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New Delhi, July 15 (ANI): Union Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran inaugurated the 43rd edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) and the first exclusive silk exhibition ‘Silk Paradise’ here today.

More than 200 garment manufacturers and exporters from Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad, Jaipur, Pushkar, Tirupur, Mumbai and Kolkata are participating in the fair.

Over 3,000 visitors from 70 countries are expected to attend this fashion extravaganza.

The IIGF is being organised by the International Garment Fair Association (IGFA), the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the Garment Exporters Association (GEA), the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), the Apparel Exporters and Manufacturers Association (AEMA) and the Apparel and Handloom Exporters Association (AHEA).

During three-day exhibition, the Indian garment exporters will launch new range of products, offer special products, make efforts to strengthen existing markets and explore new markets.

The ‘Silk Paradise’ is being organized by the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC) , where 80 participants from all over India are showcasing their product range in garments, home furnishing, accessories and fabrics.

It is expected that 300 to 400 serious buyers and buying agent will visit the exhibition and on the spot business of Rs. 200 to 300 crore is expected and in the short and medium term the business of Rs. 1,000 crore will be generated.

Briefing media persons on the sidelines, Maran said he was impressed by the scale of participation in these fairs and was happy to learn that in the time of recession these fair have been able to attract buyers.

“What gives me satisfaction is that 20 buyers from Japan as well as some buyers from Argentina and Uruguay have come for the first time. This vindicates our ‘Look East Policy’ and focus on opening of new market, particularly, in Latin America, Africa and Oceania”, he said.

He also said that to maintain attraction, he would be leading a trade delegation to Japan next week, where he will hold discussion with Government and business, and also 30 textiles and clothing exporters are participating in Japan International Fashion Fair (JIFF).

He added that the silk sector is an important part of Indian textiles.

“It presently contributes Rs. 3,500 crore (2007-08) to Indian textiles and clothing export and it is expected to rise to Rs. 7,000 crore by 2012,” he said.

These exhibitions will run from July 15 to July 17.

Union Minister of State for Textiles Panabaaka Lakshmi was also present. (ANI)