65th NGF: A Colossal Success

The 65th National Garment Fair, India’s Largest Apparel Trade Show, organised by The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), began in great style and aplomb at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NSE Complex, Goregaon (E), Mumbai. The Three day Exhibition was held on July 10, 11 and 12, 2017. Kashmira Mirza & Anurima Das report, straight from the Venue. 

- Kashmira Mirza & Anurima Das

The long wait finally came to an end as the biggest event for which the Indian Apparel Industry was waiting, began with a roar on July 10, 2017. Amidst much hope and with the GST announcement being made at the beginning of the month, the National Garment Fair opened with a renewed energy. The rains and deteriorating weather was not allowed to spoil the business mood, as the NGF opened to a full house right from Day One. Unlike the last few editions, the Exhibition this year was bigger in both scale and quality. Accommodating the new and old in the Industry, NGF in its 65th edition spanned across Exhibition Halls I, V, VI & VIIA of the Bombay Exhibition Centre, covering a gross area of approximately 6,00,000 sq. ft, with approximately 881 stalls showcasing over 1023 leading brands. Approximately 41554 footfalls were registered for the three-day Trade Show.

DAY ONE

As with all previous Fairs, the excellent organisation and planning of CMAI was evident right from the beginning. Mr Rahul Mehta, President, CMAI, welcomed the Chief Guest Dr Kavita Gupta, IAS, Textiles Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and gave an overview of the Fair.

The Fair was inaugurated by Smt Smriti Zubin Irani at Hotel Leela, Mumbai on, Sunday evening (July 09, 2017). The inauguration began by lighting the traditional lamp and cutting the ceremonial ribbon. This was followed by Dr Kavita Gupta visiting the Fair on its opening day to see the Exhibition in its 65th edition.

Post the inauguration, distinguished members of the CMAI escorted Dr Kavita Gupta to various stalls. These members included Mr Rahul Mehta, President, CMAI, Mr Rajesh Masand, Vice President, and Mr Rakesh Biyani, Vice President & Chairman, New Projects Sub-Commitee, CMAI.