Apparel March 2020 Apparel March 2020 issue

70TH NGF SPECIAL Jayesh Shah, Joint Secretary, CMAI, presenting a bouquet to Mr Chatlani. The Traditional lamp was lit by Mr Chatlani, Mr Rahul Mehta, Mr Rohit Munjal, Chairman, Fair Sub-Committee, and Mr Rajesh Masand, Vice President, CMAI. The Members of CMAI and the Fair Sub- Committee together accompanied Mr Chatlani to various stalls, surveying a myriad of Collections and interacting with various Exhibitors. Speaking of the Fair Sub-Committee’s proficient planning, Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI, said, “I think the Fair Sub-Committee has done a terrific job and I am satisfied that after all these years of Presidency, I have created a team that can look after the mega event efficiently. In fact, it is they who are responsible for having transformed the Fair into one of the best in India. Mr Mehta is hopeful of hosting more successful NGFs in the future. He hopes that the future continues to remain bright, “as long as we keep reinventing ourselves and not rest on our past laurels”. Apparel briefly interacted with Mr Chatlani at the Platinum Lounge, to know about his thoughts on the 70th NGF. He said, “It feels great to be here. I never miss an opportunity to visit Garment Fairs as they are the only place where I meet so many Retailers and Manufacturers under one roof. Just like the Garment Fair in Guangzhou, China, which is one of the largest in the world, the National Garment Fairs are the largest in India. CMAI has been helping Retailers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers as well as Agents and Distributors, who have all benefitted from these well-organised Fairs. The Fair Sub-Committee is a group of Members who are taking time off their businesses and committing to the general welfare of the Industry. Their work has always exceeded our expectations and I truly hope that they continue to do so.” Some of the participants spoke to Apparel talking about the Fair, the current market sentiment due to economic slowdown, recent digital interventions, and other potent issues. Gopikant Choudhary, Ciara Shirts, said, “We are primarily here to target new customers as well as let our existing clients know about our brands’ developments and successes. However, the response has been mild. The economic slowdown has affected each one of us. But if we handle this within our own capacities by providing more varieties for reasonable prices, maintaining good customer relationships and building effective strategies, then I think we can reverse such circumstances. I also see e-commerce picking up pace. In fact, we ourselves sell through a few B2B portals. But when it comes to online APPAREL I March 2020 I 25

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