Minister of State for Textiles (I.C) Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, today inaugurated the 55th India International Garment Fair, 2015, India's largest garment show in South Asia, covering apparel and fashion accessories which has attracted 305 buyers from across the globe, of which 202 are from traditional markets and 103 are from non-traditional markets. 2,921 buyers have already registered for the fair. The 55th IIGF is a three day fair which is being held from 13th to 15th July 2015, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that given its employment and export intensity, the apparel industry plays a significant role in realizing the vision of 'Make in India'. Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government has laid a renewed emphasis on boosting manufacturing, growing exports and generating more employment. Shri Gangwar cited the successful example of the textile industry of Gujarat and said that the Ministry of Textiles is working hard to take Indian textile industry to a higher level on the global stage.

The Minister further added that people are interested in India and in working with India. He observed that whenever he comes to the IIGF, he finds very good participation of exporters, with large number of reputed overseas buyers. He assured that Ministry of Textiles would continue to provide all requisite support for organizing India International Garment Fair.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Panda, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, stated that the Ministry has been laying a strong emphasis on skill, scale and speed, in order to improve production, exports and employment. He said that the apparel and garment industry has an important role to play in this. He requested all foreign buyers to take out some time to visit Incredible India, citing the Ministry's efforts to link textiles with tourism.

Shri Virender Uppal, Chairman AEPC stated that the buyers have started showing faith and view India to be a safe and compliant destination for sourcing garments. The Chairman said that the objective of IIGF is to showcase latest and emerging trends in garments and fashion accessories. The Chairman thanked the Ministry of Textiles for its supportive policies.

He said that India's apparel exports in dollar terms for April-March of FY 2014-15 had increased by 12.3 percent over the same period of previous FY and reached USD 16,846 million. He thanked the Ministry for accepting AEPC's recommendations regarding improving ease of doing business. He added that RMG exports were to the tune of USD 1568.5 million in May 2015, an increase of 5.1 per cent against that of May 2014 which was 1492.4 million USD. India's RMG exports for the period of April-May 2015-'16 (cumulative) was to the tune of USD 3012.7 million, 7% higher than that of the same period previous year.

The 55th IIGF is being organized by AEPC in association with AEMA, GEA and CMAI as partner associations and GEAR as co-organisers. Buyers from across the globe including EU, Asia, USA, Brazil, UK, USA, Turkey, Australia, Russia, Japan, UAE, Hong Kong and Spain are participating in the fair. The big buyers include One Jeanswear Group from USA, Grupo Hotelshops, Mexico, PJSC Melon Fashion Group from Russia, The Original Factory Shop from UK, Cortefiel from Spain, PNL from Thailand, Alona Miron Ltd from Israel, Options from Colombia, Aftershock from London, Lec Lee from Colombia, Group-Disco from Uruguay, Jeans West from Australia, Topitop from Peru, etc have confirmed their participation for the 55th IIGF.

The IIGF 2015 has witnessed the largest participation of buyers so far despite some relative advantages enjoyed by India's neighbouring countries in the export market, the apparel and garment sector of India is making steady in-roads into foreign markets due to its inherent strengths of design, creativity and innovation. Shri Puneet Kumar, Secretary General, AEPC hopes the FTA with European Union gets concluded at an early date, thereby giving a boost to the sector.

The 55th IIGF has exhibitors from across the length and breadth of India, including Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Haryana, Delhi and Punjab. There are more than 400 exhibitors who would be putting up on display their best collections and latest fashion products at the event.