As January ’08 approaches, the preparations for India’s most awaited garment fair have reached in an absolute frenzy. It cannot be denied that the IIGF ranks as one of the most popular apparel fairs in the world, for international buyers hunting to source quality garments with the latest and trendiest designs. The upcoming 40th IIGF, which is an autumn-winter 2008-09 edition, will provide an opportunity for small and medium size manufacturers to showcase their apparels to overseas buyers. With its rich colourful appeal and its opportune timing, IIGF attracts quality buyers from all corners of the globe, and this includes fashion designers and textile industry giants.
The objective of the fair is to provide a launching pad for the apparel exporters to a worldwide audience while also meeting potential customers, creating a base in global apparel industry, expanding the existing business network and creating an opportunity for interacting and transacting with leading players.
The answer to the question “Why should a buyer visit IIGF?” is indeed simple. It is one of the largest apparel fairs in the world and Asia’s most popular fair. More than 400 leading manufacturers, suppliers and exporters display their latest collections. Another important advantage of the event is the unlimited business and networking opportunities that the visitors get by meeting leading manufacturers. More and more visitors are sending in their confirmations. IIGF has received confirmed visitation of some renowned buyers like Kathryn Vaglienty, Horsefeathers (United States), Amy Tan, Rivers Australia (Australia), Lobsang Green, The Bodhi Tree (United States) and Gerry, Gerry Ibiza (Spain).
The aim, according to the organisers, is to introduce at least 100 new buyers to the country. “To achieve this goal, efforts are already underway,” says Pritam Goel, Chairman, Core Committee, IIGFA. He adds, “We have updated the buyers database and have added more than 7,000 new buyers, and the revised database now contains the details of 20,000 buyers. For getting more new buyers to the fair, we have appointed agencies in Spain, Australia, Germany and France. To attract buyers from well established overseas garment fairs, we have taken stalls in the ‘Plural Fair’ and ‘Fatex Fair’.”
The fair has been profitable for many leading exporters and manufacturers. This can be gauged from the fact that from a 12 sq m stall many of the regular participants have now graduated to 125 sq m specially constructed pavilions. Easy availability of skilled manpower and economical prices have made India the hub for big buying companies sourcing goods from India. A perfect blend of fashion, designs, quality, patterns, textures, colours etc., the India International Garment Fair 2008 will have a wide range to choose from- Casual Wear, Office Wear, High Fashion/Occasional Wear, Lingerie, Sportswear, Leather Garment, Fur Garment, Maternity Wear, Uniforms, Work Clothes, etc. Theme based fair displays and ramp shows showcasing all the latest fashion creations are the special highlights of the event. The 40th IIGF is expected to break all previous records in terms of generation of business, including exhibitor and visitor participation.
