Quotes and Testimonials from Canadian Delegates

The following testimonials are from Delegates who Participated in the First Trade Mission to IFFTEX Show, January 2006, New Delhi, India

"The Trade Mission to India with EPCH was excellent. Being able to network and brainstorm with 100 peers in your respective industry was truly progressive. Due to the exchanging of information by companies already connected with excellent manufacturers, Fairmont is in the process of doing private label manufacturing in India."
-- Marilyn Harvey, General Manager, Fairmont Stores, A Division of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Canmore, Alberta

“I'm writing to thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity of joining you in India in January. I was thrilled to be approved to attend and had the most incredible experiences. From the business side of being introduced to new suppliers at a very direct level (which I enjoyed) to making new business friendships to grow on - they were all enjoyable. On the personal side I truly enjoyed visiting the Taj Mahal and learning about a culture that I had otherwise known very little about. We were fortunate enough to be invited to a wedding one evening during our stay.”
--Kyla Pierik, Apple Berry Farm Market,Bridgewater, Nova Scotia

“We made some excellent contacts for our business that will prove to be fantastic sources for growing our line of products we offer to our retail and contract customers, and offering us a competitive edge.”
--Jason Zanatta, Director of Comfy Covers, Surrey, British Columbia

“The trip was a great success and we made many valuable contacts in the area. For those of us staying at the Park, we unfortunately were cut off from communications from you because the room voicemail was not functioning properly. As a result , we missed the group gatherings and the trip into Agra (unfortunately). We were active on email, and its too bad that we didn’t utilize that as a backup for communications. Otherwise, I hope that everyone else experienced the same degree of satisfaction from the trip as I did.”
--Michael Bulva, Dabul Enterprises Inc.,Vancouver, British Columbia

“Thank you for putting together such a successful event. It was well organized and fruitful. We were able to make some great contacts with prospective suppliers. Fortunately I stayed on for another week so was able to communicate with factories and bring back samples. It was also wonderful to meet the Canadian delegates in great social gatherings."
--Neera Ghai, CEO, Far West Industries Inc.,Richmond, British Columbia

"The trade show was incredible. I have ordered thousands of pieces of jewlery for my stores and ordered an item that I will bring in to wholesale in the fall. I am grateful that I was chosen for the trip and I enjoyed my time in India very much. I did start some great business relationships during my short stay in India that both my business and their business will benefit from. Thanks again."
--Jane McFadden, Dream Big Design Co., Vancouver, British Columbia

It is with great pleasure that I write to comment on my recent experiences in India on the EPCH trade delegation. Hemptown Clothing Inc. has been interested in pursuing trade with India for the past few years and this trip facilitated the connection between our company and two major suppliers of organic/eco products in India. We are very pleased to have been included on this mission and we look forward to a profitable future in our new partnerships!
--Jane Nemis, Product Director/Sourcing, Hemptown Clothing Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia

“The fair was very well organized and the exhibitors were very friendly. Also there was no pressure from the exhibitors to buy their products. We really liked the variety, especially in silks, cottons and linens. Also jewellery and textiles is a perfect combination. The concept of comprehensive marts have been around for a while and India will surely attain growth with this step. IEML as a venue and the theme oriented fairs will definitely make India a destination to come to.”
--Brenda Bishop, Publisher, Gifts & Tablewares Magazine

The organized trade mission to the IFTEX show in New Delhi was an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Indian manufacturers and offered enormous possibilities of the Indian market. There was a great range of exhibited products, very well displayed, competitively priced. The tour was superbly organized. The Initiative and experience given to Canadian companies was a tremendous success opening new doors to opportunities and cooperation.
--Renata Bagga, Unique Collections, Beaconsfield, Quebec

“Thanks so much for the opportunity to attend the Trade Mission to India. I just returned last week and have to tell you that it was such a great experience. I made so many good contacts in India as well as from Canada. I am already having samples developed in Delhi as we speak and hope to return next year as Souldaisy continues to grow and expand.”
-- Shainin Hudda, souldaisy designs, Vancouver, British Columbia

“I have often been to India, but this trip was one of the best. I found more product and made more contacts than I ever have. It will certainly increase my purchasing from India over the next year. The mix of people from all over the world was a great benefit. I got many tips and leads from the people I met on the bus to and from the show. The show was well organised and presented products in an enticing array. I came home very happy with the experience. Please pass along to the Indian government organisers that I for one will be doing more business with India as a direct result of this trip.”
-- Anne Drinkwater, For the Home Wholesale, Vancouver, British Columbia

“I wanted to thank you again for facilitating the Trade Mission to India for me this past January 16th to 24th. It was an absolutely incredible experience! As a growing company with some experience sourcing, producing and importing from Asia, discovering the possibilities to produce products in India was invaluable. I must say that your coordination of the trip was impeccable and the contacts made during the organized social events was also one of the great parts of the experience. Tomorrow I am meeting (at my office here in Toronto) with a representative from one of the new suppliers I found while on the trip. Talk about a professional, well spoken and capable supplier! We could be spending over C$250 000.00 with this one company alone in the next year and receiving great value. I know that we will only continue to do more and more business with the great companies we connected with on the trip.”
--Dax J Wilkinson, President, National Heritage Brands Inc., Toronto, Ontario

“I would like to extend my thanks for giving Pillow Décor Ltd. the opportunity to participate in the exciting trade mission to India. I found the show quite useful in meeting potential suppliers and I found a number of styles/qualities that were appropriate for our market. I would like to thank you for the professional organization coming from your company to make the whole trip work. I had a fun and productive trip.”
--Peter Hoffman, Pillow Décor Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia

Photos of the Delegates in India
January & March 2006

Global Delegates
Doing Business
At the Show: Expo Mart
Site Seeing / Cultural Activites