19TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON APPAREL & HOME TEXTILES
Col. S. Kapoor
Director General OGTC
Col. S. Kapoor has been Director General of OGTC since February 2022. Earlier he was Executive Director, Faridabad Industries Association for over 15 years. A Postgraduate in Defence Studies, Col. S. Kapoor served in the Indian Army for 27 years.
His vast administrative experience has contributed to the growth of OGTC. His thrust towards training has proved very beneficial for all the members.
Gautam Nair
Director, M/s Matrix Design & Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Gautam Nair is a passionate entrepreneur and a firm believer in the adage “Change is the only constant”. As a visionary grounded in operational excellence, he ensured steady growth of Matrix over the years. He is a strong and respected mentor, not only to the Matrix team but also to eminent individuals in the apparel and textile sectors.
In addition to his role at Matrix, he is actively involved in the growth and development of the Textile and Apparel Industries in India. He is an elected member of the Executive Committee for the Apparel Export Promotion Council, the Garment Exporter’s and Manufacturer’s Association, a Member of the Governing Council in the Footwear Design & Development Institute and a past Chairman of CII’s National Committee on Textiles and Apparel.
He holds a Master’s diploma in Business Management from IIM, Ahmedabad, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics Honors from St. Stephens College, Delhi.
Prashant Agarwal
Co-Founder & Partner M/s Wazir Advisors
Prashant has an extensive experience of over 28 years, in various corporate strategy, business creation, diversification and performance enhancement assignments in the textile, apparel and retail sector for Indian and international clients.
Prashant has worked in the manufacturing, sourcing and marketing departments of leading textile and apparel companies. He has been a speaker at various national and international textile & apparel conferences/seminars. He has also served as guest faculty at IIT-Delhi, IIM-Ahmedabad and been on the board of some of the most successful textile parks in India.
He is a textile graduate from The Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences, Bhiwani and MBA from IMS, Indore.
Pallab Banerjee
Joint Managing Director, M/s Pearl Global Industries Ltd.
Pallab Banerjee is Joint Managing Director at Pearl Global Industries Ltd. Experienced in Apparel Sourcing, Manufacturing, Strategies & Operations.
He has been associated with the apparel industry for over three decades, prior to joining Pearl, Mr., Banerjee was Vice President of Global Sourcing and Managing Director of Gap India operation.
A graduate from Delhi University and a diploma holder in Apparel Marketing & Merchandising from NIFT, he also did Financial Management from e-Cornell.
With world class experience in Supply Chain Strategic Solutions, he is able to devise competitive, long-term strategies with the unique ability to identify trends that the brands pick on and develop.
Arth Patel
Chief Business Officer, M/s OfBusiness
Arth Patel is the Chief Business Officer at OfBusiness for the Fashion and Lifestyle BU. He holds a degree in Engineering from IIT Gandhinagar. He is one of the founding member at Ofbusiness and have been a key part of the company’s growth. He is handling the fashion and lifestyle vertical for 4 years where he started with Yarn industry and moved ahead to garment manufacturing.
Anil Peshawari
MD, M/s Meenu Creation LLP
A B. Com (H) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Anil Peshawari is a Chartered Accountant of 1985 batch. He is founder of Meenu Creation LLP started in the year 1998. Today the company is a global name with an annual export of $70 million. Main market is Europe and America. Meenu Creation is one of biggest supplier to Inditex group from India employing around 6000 workers.
David Birnbaum
MD, M/s Third Horizon Ltd.
David Birnbaum is a global garment industry specialist.
In the course of his career, he has carried out projects in over 36 countries. His work involves developing and improving national garment industries in Asia, North America, Latin America and Africa.
He is the author of 14 books covering all aspects of the garment industry including the detailed India Benchmark Study on behalf of the AEPC and the Government of India.
Birnbaum is a qualified pattern maker.
Amandeep Randhawa
Founder Director, M/s Beyond Basics Learning Pvt. Ltd.
Amandeep Randhawa, over the last 24 years, has developed into an experienced Coach- and Organisational Behaviour facilitator.
