The Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani said that with 312 participants from 14 states coming together, India International Garment Fair is one of the largest platforms in Asia showcasing apparel & accessories. She said that with the presence of 246 registered buying houses, IIGF will facilitate international buyers to source products and form collaborations. Stating that festivity in terms of trade had begun under the aegis of AEPC, Smt. Irani congratulated the participants who she said came with a lot of hope, to present their talent to the rest of the world. She said that more than 1000 buyers are participating in the fair, so that they can leverage the talent that India has to offer. She expressed the hope that AEPC goes from strength to strength through these endeavours. She added that platforms like IIGF are very cost-effective for newly exporting small and medium enterprises which use these platforms very effectively. The Textiles Minister said this today, after inaugurating the 58th edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF), at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta, and Secretary (Textiles), Smt. Rashmi Verma were also present at the inauguration of the three day international fair, which caters to Autumn- Winter 2017/ 18.