Jaipur, Oct 1 (IANS): Rajasthan's rich and colourful traditional textiles, which have blended well with latest technology, would be on display here at a fair at which buyers from 66 countries are expected.
'VASTRA - 2013', the second edition of Rajasthan's international textile and apparel fair, promises to be bigger and better than its first edition last year with overseas participation from over 66 countries having been confirmed.
The fair, being held Oct 3-6 at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre in Sitapura Industrial Area, is being organised by the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd (RIICO), with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) as the co-organiser.
The union commerce an industry ministry has provided financial support to the tune of Rs.5 crore for 'VASTRA-2013' under the Market Access Initiative Scheme.
Addressing a press conference, RIICO MD Naveen Mahajan said: "This year, 202 exhibitors, 421 buyers from 66 countries and 43 Indian buying houses have confirmed their participation."
"Besides participation from traditional export markets like the US and West Europe, this year there is also an increase in participation from new markets such as Latin America, Africa, China, Australia and East Europe. This is in keeping with the efforts of the government of India in enlarging the export market of Indian textiles and making inroads into new markets."
The apparel export target for the current financial year has been fixed at $17 billion.
Business worth $61.90 million was generated during 'VASTRA - 2012', in which as many as 178 exhibitors, 361 foreign buyers from 61 countries and 36 buying houses from India participated.
FICCI state head Gyan Prakash said that "VASTRA - 2013" is a comprehensive trade fair on textiles and apparel.
The objective is to showcase the best and latest in textiles from - fibre to fashion, be it products and accessories or technology and machines. The event aims to provide a platform to participants/exhibitors for forming new business relations, exports, partnerships worldwide, locations for setting up businesses in India.
The fair would contribute further in projecting India as a prominent sourcing hub and investment destination.
Products that would be on display during the four day event include apparel, home textiles, fibre, yarn, fabric, fashion accessories, machinery, carpets, rugs and bags.
'VASTRA' has a special significance for Rajasthan as the state government has recently announced a separate policy for the sector.
Textiles is among the prominent sectors in Rajasthan, employing 1.61 lakh in mill and decentralized power loom sector. The industry has blended its rich and colourful age old traditional textiles with the latest in technology, which would all be on display at 'VASTRA - 2013'.
Rajasthan enjoys leading position in the production of polyester viscose yarn and synthetic suiting material as well as processing of low-cost, low-weight fabric. Almost half of India's PV suiting and yarn is contributed by Rajasthan. It is present across the entire textile value chain -- from spinning to garments and made-ups. Bhilwara is the biggest centre for production of viscose and polyester textiles in India.
Rajasthan is a major producer of printed and dyed fabric for the fashion garment industry and Rajasthani prints of Bagru and Sanganer have got international recognition.