She has worked extensively in the areas of Change Management, Developing Functional mindsets, Conflict Resolutions, Negotiation Skills, Self-awareness, Personal Effectiveness and Being People Manager.
She has ventured in two startups in training & education. She has trained more than 5000 people across nations and domains to include key clients like Nike, Jubilant Group, Aditya Birla Group, Adidas, Danfoss, Rockwell Automation, Brandix Group (Sri Lanka), MUST Group (Middle East), The Smart Cube, Moglix, GAP, HP, Hitachi, Sapient, Li&Fung, Jindal Stainless to name a few.
She is a certified Brain Based Coach from Neuro Leadership Institute and holds a Post Graduate Diploma from RMIT Australia in Textile Technology and International Marketing.
Varun Vaid
Business Director, M/s Wazir Advisors
Varun Vaid heads the textile and apparel strategy practice at Wazir Advisors. He possesses more than two decades of experience covering manufacturing, marketing and consulting domains. As a strategy consultant, he has led diversified projects for private companies, government bodies and development agencies in Asia and Africa. He has worked extensively for international development agencies such as ITC Geneva, IFC, FCDO UK, Gatsby Trust, GFEMS, etc.
Anupam Jaiswal
VP of Strategy and Market Development, M/s WFX
Anupam Jaiswal is the VP of Strategy and Market Development at WFX. With over 15 years in the global fashion industry, he has worked with more than 100 fashion companies worldwide. Anupam specializes in driving growth and innovation through technology transformation projects for major apparel manufacturers in Asia and Europe.
Manish Ranade
Managing Director, M/s Lectra India
Manish Ranade has been serving as the Managing Director of Lectra India and Channel Director for Lectra’s South West Asia Business, now based in India since April 2024. In this role, he directs the company’s operations and development across the region, with a strong emphasis on expanding business through channel Management.
With 27 years of experience in the Cutting Room, Manish has held diverse roles as a customer, agent, and manufacturer. His broad expertise includes operations, services, business development, and solution consulting, involving cutting-edge technologies such as software, cutting equipment, data, and services.
Surender Jain
Business Director, M/s Wazir Advisors
Surender Jain is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the textile and apparel manufacturing industry. Renowned for his deep operational expertise, he has successfully re-engineered manufacturing processes for leading Indian and international companies, driving significant improvements in efficiency and profitability.
Vivek Baghora
Operation Head, Fashion & Lifestyle – OfBusiness
An MBA from IIM Lucknow, Vivek started his career in retail space with RPSG Group as National Category Manager then joined Ofbusiness as a founding member of Textiles & Apparel business. Started with Yarn trading and then headed Saivana as a Director, Operations and currently heading overall Operations for Fashion & Lifestyle across garments, denim & leather accessories at Of business.
Anuj George
Chief Business Officer, M/s Solvei8
Anuj George is Chief Business Officer at Solveis. His 15-year tenure has been dedicated to driving the future of apparel manufacturing through the fusion of core manufacturing principles and advanced technology. Anuj’s keen focus on consumer trends and visionary approach have propelled cutting-edge initiatives that integrate industrial engineering concepts with technology, positioning him at the forefront of Industry 4.0. His leadership not only fosters robust collaborations across Southeast Asia but also ensures that apparel manufacturing and technology evolve seamlessly together.
Piyush Girotra
Business Lead, M/s Fashion Snoops
Piyush is the Business Lead for Fashion Snoops, South Asia a US-based trend & design forecasting platform. A textile engineer from TIT&S Bhiwani and an MBA graduate from IIFT, Delhi, Piyush has developed skills that help him amalgamate fashion expertise and business strategies. Piyush is a fashion trends and innovation enthusiast and has a keen interest in helping businesses successfully navigate through the shifts of the market.
Conference Background and Highlights
The Global Textile and Apparel Industry is currently undergoing rapid transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and intensifying competition. These shifts, while challenging, also present significant opportunities for countries poised to innovate and adapt. For India, a nation with a rich textile heritage, the potential to enhance its global footprint in garment manufacturing is vast. However, to fully capitalize on these opportunities, the Indian industry must strategically align itself with global trends and embrace innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in its operations.
