Over 35 Indian apparel exporters, primarily from the MSME segment, are participating in the 17th edition of the International Apparel and Textile Fair (IATF) in Dubai to showcase their sustainable and eco-friendly apparel products. According to the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the Indian exhibitors are aiming to showcase the best of India’s apparel designs and styles in line with the latest fashion trends. A wide range of traditional cotton and man-made fibre (MMF) garments are being displayed, with a special focus on sustainability and women entrepreneurship – aligning with the UAE’s declaration of 2024 as the “Year of Sustainability.”

“This year, we focused on bringing more women entrepreneurs and companies that prioritize sustainability,” said Saurabh Kumar, General Manager of AEPC. “Indian exporters are keen to showcase their commitment to eco-friendly practices and innovative solutions that reduce the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.”

With duty-free access to the UAE market through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Indian exporters are looking to expand their global reach, particularly in the MENA region. The Indian Pavilion was inaugurated by the Consul General of India at Dubai, Shri Satish Kumar Sivan on May 20. The three-day fair will conclude on May 22nd. The AEPC which plays a crucial role in policy support, and the formulation of schemes like production-linked incentive schemes, and the Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes (RoSCTL) scheme, within the Indian apparel industry.

India’s apparel exports worldwide stood at $16 billion in the previous fiscal year, with exports to the UAE accounting for $983 million, capturing a 15.8% share of the UAE’s garment imports. The IATF Dubai presents a significant opportunity for Indian exporters to showcase their sustainable and innovative products to buyers from across the region and beyond. The fair, which has drawn over 400 exhibitors from 24 countries, serves as a premier B2B international fashion trade sourcing event in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. As the fashion industry continues to prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the Indian contingent at IATF Dubai is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing trend, leveraging the country’s rich textile heritage and commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.