Gurgaon, Nov 18 (KNN) 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 said today.

Attributing the country’s inherent strengths in terms of design and raw material in the garment industry for foreign companies choosing India, Apparel Export Promotion Council Chairman, A Sakthivel said, “Prominent chain stores like Walmart, C&N, H & M, JC Penny, Target, Sears, Marks & Spencers, H&M, Debenham, Primark, Top Mom, TESCO, etc are sourcing garments from India.

“India is also very good in producing sports items and we can deliver goods in short lead time,” Sakthivel added.

He also mentioned that huge opportunities were there for Indian textile players in Australia.

"We are the third largest exporter of garments to Australia and have all the potential to boost the business further. Garment exports must take advantage to tap this huge USD 5.61 billion Australian apparel market," he said.

India's apparel exports to Australia in 2012 were around USD 111 million.

"Australia is the focus country for us, as India and Australia are in advanced negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and also the Australian buyers want to reduce their over dependence on China," he said.

Chairman AEPC also invited the Australian buyers for the Tex Trends India, a clothing show, to be held between January 20 and 24, 2014 in the national capital. (KNN/SD)