In this context, the Okhla Garment & Textile Cluster (OGTC) hosted the 19th edition of the International Conference on Apparel & Home Textiles (ICAHT) on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) in Gurugram. The conference, themed “Threads of Transformation: Strategic Insights for Global Apparel Leadership,” focused on discussing the evolving dynamics in global apparel manufacturing and how India can position itself as a leader in this space.
Industry leaders, manufacturers, innovators, and government representatives gathered to share insights on key trends, growth opportunities, and the strategies needed to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global apparel market. The event featured thought-provoking presentations, panel discussions, and case studies that delved into the role of digital innovation, export-oriented growth strategies, and the importance of fostering collaboration across the textile ecosystem to propel India toward leadership in global garment manufacturing.
During the event, speakers and delegates engaged in an insightful discussion on the emerging opportunities within the Indian textile and apparel industry. They explored strategic approaches for capturing these opportunities, highlighting the importance of innovation, market adaptation, and scaling production capabilities. The conversation also emphasized the critical support required from policy reforms and infrastructure investment to workforce development-to ensure the industry’s long-term growth and global competitiveness.
Inaugural Session
OGTC Committee member: Mr. Gautam Nair, Director, Matrix Design & Industries Pvt Ltd.
Conference Chairman: Col. S. Kapoor, Director General, Okhla Garment & Textile Cluster
Knowledge Partner: Mr. Prashant Agarwal, Co-founder & Joint Managing Director, Wazir Advisors
The conference commenced with a warm welcome address by Col. S. Kapoor, Director General, OGTC who expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic participation from all attendees, including industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders of the textile and apparel sector. He emphasized the significance of coming together to discuss the future of the industry. His welcome remarks set a collaborative tone for the event, highlighting the importance of strategic insights and innovations to elevate India’s role in the global garment manufacturing landscape.
Following the welcome address, Mr. Gautam Nair, Director, Matrix Design & Industries Pvt Ltd. delivered his opening remarks that set a forward-looking tone for the event. He emphasized the immense growth potential of the global apparel market, which is projected to reach US $2.3 trillion by 2030. Mr. Nair urged Indian manufacturers to embrace the export-oriented mindset and leverage India’s inherent strengths in the textile and apparel sector to position the country as a global sourcing hub. He called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, advocating for strategic efforts to capitalize on the emerging global opportunities and drive the industry forward.
Theme Presentation: Global Dynamics Shaping the Industry
Next, Mr. Prashant Agarwal, Co-Founder & Partner, Wazir Advisors, delivered a compelling theme presentation titled “Global Dynamics Shaping the Industry”. In his presentation, he gave a comprehensive overview of the global apparel market, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the factors currently influencing the industry. He then elaborated on the key trends impacting the industry, providing valuable insights into how these dynamics are reshaping the global manufacturing and sourcing decisions.
He proceeded to outline strategic focus areas for Indian manufacturers, emphasizing the critical steps needed to succeed on Prashant Agarwal, Co-Founder & Partner, Wazir Advisors presenting Conference Theme the international stage. To conclude, he presented practical case studies of leading global industry players, illustrating how these insights could be leveraged for future growth and competitive advantage.
The theme presentation was followed by a short tea break which allowed participants to network and engage in discussions.
