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India has emerged as the most preferred destination for global brands and stores like Zara, H&M, Tommy Hilfiger and Walmart, apex industry body for apparel sector AEPC today said.
Apparel Export Promotion Council Chairman A Sakthivel said that India's garment industry has its inherent strengths in terms of design and raw material.
"All big brands and chain stores are sourcing from India. It is the most preferred destination for brands like Zara, Gap, H&M, Mango, Tommy Hilfiger. Prominent stores like Walmart, Marks & Spencers and TESCO are sourcing garments from India," he said in a statement.
He also said that huge opportunities are there for Indian textile players in Australia.
"We are the third largest exporter of garment to Australia and has all the potential to boost the business further. Garment exports must take advantage to tap this huge $5.61 billion Australian apparel market," he said.
India's apparel exports to Australia in 2012 were around $111 million.
Sakthivel is leading a delegation of 30 garment exporters to the Australia International Sourcing Fair (AISF) at Melbourne. The three-day fair started on November 13.
"Australia is the focus country for us, considering that India and Australia are at an advanced stage of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and also the Australian buyers wanting to reduce their over dependence on China," he said.
He said that the Fair provides the opportunity for the Indian exporters to tap the Australian clothing market.
