Being involved with India’s textile sector for as long as I can remember, I am pleased and privileged to address you as the President of the premier representative body of the industry.
Indeed, as a co-organizer of InFashion 2011, FAITMA played its part in making the premier event a resounding success. And we stand committed to making InFashion 2012 an even bigger and more memorable experience for all concerned.
The Indian textiles & fashion apparel industry is not only growing rapidly, but is also poised to become a major force internationally. By 2020, it is estimated to touch US$ 220 billion in value terms. It is already the country’s second largest employer after agriculture. It continues to be a significant contributor to India’s industrial output, and foreign exchange earnings.
Like his global counterpart, the Indian consumer has also become extremely quality, style and value conscious. This has driven the country’s textile & apparel manufacturers to upgrade their technology and capabilities. Not just that, it has “innovation” – in brought about yarns, fabrics, readymade garments, accessories, processes and production methods -- the most important key to the sustained growth of the entire industry.
A forum like InFashion is the perfect platform to exhibit, share and promote these innovations. As InFashion 2011 has proved, it draws a huge number of professionals from every segment of the industry, including the biggest manufacturers, brands and suppliers. It is a highly rewarding experience for both exhibitors and visitors. No wonder, all the 110 exhibitors at InFashion 2011 have expressed in advance their keenness to participate in InFashion 2012 … many of them with increased investments in space and display!
I thank all these people for their wonderful support and their confidence in us. At the same time, I welcome numerous others who have told us they want to be there in the 2012 edition. We will be only too happy to accommodate them, because InFashion 2012 will be almost twice the size of 2011.
I look forward to meeting all of you at InFashion 2012, and pray for the event’s ever-growing success and appreciation that it rightfully deserves.
