The 57th WB Garment Fair and B2B Expo, organized by the West Bengal Garment Manufacturers and Dealers Association (WBGMDA), brought the spotlight back to the vibrant garment industry of West Bengal. Held over three days, January 11, 12, and 13, 2025, at Science City, Kolkata, the event spanned an impressive 2 lakh sq. ft. area, hosting around 200 national brands. With a focus on kids, men’s, and women’s readymade garments, this year’s expo is projected to generate commercial transactions worth an estimated Rs. 1000-1200 crore in the wholesale market. Association has invited more than 900 top wholesale buyers form all over India.
Government and Industry Leaders Unite for Economic Growth
The event’s importance to West Bengal’s economy was underscored by the presence of distinguished government officials and industry leaders. Dr. Shashi Panja, Minister in charge of Child and Family Welfare, and Sujit Bose, Minister of State for Fire, joined industry stalwarts like Hari Kishan Rathi, President of WBGMDA, and other key association members, including Vijay Kariwala, Pradeep Murarka, and Devendra Baid, Hony. Secretary of WBGMDA. Their participation highlighted the Association’s vital role in boosting the state’s economic development.
Strengthening West Bengal’s Position in the Apparel & Textile Supply Chain
The WBGMDA has been at the forefront of organizing clothing fairs and B2B exhibitions for nearly six decades. These events have established West Bengal as a critical hub in the global textile supply chain, supporting the growth of a modern, competitive apparel industry dominated by MSMEs. The Buyers-Sellers Meet facilitated by the Association have become pivotal for creating jobs, driving exports, and significantly contributing to the GDP of the state.
Visionary Leadership and Strategic Growth
Speaking on the occasion, Hari Kishan Rathi, President of WBGMDA, emphasized the growing demand for Bengal’s apparel & textile industries. He noted the government’s investment in garment hubs and its plans to create more opportunities. Highlighting the industry’s success in attracting international clients, particularly from Europe and the Middle East, Rathi stated, “Our most recent gathering produced more profitable business than we could have ever imagined, sustaining exports and elevating Bengal’s global stature.”
A Landmark Event for MSMEs in the Garment Sector
The Hony. Secretary of WBGMDA, Devendra Baid, celebrated the event’s significance, stating, “Our association’s buyers and sellers meetings have achieved continuous success throughout five decades of business. This is one of the biggest B2B events dedicated to readymade garments. Despite economic fluctuations, our Association has continued to expand and provide unparalleled support to the readymade garment sector. The approval of the MSME department makes this meeting a landmark event, the first of its kind in our industry.”
Driving Innovation and Collaboration in the Garment Industry
The 57th Garment Fair and B2B Expo exemplifies the synergy between tradition and innovation within West Bengal’s garment sector. With government backing, industry collaboration, and global recognition, the event has reinforced the state’s position as a textile powerhouse. The WBGMDA’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth and facilitating new opportunities ensures a promising future for the garment industry, both locally and globally.
