Apparel Online Bangladesh Magazine April Issue 2019 | Page 14

COVER STORY
Inaugural edition
of ASW receives
whopping response
The two-day sourcing event from the house of Apparel Resources (AR) concludes
successfully in Bangalore (India); brands/retailers and manufacturers from Bangladesh
demand more such events from AR.
T
he much-awaited inaugural
edition of Apparel Sourcing Week
(ASW) 2019 from the house of Apparel
Resources ended on a positive note in
Bangalore on March 16.
The first-ever two-day regional
networking platform which aims to
bring the manufacturing hubs of the
subcontinent closer to India’s retail
sector, received huge response from
all the stakeholders, who thronged
the event in large number to make it a
grand success.
Chief Guest Gaurav Gupta (Principal
Secretary, Commerce and Industry,
Govt. of Karnataka) inaugurated
the event along with President of
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers
and Exporters Association
(BGMEA), Siddiqur Rahman and
Vice President (Finance) of BGMEA,
Mohammed Nasir, at ITC Gardenia,
in the garden city of Bangalore on
March 15.
“India-Bangladesh relationship has
grown stronger over the years and
India is already a very important
development partner for us besides
being a vital destination for garment
exports. Readymade garments today
account for more than 80 per cent of
our total exports while India on the
other hand boasts of an upwardly
mobile and sizeable middle-class
that has significant buying power…
Bangladesh can offer apparels to
the country at a very competitive
price. What’s more, our apparel
manufacturing industry is one of the
most sustainable in every aspect.
Being a neighbouring country, we can
leverage each other’s strengths and
work together towards strengthening
bilateral relations and business
growth,” underlined Siddiqur
Rahman.
I congratulate
the organisers
for coming up
with the Apparel
Sourcing
Week 2019 in
Bangalore...
I am sure the
platform of
ASW would
provide a win-
win situation
for brands and
retailers...”
– Gaurav Gupta
Principal Secretary, Commerce
and Industry, Govt. of Karnataka
On his part, Deepak Mohindra,
Editor-in-Chief, Apparel Resources
(organiser of ASW) thanked the
exhibitors and visitors for their
overwhelming response. He stated,
“Around six months back, when we
began to develop this concept, we
identified three key influencers that
are core to the success of the show
namely Opportunity, Knowledge and
Inspiration. Opportunity, as we all
understand, is through this
platform, which works for both the
exhibitors and retailers… In the
next two days, we look forward to
see great business develop for you
all and wish everyone a fulfilling two
days…”
If Day-1 of ASW witnessed
participation of more than 2,000
visitors, the final day surpassed the
record of 2,000 swiftly!
“I congratulate the organisers for
coming up with the Apparel Sourcing
Week 2019 in Bangalore. Bangalore is
not only a major centre for technology
but also a strong manufacturing hub
primarily for apparels. Retail sector
is also very, very strong here and I
am sure the platform of ASW would
provide a win-win situation for brands
and retailers while also offering new
export opportunities for Bangladesh,”
maintained Gaurav Gupta while
adding that in today’s age of mutual
co-operation, strong business relations
between India and Bangladesh is the
need of the hour.
Speaking on the occasion, President
of BGMEA acknowledged and
appreciated the efforts put in by ASW
and wished it a grand success.
Inaugurating the first ever ASW: Siddiqur Rahman (C), President, BGMEA; Mohammed Nasir (3rd from left), Vice President (Finance), BGMEA; Gaurav
Gupta (5th from left), Principal Secretary, Commerce and Industry, Govt. of Karnataka along with ASW team
14 Apparel Online Bangladesh | APRIL 2019 | www.apparelresources.com