SGCCI and CMAI to host the first ‘Garment Conclave’ in Surat

Surat (Gujarat) : The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) are hosting the first-ever “Garment Conclave” titled “Surat Garment Industry—The Way Forward” in India’s largest man-made fabric (MMF) textile hub, with the goal of making Surat the country’s garment manufacturing centre.

Darshana Jardosh, Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, will inaugurate the ‘Garment Conclave’ on Saturday at the Platinum Hall of the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) in Sarsana.

The Garment Conclave will feature eminent speakers such as Rahul Mishra, internationally acclaimed Fashion Designer and winner of International Wollmark prize in 2014 at Milan Fashion week, Manohar Chatlani CEO and MD of SOCH, who is the man behind the revolution of the ethnic fast fashion category in the retail market in India, Prashant Agarwal, managing director of Wazir Advisors, Dr. Rajesh Bheda, managing director of Rajesh Bheda consulting and Santosh Kataria CEO and MD of the prominent kids wear brand Peppermint.

During the Garment Conclave, the CMAI will make an announcement regarding the establishment of their Gujarat region office at the SGCCI headquarters in Sarsana.

“Bangladesh does not manufacture any fabric, but they are the world leaders in garment manufacturing,” said Himanshu Bodawala, president of SGCCI. Bangladesh exports textiles worth $52 billion per year, with garment exports accounting for approximately $42 billion of that total. Surat is the largest manufacturer of MMF fabrics and has the potential to become the largest garment manufacturing hub as well.”

“We have received an overwhelming response from the textile fraternity in Surat,” said Bodawala. Approximately 2,100 delegates have already confirmed their attendance through online registration. This demonstrates that Surat’s textile industry is ready to embrace garmenting in a big way.”

“In terms of fabrics, Surat has captured the markets of South India, Varanasi, and other places in India,” said Dr. Ajoy Bhattacharya, regional chairman of CMAI. There is no other choice but to enter the garment industry. Surat has the potential to become the world’s leading garment manufacturing centre.”

According to Dr. Bhattacharya, many weavers and textile companies work with major fashion brands such as H&M, Zara, and other global leaders. Surat’s textile entrepreneurs supply MMF fabric to the world’s top brands. There are a few entrepreneurs who have ventured into garment manufacturing, but they lack knowledge of the international market and fashion trends.

“The speakers invited at the Garment Conclave are top-notch leaders in fashion and garment sector. They will be advising Surat entrepreneurs on garment specifications, potential markets, fashion trends, and, most importantly, changing the textile entrepreneurs’ mindset.” Dr. Bhattacharya explained.