 buyers from 61 nations visiting the fair, most of whom were small chain stores or boutique buyers, the exhibitors found compatible business opportunities. As most of the exhibitors were from Jaipur, displaying their strength in women’s wear, buyers took the opportunity to visit the factories and cement relations. “Many serious buyers from Holland, Belgium and Poland are here, one of them Coltex from Denmark is having more than 350 stores and asks for volume. Once the buyers come to Jaipur, they are visiting factories also and can see for themselves our real strength,” said CD Mehta of Shah Originals.
[bleft]The show was dominated by small- and medium-sized exporters, though a few big names did add credibility to the event. Also, as most of the exhibitors were from Jaipur, displaying their strength in women’s wear, buyers took the opportunity to visit the factories and cement relations.[/bleft]
The show was dominated by small- and medium-sized exporters, though a few big names did add credibility to the show like Kanhaiya Lal Kalyanmal, Lodha Impex, Maam Arts and Shah Originals. Taking an upfront approach, many of the exporters had new collections in line with international trends. Rudraksh Exports from Pushkar displayed this year long dresses, especially for the US exporters; earlier they were not working in this category. Lalit Khatri, Director of the company was very happy with the footfall and response to his collection, and besides his regular buyers, he was able to tap one new big buyer.
Noida-based Maharana of India was also displaying at the fair. The company’s MD Lalit Thukral appreciated the fair and claimed to have met few new and genuine buyers from Japan, South America and South Africa. “I saw some buyers whom I have never seen earlier at the Delhi show,” he said appreciating FICCI’s groundwork. Purushottam Gupta, CEO of the Ekta Fashions, informed that most of the buyers who came to them were only in an enquiry mood. “In the four days we found three buyers from whom we can expect orders in the future. Overall efforts of the organizers were good, especially as it is their first attempt,” he said. Along with apparels, Ekta Fashions is into accessories and made-ups also.
On the other hand the experience of some other companies was quite different. Haresh Kumar of Lila Shyam Exports, Pushkar a regular at garment fairs denied the presence of any new buyer. “We have not entertained any new buyer as totally old buyers are here,” he claimed. Venus Garments, Ludhiana, which displayed its latest range of Tees was also disappointed, as buyers are not as per their expectations. “There are three buyers from Canada and some Mexico buyers who we can expect to work with in the future, as we ask for minimum quantities of at least 1,000 pieces, per colour, per style, but many buyers were asking for just 500 pieces. We were looking for bulk buyers from the US but could not locate any,” said Yogesh Jain, Sr. Manager (Merchandiser) representing Venus Garments.
[bleft]Many exhibitors were expecting a big group of buyers from Japan, as Jaipur is strong in the market and after the FTA many are looking for bigger share, but the buyers were few in number and were not looking at big volumes. Many informed that Jaipur was unable to gain from the FTA, as it needs volume orders on reduced prices to get really benefited. [/bleft]
Very few companies were showcasing any product that was truly different; Morarka Organic of Jaipur was one of them with a wide range of organic items. “The fair will give buyers the chance to know Jaipur more and because of their factory visits buyers are more comfortable while giving orders to us. Buyers from Japan, UK and Malaysia came here and they are very willing to work with us,” informed R K Gupta, GM (Textiles), Morarka Organic. Four years ago the company initiated their textile business with bath and bed range, later they started to produce knitted products in organic cotton, socks in particular is the thrust.
Many exhibitors were expecting a big group of buyers from Japan, as Jaipur is strong in the market and after the FTA many are looking for bigger share, but the buyers were few in number and were not looking at big volumes. Many informed that Jaipur was unable to gain from the FTA, as it needs volume orders on reduced prices to get really benefited. Making high-end garments or working on small orders does not pay in terms of FTA.
[bleft]“The fair will give buyers the chance to know Jaipur more and because of their factory visits buyers are more comfortable while giving orders to us.” – R K Gupta, GM (Textiles), Morarka Organic[/bleft]
Although few textile companies like LNJ, Sutlej Textile and Industries, NBT Limited, Tijaria Polypipes, Prayag Fabrics, Mayur Uniquoters also participated, but there were few buyers interested in fabric and most of them were looking for small quantities. Mukesh Jivan of Bendek Trading, Harare plans to source only half a million fabric in a year from India.
Many of the buyers were happy and looking forward to the next edition. Syed Navaid Hatmi, MD, Hatmi Style & Craft Inc., Taiwan claimed that they are sourcing products worth nearly US $ 1.6 million per year from India since the last 16 years. “We are the first company in Taiwan to start importing Indian products. We would like to see more participants, especially in knitted segment. Amar Chhibbar of the Chic Couture, having four stores in New York, was of the opinion that timing of the fair is perfect as per their need.
The organizers were a happy lot, as the overall feedback was positive. “It has been a good beginning and we have to think about how to take the gains forward,” said Sunil Arora, Principal Secretary, Industries after the show.
