Kolkata, 13 July (H.S.): The second day of the 60th Garment Buyers & Sellers Meet and B2B Expo, organised by the West Bengal Garment Manufacturers & Dealers Association (WBGMDA) at Science City in Kolkata on Monday, witnessed an impressive turnout of buyers, retailers, distributors, wholesalers and stakeholders from the apparel industry. Spread across more than two lakh square feet, the three-day exhibition features over 1,000 national and international brands showcasing the latest collections of men's, women's and children's garments. Organisers expect wholesale business transactions worth nearly ₹1,600 crore during the event.

The programme was attended by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, West Bengal Minister for School Education, Housing, MSME and Textiles Dipak Barman, MLAs Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Dilip Singh and Vijay Ojha, Councillor Meena Devi Purohit, social worker Sushil Ojha, along with several prominent representatives from the garment industry. WBGMDA President Hari Kishan Rathi, Senior Vice President Vijay Kariwala, Vice President Pradeep Murarka, Honorary Secretary Devendra Baid and other office-bearers were also present.

Addressing the media, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said West Bengal is endowed with abundant natural resources and possesses immense potential for industrial growth. Referring to the state's once-thriving garment sector, he said Bengal had a glorious industrial legacy, but earlier industrial policies had led to the migration of industries instead of generating employment. He expressed confidence that the state is now moving towards a new phase of industrial development, creating fresh opportunities for investment and job creation.

State Textiles Minister Dipak Barman said the future of the garment industry in West Bengal is highly promising. He noted that investors from across the country are keen to establish medium and large-scale manufacturing units in the state. Responding to a long-pending demand of the association, he assured that the state government would seriously consider the proposal for setting up a dedicated Garment Hub.

WBGMDA President Hari Kishan Rathi said the enthusiastic response from buyers and exhibitors on the second day reflected the resilience and growing strength of India's garment industry. He said the expo serves not only as a platform for business transactions but also for fostering long-term partnerships, encouraging innovation and helping manufacturers and traders expand into new markets. He thanked exhibitors, buyers, industry partners and the government for their continued support in making the event a success.

The organisers said the expo, which concludes on July 14, is one of Eastern India's largest garment trade events and aims to promote the growth of the ready-made garment industry, create new business opportunities and contribute to the economic development of West Bengal.

Established in 1962, the West Bengal Garment Manufacturers & Dealers Association is one of Eastern India's leading organisations representing the ready-made garment industry. With more than 570 members, the association organises two Garment Buyers & Sellers Meets every year besides conducting seminars, industry awareness programmes and various social initiatives.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh