Titled ''Indian Apparel and Textile Exports - The Way Forward'', this conclave will see the government, textile & apparel exporters, global buyers, fashion designers and industry analysts share their views on what India is doing and needs to do to enhance its competitive position.

The speakers include, S. B. Mohapatra, secretary - textiles, government of India - chief guest for the conclave; Arvind Singhal, managing director, KSA Technopak; Asutosh Padhi, principal, McKinsey & Company; Rajeev Agarwal, president (textiles) - Indo Rama; Devendra Gupta, country manager, New Times; Shankar Angrish, director, Shivam Apparel; Adil Raza, country head, JC Penney; Atul Ujagar, country director, Nike Inc.; Darshan Mehta, president, Arvind Brands Ltd and Wendell Rodricks, fashion designer. The conclave moderator is T K Bhoumik, senior advisor, policy, CII.

The topics that will be covered include government led reforms and initiatives, the benefits and challenges of sourcing from India, retailing and brand building, commercialisation of Indian designs and logistics.

Chris Callen, country manager, DHL India said, "DHL has always been bullish about the opportunities for India''s fashion, apparel and textiles exports and we have been taking the lead in facilitating strategic thought leadership for the industry. A recent McKinsey study commissioned by DHL has clearly identified India as the biggest winner after China but also sounded a note of caution that the window of opportunity is closing fast. As the spotlight turns to fashion with LIFW ''04, the DHL Fashion First Seminar provides an ideal platform for the exchange of ideas on India''s prospects."

The conclave is being held at the Shahjehan Hall, The Taj Palace, New Delhi at 3 pm on Monday, April 26, 2004 under the DHL Fashion First umbrella.

DHL, which is the co-sponsor of LIFW ''04, is also organising and sponsoring a series of daily seminars during the fashion week in association with the Fashion Design Council of India. This "Business of Fashion Seminar Series" will be held daily at 10.30 a.m. from April 27 to May 3, 2004.

DHL, the world leader in express and logistics, has been partnering the fashion, apparel and textiles industry for many years. Its pioneering Fashion First service was launched in 1999 and DHL continues to innovate and develop specialised products such as the DHL Express Tube, a uniquely designed packaging solution for the export of leather and textile samples. The fashion design, textile and apparel industry segment is the largest contributor of packages for DHL in India.