India’s ambassador to the UAE is set to kick off the highly anticipated second edition of the “Brands of India” expo this month in Dubai. Organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) with backing from various Indian and UAE entities, this event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 12 to 14, 2024.
This year’s expo will showcase over 150 Indian apparel brands, emphasizing the surge in India’s export potential as it captures market share previously dominated by Bangladesh, a shift enhanced by the recently established Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). An impressive audience of more than 1,400 buyers from over 30 countries is expected to attend, marking a significant opportunity for Indian manufacturers.
In recent months, India has witnessed a notable rise in apparel exports, a trend that many attribute to the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh. Reports indicate that international buyers are considering redirecting up to 15 percent of their orders from Bangladesh to Indian suppliers—a potential revenue increase of approximately 300 to 400 million dollars monthly for India’s garment sector. Apparel exports from India recorded an 8.5 percent growth in the first half of the current financial year, rebounding from a 15 percent decline during the same timeframe last year. In September alone, a striking 17.3 percent year-on-year increase in exports was noted.
The CEPA, which eliminates a 5 percent import duty on Ready Made Garments, further amplifies India’s competitive position against rivals like China. According to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics, India’s apparel exports to the UAE amounted to 462.3 million dollars between April and August 2024, with expectations of rising demand as Ramadan approaches.
In his remarks, Santosh Katariya, president of CMAI, pointed out that the UAE has remained a vital market for Indian apparel, representing approximately 12 percent of the nation’s total apparel exports. He noted that the “Brands of India” expo is designed to introduce Indian manufacturers to broader export markets, particularly in the GCC states, the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
H.E. Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the UAE, will officially inaugurate the exhibition. He stressed the UAE’s critical role as India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination, underscoring the importance of Indian brands in the global market.
Sunil Barthwal, commerce secretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, highlighted the expo’s potential to elevate the image of the Indian apparel industry internationally and facilitate valuable connections for participating brands.
The exhibition promises a rich array of offerings, featuring diverse collections in men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel. Styles exhibited will span casual wear, ethnic, formal, denim, athleisure, winter wear, sleepwear, and more, catering to a wide spectrum of retailers, boutiques, wholesalers, and e-commerce platforms.
The last edition of the Brands of India expo was a resounding success, attracting nearly 2,800 overseas buyers from 63 nations and generating an estimated business worth 350 million dollars over three years. Leading names participating this year include prominent brands and manufacturers from various apparel segments, all eager to expand their international reach.
As the event nears, anticipation builds among exhibitors and buyers alike, eager to forge new partnerships and explore the latest trends in Indian fashion.
