The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) marked its 48th Foundation Day, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening India’s position as a global sourcing hub for textiles and garments.
On the occasion, AEPC Chairman Dr. A. Sakthivel extended his greetings to members of the apparel and textile fraternity, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and partners who have contributed to the growth of India’s garment export sector over the past four decades.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and support to the textile and apparel sector, the Chairman also acknowledged the guidance of Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal for their continued policy support and proactive engagement with the industry.
Highlighting AEPC’s journey, Dr. Sakthivel noted that over the last 48 years, the Council has played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s standing as a reliable global sourcing destination. He emphasized the resilience, adaptability, and innovation of the Indian ready-made garment (RMG) industry in navigating global challenges while sustaining growth and employment.
He also underscored the significance of the Government of India’s initiatives aimed at boosting exports and improving competitiveness. The successful conclusion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 37 countries was described as a transformative step in expanding market access, reducing tariff barriers, and creating new growth opportunities for exporters.
Dr. Sakthivel further lauded key schemes such as the Export Promotion Mission, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, SAMARTH, and Mega Textile Parks, stating that these initiatives would play a crucial role in enabling exporters to scale up, diversify markets, and enhance value addition.
Reiterating AEPC’s commitment to working closely with the government and industry stakeholders, he expressed confidence that the coming decade would be pivotal for India’s apparel and textiles exports. He called for collective determination to achieve higher export targets and position India as a leading global hub for textiles and garments.