Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani speaking after inaugurating the 63rd National Garment Fair in Mumbai yesterday congratulated the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) for organizing largest ever apparel trade show which facilitates the marketing of apparels.

Mrs Irani has appealed textile industry to join Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana for the benefit of garment workers immensely, as largest number of people work in the textile sector in the country after agriculture.

CMAI president Rahul Mehta said that the total size of the domestic apparel industry is estimated at around 2,50,000 crore rupees. He expressed confidence that the domestic apparel industry’s size is estimated to double within next 7 years.

The garment B2B Fair, said to be the largest ever so far in country, has 742 stalls displaying 812 brands. Approximately, 40,000 retailers from across the country are expected to visit the three-day expo.

An Iranian delegation with 12 members belonging to Tehran Garment Union is expected to visit the fair for the first time.

Meanwhile, Textile Commissioner Kavita Gupta said the draft National Textile Policy is ready and it would be presented to the Cabinet for approval.

The 3 day expo held at Bombay Exhibition Centre, NSE Complex, Goregaon East, Mumbai, India. It includes all kinds of the fashionable and latest collection of garments and outfits from the branded apparel companies.