AEPC invites exporters to take part in Tokyo expo

TIRUPUR: The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has invited knitwear exporters to take part in the fifth edition of the ‘India Trend Fair’ (ITF) in Tokyo, Japan, from July 24 to July 26.
“Japan is one of the major importers of readymade garments (RMG). It has imported goods worth $28440million in 2018. Despite being one of the largest exporters of RMG, India exports goods to Japan lesser than 1% of the latter’s total import value,” deputy director of AEPC C Eswarasundar said. India has earlier signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Japan for exporting RMG. It was a rare advantage available for Indian RMG exporters because they don’t have such trade agreement with most of the major importers. Therefore, enormous potential exists for increasing our textiles and garment exports to Japan, he said.

ITF is an exclusive ‘business matching event’ which would give an opportunity to exporters to showcase their products and supply capabilities of value-added products with special emphasis on the products designed to suit Japanese fashion trends and requirements, he said.

Meanwhile, the AEPC has also invited the exporters to utilize another opportunity of participating in Hong Kong fashion week, which is the second largest fashion exhibition in the world. The fashion week is scheduled between July 8 and July 11 in Hong Kong.

The Union commerce ministry would provide financial assistance under the ‘Market Access Initiative’ for the exporters who participate in the international trade fairs. Meanwhile, the AEPC has written to the ministry to reimburse air fares of the exporters who will participate in Hong Kong fashion week.