The Autumn/Winter edition of India Knit Fair that was organized by AEPC (Apparel Export Promotion Council) and TEA (Tirupur Exporters Association) in association with IKFA (India Knit Fair Association) concluded in Tirupur recently. The event that was scheduled between 15-17 October took of when Rakesh Vaid, Chairman AEPC along with A. Sakhtivel, Chairman IKFA inaugurated the Fair. On this occasion Rakesh Vaid said, “The knitwear industry in Tirupur is developing rapidly and now the focus is on improving the infrastructure so that the growth and business remains consistent.” The Fair saw participation from around 50 exporters not only from Tirupur but from other parts of India. The buyers who came from China, England, Russia, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Greece, France, Australia, Malaysia and Portugal appreciated the wide range and exclusive designs displayed at the Fair.
Poly chiffon tops, poly cotton knitted bottoms, men’s polo shirts in coconut fibres and bamboo charcoal blended garments were some of the interesting products seen at the Fair.
The four-day show was marked by some other important events also. While on one hand the foundation stone for Knitwear Technology Mission was laid, on the other a MoU was signed between AEPC and Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co. Ltd, Taiwan. “The agreement will not only promote production of value added textile products but also, in developing new textiles and fabrics,” said Vaid.He also said that with the growing needs of the industry, it is imperative to remain updated in technology, acquire new skills and come up with new products regularly and expressed the confidence that the upcoming Knitwear Technology Mission (KTM) in Tirupur will cater to all such needs.
“With the initiation of KTM we will be able to utilize different kinds of yarns, experiment with different fabrics base and hence compete with countries like China and Taiwan,” said A. Sakhtivel.
Overall, the Fair received a good response and participants expressed their satisfaction over turnaround and quality of buyers. The next edition of India Knit Fair is scheduled to be held from 20-22 May, 2009.