Spread across more than 2 lakh sq. ft., the three-day mega expo has brought together over 1,000 national and international brands, showcasing the latest collections in readymade garments for men, women, and children. Day Two saw packed exhibition halls, extensive buyer-seller interactions, product launches, and promising business negotiations, reinforcing the event’s position as one of Eastern India’s largest and most influential garment trade platforms. The event is expected to facilitate wholesale business transactions worth approximately ₹1,600 crore over its three-day duration.

Speaking to the media,  Sri. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Govt of India, stated, “West Bengal is richly endowed with natural resources and possesses immense potential across various industrial sectors. Referring to the state’s once-thriving garment industry, he remarked that while Bengal had a glorious industrial past, unfavorable industrial policies of previous governments had led to industry migration instead of generating new employment. He expressed confidence that the state is now on the path towards a new industrial revolution with promising prospects for investment and job creation.”

On this occasion,  Sri. Dipak Barman, Hon’ble Minister of School Education, Housing and MSME and Textiles, Govt of WB, stated, “The future of the garment industry in the state is exceptionally bright. He noted that investors from across the country are showing keen interest in establishing medium and large-scale manufacturing units in Bengal. Responding to the Association’s long-standing demand, he assured that the state government would seriously consider the proposal for developing a dedicated Garment Hub.”

On this occasion, Sri. Hari Kishan Rathi, President of West Bengal Garment Manufacturers & Dealers Association, stated, “The response on the second day has been truly encouraging. The enthusiasm among buyers and exhibitors reflects the resilience and growing potential of India’s garment industry. This platform is not just about business transactions – it is about creating long-term partnerships, encouraging innovation, and providing opportunities for manufacturers and traders to expand into newer markets. We are grateful to all exhibitors, buyers, industry partners, and the Government for their continued support in making this landmark edition a grand success.”

The 60th Garment Buyers & Sellers Meet & B2B Expo will conclude on 14th July, 2026, reaffirming WBGMDA’s commitment to promoting the growth of the garment industry and contributing significantly to the economic development of West Bengal.

He was speaking at the 44th Foundation Day of Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM), here. Among others, Hon’ble Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra; Vijay Baghel, Ramesh Awasthi, and Sadhana Singh, both MPs attended the event.

Meghwal assured the BUVM that he stands with them in addressing their concerns related to doing business.

“I, along with Malhotra Ji, and MPs who are attending the event will act as your advocates,” Meghwal said.

Addressing the gathering, Malhotra said the traders community has played a very important role in making India the world’s fourth largest economy.

He said further said that while the new indirect tax regime is much better than the old one, there is always a scope for further improvement.

“We will convey your issues to the officials in the finance ministry and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman,” Malhotra said.

The Event was attended by representatives of BUVM from 28 States.

Established in 1981, BUVM has represented and advocated the concern of businesses and has been seeking favorable policy changes from the government. BUVM actively engages with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to shape business-friendly policies and create an enabling environment for growth.

BUVM has raised certain issues affecting businesses and traders. It has highlighted problems traders face because of multiple GST rate slabs, and lack of uniformity in Mandi tax rates in different rates, among others.

The organisation has also made a strong case for appointment of a regulator for e-commerce.

 President of BUVM Babu Lal Gupta said the government is focussing on ease of doing business.

“One of the major pain points has been the multiple GST tax slabs which creates challenges especially for MSMEs and trader community alike. The issue needs to be resolved and we have written to various government authorities suggesting rationalisation of GST rates into three slabs – 0%, 5% and 18%. We believe if accepted, this will pave the way for higher GDP growth,” he said.

He further added that all food products, irrespective of their weight and packaging must be zero tax slab. Cleaning, grading and sorting machines for foodgrain, pulses and oilseeds, LED lamp, submersible water pump, hardware, stainless steel, toys of up to Rs 1000, edible oil, bakery products, solar water heater, ghee, pickle, handicrafts and hotel rooms upto Rs 1000/day should be kept in 5% slab. Rest all the products should fall under 18% slab.

Similarly, there is a wide variation in Mandi cess across States which typically ranges between 0-4%. This needs to be uniformed.

In his address, Satish Agarwal,National Senior Vice President & In Charge, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Province said that state governments distributing freebies should be stopped, as it places an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.

Among other demands, the association called for reduction in tax compliance which has burdened businesses with additional time and expenditure. It suggested withdrawal of TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and TCS (Tax Collected at Source).