Panel Discussion: Branding Beyond Borders:Elevating India on the Global Garment Manufacturing Stage
Moderator: Mr. Prashant Agarwal, Co-founder & Joint Managing Director, Wazir Advisors
Panelists
Speaker 1: Mr. Pallab Banerjee, Managing Director, Pearl Global Industries Ltd
Speaker 2: Mr. Arth Patel, Chief Business Officer, OfBusiness
Speaker 3: Mr. Anil Peshawari, Managing Director, Meenu Creation LLP
The first panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Prashant Agarwal which highlighted that as emerging markets rise and established ones innovate it is imperative for India to strengthen its global presence and elevate its brand in the garment manufacturing sector. India must leverage its diverse competencies to build a strong “Brand India” on the world stage. Mr. Agarwal pointed out the regional expertise within India’s textile and apparel industry: The Tirupur cluster in South India is renowned for its knitwear production, while North India excels in value-added garments. He also highlighted an unique aspect of India’s economic trajectory-unlike countries like China and Central American nations, which experienced significant manufacturing phases, India moved from an agrarian economy directly into a service-based one, bypassing a substantial manufacturing phase. This has resulted in the manufacturing sector contributing just 17% to India’s GDP in 2023, although the government aims to increase this share to 25% by 2025. For developing nations, such a production phase is crucial; Mr. Agarwal drew a comparison to China, where, during its development in 2013, the manufacturing sector accounted for 44.2% of its GDP. By fostering its manufacturing sector, India has the potential to become a major player in global garment manufacturing.
Mr. Pallab Banerjee underscored the critical need for enhancing manufacturing excellence and significantly scaling up production in order to meet the rapidly growing global demand for garments. He pointed out that, in a highly competitive global market, Indian companies must focus on improving their production capabilities and operational efficiency to better serve international buyers. By delivering consistently high-quality products at scale, Indian manufacturers can position themselves as the preferred sourcing partners for global fashion brands. Mr. Banerjee highlighted that this would not only increase India’s market share but also solidify its reputation as a reliable and efficient hub for garment manufacturing, capable of meeting the expectations of the world’s leading retailers.
Mr. Arth Patel underscored the critical need to increase management bandwidth within organizations to enhance India’s position in the global garment industry. He explained their organizational practice of hiring graduates from top business schools and placing them directly on the shop floor, facilitating a hands- on learning experience that equips future leaders with practical knowledge while fostering cross-industry collaboration. By immersing young talent in the manufacturing environment, organizations can infuse fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, essential for adaptability and responsiveness to market demands. Developing a new generation of leaders who understand both business strategy and manufacturing intricacies will enable India to leverage its unique strengths, build a competitive edge, and enhance its brand equity in the international garment market.
Mr. Anil Peshawari highlighted the significant challenges investors face when attempting to establish large-scale manufacturing capacities in India, particularly in remote areas. He pointed out that labor availability is a major concern, as workers in these regions are often unskilled and not fit for work. Peshawari emphasized the need to set up factories in locations where labor is more abundant and capable. He discussed how infrastructure limitations, regulatory hurdles, and supply chain complexities can further hinder growth in the sector. Additionally, he addressed the latency of state subsidies in taking effect, suggesting that the state governments should impose these subsidies while the central authorities monitor their impact. This approach could help create a more conducive environment for manufacturing growth, ultimately benefiting the industry as a whole.
In conclusion, Mr. Prashant Agarwal emphasized that, in light of the discussions on enhancing manufacturing excellence and addressing challenges in the garment industry, developing a cluster-based expansion approach is vital. He pointed to the success of Sri Lanka as a model for India, suggesting that focusing on specific regions with unique competencies could significantly elevate India’s global standing. Furthermore, he cautioned that while government-based incentives may provide temporary relief, they should not be the cornerstone of business planning due to their inherent latency. This highlights the necessity for sustainable, long-term strategies that leverage India’s strengths and foster resilience in the textile and apparel sector, ensuring its competitiveness on the global stage.
Virtual Presentation: Changing Global Apparel Manufacturing Dynamics and India’s Positioning
The conference continued with a virtual presentation by Mr. David Birnbaum, Managing Director, Third Horizon Ltd themed “Changing Global Apparel Manufacturing Dynamics and India’s Positioning”. In his insightful address, he discussed the rapidly shifting landscape of global apparel manufacturing, driven by evolving consumer demands, technological innovations and emerging market players. He emphasized the opportunities and challenges these changes present for India, highlighting the country’s potential to strengthen its position as a key player in the global apparel supply chain. Mr. Birnbaum highlighted the current importance of Indian players in the apparel manufacturing landscape and stressed upon the need for strategic adjustments to align with global trends to capitalize on emerging opportunities and sustain long term success.
