The staggering pace at which business intistutions, practices and beliefs are changing today will have its impact felt for years to come. Sustainability of trade equations and profitability in these turbulent times are no longer matters of just strategy, but of definition in business itself.

Global economies are becoming more interdependent than ever before and country-based and political boundaries are giving way to regional economic alliances and commercial cooperation across continents. Traditional competitors are no longer being looked at as opponents to defeat but as potential allies to help mutual survival.

The scene in the fashion industry is no different.

The 25th IAF World Apparel Convention will be held against this challenging back-drop to explore experiences, opinions, strategies and the possibilities of forging inter-dependent relationships throughout the entire fashion industry value chain. What better a venue to reflect on these ideas than India! The land of tradition, history, culture and now, of opportunities!

A major supplier to the world's fashion markets, India is also fast emerging as a promising market for global brands and retailers. A fast growing economy powered equally by agriculture, manufacturing and services, through public spending and private consumption, it is home to a growing number of global players. Otherwise known as the world's largest democracy and melting pot of different cultures, languages, religions and foreign influences, India also contributes significantly to the world's textile and apparel market. The textile and apparel industry also forms the backbone of India's recent economic boom.

With an educative tour to some of the leading apparel and textile factories in the region, visits to the emerging retail landscape and an equally interesting leisure tour through India's historical treasures, the IAF proudly welcomes you to the Silver Jubilee Convention 2009 in New Delhi, India.

See you there... Namaste!