The 39th edition of the Garment Technology Expo (GTE 2026), South Asia’s leading platform for garment manufacturing technology, was inaugurated today at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. The four-day exhibition, being held from March 20 to 23, 2026, has brought together the entire apparel production ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a key driver of innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness in the sector.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent industry leaders, including Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, India Exposition Mart Limited; Shri HKL Magu, Board Member, Apparel Export Cluster and Managing Director, Jyoti Apparels; Shri Lalit Thukral, President, Noida Apparel Export Cluster (NAEC); Shri Rakshit Poddar, President, Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR); Shri Anil Anand, Managing Director, Hari Chand Anand & Company; Shri Sunder Belani, Managing Director & Chairman, Ramsons Garment Finishing Equipments Pvt. Ltd.; and Shri M.L. Jain, Managing Director, Gouge Group.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rakesh Kumar highlighted that GTE continues to serve as a vital platform for industry stakeholders to explore cutting-edge technologies and understand their transformative impact on the garment value chain. Shri HKL Magu emphasized the importance of such platforms in accelerating technology adoption and strengthening the industry’s global competitiveness.
The 2026 edition features over 200 exhibitors representing more than 650 brands and is expected to attract upwards of 15,000 trade visitors, including manufacturers, exporters, sourcing professionals, and technology experts. The exhibition showcases a wide range of solutions, including advanced machinery, CAD/CAM systems, digital textile printing, finishing technologies, trims, accessories, and next-generation production systems.
This year’s edition has received support from the Ministry of Textiles and is MSME-approved, enabling wider participation from micro, small, and medium enterprises and facilitating access to government-backed opportunities for growth and innovation.
Shri Lalit Thukral noted that while global challenges and tariff pressures continue to impact the sector, such periods present opportunities for the industry to innovate and reposition itself for future growth. Echoing this sentiment, Shri Rakshit Poddar underscored the importance for exporters to stay aligned with evolving technologies, with GTE providing a crucial platform to explore such advancements.
A major highlight of the expo is the showcase of AI-powered automation technologies, which are emerging as a transformative force in garment manufacturing. From intelligent production systems to precision-driven operations, these innovations are expected to significantly enhance productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
The event is further complemented by the co-located Lace & Trims Show 2026, offering a dedicated platform for trims, accessories, labels, fasteners, embellishments, and allied services—together creating a comprehensive sourcing destination for the apparel industry.
Additionally, trend forecasts presented by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) are providing valuable insights into the future trajectory of apparel production.
GTE 2026 will continue until March 23, 2026, bringing together innovation, collaboration, and business opportunities under one roof.