Following Mr. Birnbaum’s insightful presentation, the first half of the session concluded, followed by a lunch break that provided further opportunities for exchange of ideas.
Presentation: Incentive Models for a High-Performance Factory
After the lunch break, Ms. Amandeep Randhawa, Founder and Director, Beyond Basics Learning, delivered a highly energetic and engaging presentation titled “Incentive Models for a High-Performance Factory”. From the moment she took the stage, she captivated the audience with her dynamic and insightful approach, diving into the crucial role that incentive models play in enhancing performance within factories. Ms. Randhawa emphasized the importance of retaining existing workforce rather than training new resources in business success. She further focused on how well-designed incentive structures can be a powerful tool to boost motivation not only among workers on the shop floor but also within middle management, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability across all levels of the organization.
She systematically explained the various incentive models, breaking them down with practical, real-world examples. She showcased how successful companies have implemented these models to drive employee performance, illustrating the tangible results achieved in terms of increased productivity, improved efficiency, heightened employee engagement and potential savings in the cost of hiring. Through these examples, Ms. Randhawa demonstrated that incentives are more than just financial rewards they are strategic tools that can align individual goals with organizational objectives, ultimately leading to long-term success. Her enthusiastic and well-researched session left a lasting impression on the audience, highlighting the indispensable role that thoughtfully designed incentives play in creating a motivated workforce and driving overall business success.
Panel Discussion 2: Cutting Costs, Not Corners: Leveraging Tools for Competitive Garment Manufacturing
Moderator: Mr. Varun Vaid, Business Director, Wazir Advisors
Panelists
Panelist 1: Mr. Anupam Jaiswal, Vice President-Strategy and Market Development, WFX
Panelist 2: Mr. Manish Ranade, Managing Director, Lectra Technologies India
Panelist 3: Mr. Surender Jain, Business Director, Wazir Advisors
Panelist 4: Mr. Vivek Baghora, Operations Head, Fashion and Lifestyle Business Unit, OfBusiness
In the highly competitive garment manufacturing industry, cost management is crucial for sustaining profitability and ensuring market competitiveness. However, cutting costs cannot be at the expense of quality or ethical standards.
The second panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Varun Vaid, Business Director, Wazir Advisors, focused on how garment manufacturers can utilize modern tools and technologies to streamline operations, reduce expenses, without compromising quality, ensuring long-term success and customer satisfaction.
Mr. Anupam Jaiswal spoke about the transformative impact of digital tools on modern garment manufacturing. He elaborated on how real-time monitoring systems and data-driven technologies can streamline operations, enhance visibility, and significantly reduce costs. By leveraging these digital tools, manufacturers can optimize production workflows, quickly identify inefficiencies, and respond to issues in real time, leading to improved operational performance. Mr. Jaiswal emphasized that digital tools are only as effective as the people who use them, stressing the importance of integrating technology into daily operations. He underscored that when skilled workers are adequately trained to use these tools, the combined effect can drastically increase overall productivity, efficiency, and cost- effectiveness, giving manufacturers a critical competitive edge in the global market.
Mr. Manish Ranade further expanded on the conversation by diving into the role of structured operational approaches, particularly Industrial Engineering (IE) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), in driving performance improvements. He discussed how implementing digital tools, in combination with robust IE frameworks, can optimize every stage of the manufacturing process, ensuring streamlined workflows without compromising on quality. Mr. Ranade provided examples of both national and international companies that have successfully adopted these methods, showcasing how such approaches enable manufacturers to achieve long-term sustainable competence. He stressed that by integrating digital tools with these structured processes, manufacturers can achieve consistency, maintain high-quality standards, and drive efficiency at scale, all while keeping operational costs in check.
Mr. Surender Jain then shifted the focus to the manpower, highlighting the vital role that workforce retention and development play in maintaining operational excellence. In line with Ms. Amandeep Randhawa’s previous presentation, he explained that a motivated and well-trained workforce is the backbone of any successful garment manufacturing operation. Without proper training and a clear path for professional development, companies are likely to face high turnover rates, which can lead to frequent disruptions in production and inflate long-term costs. Mr. Jain emphasized that investing in employee development, whether through upskilling or continuous training programs, is essential to ensuring that workers remain engaged, motivated, and capable of contributing to the organization’s goals. By retaining skilled workers, manufacturers can maintain consistency in both output and quality, helping them meet production targets while keeping costs under control.
