KNITCON 2016 opened to a packed hall of over 250 participants at Oberoi Grand Kolkata on September 16.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Pradeep Arora, Convenor, spoke about the conference and how it had evolved from its first avatar held in May 2015. Outlining the conference, he expressed happiness that eminent speakers and industry experts from South Korea, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Austria, Italy and the US had come to make their special presentations.
In his welcome address, Mr. K.B. Agarwala, President of FOHMA, spoke on the changing trends and how technology is helping companies scale up efficiently. The Indian hosiery industry, for instance, has grown rapidly despite 70 per cent of units operating in the unorganized sector.
The slowing down of production in certain countries, the bullish nature of the fashion industry and cash-rich consumers going in for newer and stylish outfits have together contributed to the positive demand for hosiery products.
He further pointed out that the Rs. 6,000-crore Government scheme for creation of one crore jobs is a step in the right direction, offering in the process several benefits like the Employee Provident Fund Scheme reforms, additional incentives under ATUFS, enhanced duty drawback coverage and enhancing the scope of Section 80JJAA of the Income Tax Act.
Mr. Agarwala’s speech was followed by the presentation of the FOHMA Lifetime Achievement Award to three stalwarts of the Indian hosiery industry for their extraordinary contributions – Mr. Dau Dayal Kothari, Chairman, Kothari Hosiery, Mr. P.R. Agarwala, Chairman, Rupa Group, and Dr. R.C. Jain, Chairman, T.T. Group.
Mr. B.D. Kothari, Mr. Sharad Bhatter, Mr. A.C. Eswaran and Mr. Rakesh Grover representing WBHA, BHMA, SIHMA and IAAI respectively were present on the dais as “partners” supporting FOHMA in organizing this conference.
At the inaugural session, Mr. Rahul Mehta, President, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), was present as the Guest of Honour and spoke on Building a Brand.
Mr. Agarwala felicitated the Committee members of KNITCON 2016 by presenting them each with a memento.
The technical sessions held on the occasion covered different issues on topical interest and a talk on Bengal as a Knitwear Hub, Spandex Yarn & Knitting Solutions, Processing, Printing and Garmenting.