Mumbai, October 25, 2024: The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) will host the second edition of “Brands of India,” a mega show of Indian apparel manufacturers, from November 12–14, 2024, at Za’abeel Hall 4, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE, following the tremendous success of the first edition last year. The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Embassy of India in the United Arab Emirates, TEXMAS (Dubai), the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the Noida Apparel Export Cluster (NAEC), and the Readymade Garments Merchants Group (Dubai) are all supporting the trade event.
More than 150 Indian apparel brands and white label manufacturers will be featured in the eagerly awaited next edition, offering a wide variety of fashion in men’s, women’s, and children’s wear, including casual, ethnic, formals, denim, athleisure, winter, sleepwear, innerwear, tops, bottoms, and much more. Retailers, chain and department stores, boutiques, wholesalers, agents, distributors, importers, traders, e-commerce, and buying houses from all over the world are thus presented with a unique sourcing opportunity.
Leading Middle Eastern retailers and chain stores, such as Lulu Group, Landmark Group, Al Safeer Group, Brands Group, R&B, and BMA Group, together with retailers and boutiques, will be the main buyers at the expo amid positive sourcing sentiments. Additionally, more than a thousand wholesalers and importers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen, Egypt, Turkey, Angola, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, Algeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Greece, Singapore, and South Africa have pre-registered to attend the fair.
In addition to boosting trade ties, ‘Brands of India’ further leverages on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), enabling duty-free Apparel imports from India into UAE. With low labour costs, flexible production capabilities, quality products, competitive pricing, timely delivery, efficient logistics systems, expertise in white label contract manufacturing, India is globally recognized as a prime sourcing hub for buyers seeking quality Apparel for their market. Leading manufacturers from cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, Surat, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Tirupur, Kolkata, Noida, Ludhiana, New Delhi, Indore, Solapur and others will be exhibiting under one roof to exemplify the diversity of India’s manufacturing.
Speaking about the growing demand for Indian Apparel in global markets, Mr. Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, said “Total Indian Apparel exports are expected to reach US$ 15 Bn in 2024, marking a 5-7 percentage increase compared to 2023. Under CEPA, we’re optimistic for a potential rise with concerted efforts. At Brands of India, we have an impressive range of Indian manufacturers showcasing their latest Collections and Styles. Visitor pre-registrations so far has surged 35% in comparison to last year and we are about three weeks away from the show, thus reflecting a growing global interest to source from India. Given the current uncertain environment at other sourcing centres, there’s tremendous potential for India to expand business, especially in the MENA region, which is a huge market and offers immense business opportunities.”
Recently, an exclusive pre-show Summit was held in Mumbai with leading Agents & Distributors from Middle East and Africa which included Mr. Peter Raichandani, Profile Trading Co., Dubai; Mr. Jagdish Kewalramani, Haidarous Trading, Dubai; Mr. Saifuddin Amjawala, Al Azhar Int’l, Kuwait; Mr. Anil Gulwani, Toos Trading Co., Riyadh; Mr. Nicil Chhatbar, Jeddah; Mr. Elangovan Viswanathan, SNQS Int’l, Buying Group and Mr. Rajeev Arora, Medori Co., Kenya.
Mr. Varun Sharma, Director, Arun Varun The Fashion Studio, New Delhi, asserted “We had a fabulous experience last year. We were highly impressed by the quality of visitors especially the presence of decision-makers amongst buyers. Honestly, we learned a lot and came back with strong connections. There are still potential buyers who are reaching out and asking for samples they saw then. The excitement this time is similar to what we experienced before participating in the first edition.” A first-time exhibitor, Mr. Sachin Vora, Director, Red Rose brand of Women’s Intimate wear, Mumbai, emphasized “We are thrilled at the opportunity to expand our global footprints and be part of this vital platform to connect with new buyers. With the immense business potential and demand in the Middle East and African markets, Dubai continues to be the Gateway. We are confident that promotional efforts put in by CMAI and their supporting partners will bring more prospects.”
“Over the years, India has seen the development of some specialized hubs for niche apparel products,” said Mr. Jaidev Himthani, COO, Smart Baby, Al Safeer Group of Companies UAE. International players find it easier to travel and investigate collaborating with possible partners from Indian industrial hubs because to “Brands of India” in Dubai. Our purchasing teams are eager to interact, connect, and find custom collections for our clients.According to Mr. Jagdish Amarnani, Chairman of the Textile Merchants Group (Texmas), the premier organization of wholesale textile merchants in Dubai, “Indian apparel appeals to Middle Eastern consumers and the nation is a thriving center for the production of textiles and apparel.” We are passionate about Indian brands, which enable us to find modern goods.