Mr. Vivek Baghora addressed the strategic importance of workforce monitoring and the critical need for ongoing training programs. He underscored that, beyond implementing digital tools, manufacturers must also focus on building a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By providing workers with regular training on new systems and techniques,
companies can ensure that their workforce is not only equipped to handle the demands of a high- performance environment but is also adaptable to technological advancements. He emphasized that effective workforce management-whether through training, performance monitoring, or structured development programs-plays a significant role in enhancing overall productivity and maintaining operational excellence, ensuring that companies can stay competitive in an increasingly complex and fast- paced global market.
Presentation: Embracing Digital Innovation in Garment Manufacturing – An Indian Case Study
In the next segment of the conference, Mr. Anuj George, Chief Business Officer, Solveis, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Embracing Digital Innovation in Garment Manufacturing – An Indian Case Study”. 
He offered an in-depth analysis of how digital transformation is reshaping the garment manufacturing landscape in India. He discussed how Solveis, as a one-stop integrated factory cloud solutions provider for the apparel and footwear industry, is driving significant advancements. Mr.George highlighted the various solutions developed by Solveis, which are designed to streamline operations, enhance supply chain visibility, and optimize production processes. He illustrated how these cloud-based solutions have enabled Indian garment manufacturers to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and make data-driven decisions in real- time. The presentation emphasized the critical role of digital innovation in maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving global market.
Presentation: “Leveraging Consumer and Fashion Trends for Enhancing Business Competitiveness”
The final presentation of the conference was delivered by Mr. Piyush Girotra, Business Lead at Fashion Snoops, under the title “Leveraging Consumer and Fashion Trends for Enhancing Business Competitiveness”. He emphasized the critical role of trend forecasting in fashion, explaining how identifying and adapting to these shifts is key to driving growth and maintaining relevance in the industry. His presentation also featured Fashion Snoops’ innovative methodology, highlighting the tools and features designed to provide businesses with a competitive edge through advanced trend analysis.
Mr. Girotra went on to illustrate how Fashion Snoops’ technologies are used not only to forecast trends for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 season but also to continuously analyze and interpret current fashion movements. The presentation also delved into specific trends anticipated for SS26, offering insights into color palettes, and style influences expected to dominate. Additionally, he provided examples of past trend predictions that accurately forecasted key emerging styles, reinforcing the reliability of data-driven forecasting. He explained that trends often originate from significant global events and cultural shifts, using real-world examples to show how these influences directly shape future fashion movements.
Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks
At the conclusion of the conference, Mr. Prashant Agarwal, summarized the event, recapping the key insights and discussions from the day, and emphasizing the strategic themes & innovative approaches highlighted throughout the session. He summarized the critical takeaways from each presentation and panel discussion, reinforcing the importance of embracing digital innovation, leveraging data-driven insights, and maintaining a forward-thinking approach in the garment manufacturing industry. He underscored the collaborative spirit of the conference and the shared vision of positioning India as a global
leader in the apparel sector. His summary effectively captured the essence of the discussions, setting the stage for continued industry advancement and encouraging attendees to apply the insights gained to drive future success.
Finally, Col. S. Kapoor delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all speakers, panelists, and attendees for their participation and valuable contributions throughout the conference. He acknowledged the effort and insights shared, which contributed to a successful and enriching event.
He also thanked Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for collaborating as Lead Sponsor, Wazir Advisors as Knowledge Partner, Lady Irwin College as Conference Associate, Method Apparel Consultancy as Training Partner & Fashion Futures as Technical Partner of the conference.
The conference concluded with a High tea session, providing an opportunity for attendees to network and discuss the day’s highlights informally. Following the High tea, the attendees dispersed, marking the end of a highly engaging and productive day.
