Apparel March 2020 Apparel March 2020 issue | Page 30

70TH NGF SPECIAL
ONTO NEWER HORIZONS
Amidst a flurry of activity on Day Two of the 70th NGF,, Mili Doshi caught up with Rakesh Biyani,
President, CMAI, to gain a deeper insight into the Fair, to understand the economic downturn
plaguing the industry and the forthcoming initiatives by CMAI, among other relevant topics...
Photographs: Subhabrata Das.
in-depth knowledge of the need of the industry
and ensure that everybody works together to
facilitate the smooth functioning of these sectors.
The leadership and past presidents have been
fantastic in their efforts, not only in solving basic
issues but also in representing the needs of the
Industry to the Government. It is in all totality, an
Association Of the Members, By the Members,
For the Members.
IN YOUR OPINION, HOW HAS THE NGF
FARED TILL NOW?
We have had a record number of brands
participating in this two-day event. Footfalls
have been quite strong, despite the economic
slowdown. I believe the NGFs make it easier for
retailers to connect with brands and help the
industry become more efficient. As per initial
statistics, participation has increased by almost
20 per cent as compared to the previous year.
This has been quite encouraging.
WHAT, ACCORDING TO YOU, ARE SOME
OF THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FACED
BY THE INDUSTRY CURRENTLY?
I think the industry is witnessing a slowdown in
consumption after a very long time. But as is
the case every time, entrepreneurs and brand-
owners are taking it in their stride and working
hard to create better designs. I am quite confident
that the slowdown will be effectively addressed
in the next few months. CMAI is also working
with various organisations to bring about more
efficiency in operations.
CMAI IS KNOWN TO BE A TRAILBLAZER
IN THE INDIAN GARMENT INDUSTRY.
HOW HAS IT GARNERED THIS
REPUTATION?
For all these years, CMAI has been run by the
industry itself and the members have been quite
active in managing their affairs. They have an
28
I APPAREL I
March 2020
AS PRESIDENT OF CMAI, HOW
HAVE THINGS CHANGED FOR YOU
PROFESSIONALLY?
When I joined the board and became Vice
President, CMAI, I witnessed first –hand, the
kind of work this organisation and its members
are doing. As the years went by I have become
deeply involved in my work with CMAI. I consider
it my privilege to lead this Association and
believe that India’s apparel industry has huge
potential. Consumer consumption in India will
always outpace the exports. Together, we need
to leverage all the strength of the country’s textile
industry to increase their demand. There is a lot
of work that we can do—collaborating with the
Government, the industry, and establishing value-
added services for the industry. We want CMAI to
have its presence known across every single large
manufacturing centre so that we can be closer to
our Members and involve them more than they
already are.