"The event is organised annually during this period so that we can book orders well in advance for the Diwali season. The response on the first day itself is overwhelming and we expect to book orders worth over Rs 150 crore," said Bharat Shah, chairman, advisory board at GGMA. The association, meanwhile, has been demanding for a domestic apparel park from the Gujarat government.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the fair, state industry minister Saurabh Patel said that the government will do its best to allot sufficient land for the members of GGMA to set up a domestic apparel park. "The government is working towards allotmenting land for the park but it may take sometime," said Patel.
According to Shah, the textile industry in Gujarat has been endeavouring to strengthen the garment sector in order to offer integrated services. "Gujarat has been a formidable player right from cotton to fabric but now the state is looking at strengthening the garment sector. A domestic apparel park will help the industry players in consolidation of garment activities," he added.
The association has put forward a demand for 2.5 lakh sq yard land around Ahmedabad for the park. Shah added that the construction of the park will take atleast 12-15 months from the date of land allotment at a cost of Rs 700-800 crore.
