The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) organised a seminar in Tiruppur on “Unlocking Growth Opportunities: FTA Utilization for Apparel Exporters”, bringing together apparel exporters, industry leaders, government officials and trade experts to discuss ways to leverage India’s growing network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
AEPC Chairman Dr. A. Sakthivel highlighted the expanding opportunities available to Indian apparel exporters through India’s FTAs and emphasised the need for the industry to make effective use of these trade agreements to access new markets and strengthen export competitiveness.
AEPC Secretary General Shri Mithileshwar Thakur stressed the importance of understanding and effectively utilising preferential tariffs, Rules of Origin and compliance requirements. He noted that exporters need to have a clear understanding of the provisions of FTAs to maximise the benefits available under them.
Shri D. Sridhar, ITS, Additional DGFT, Coimbatore, urged exporters to prepare proactively for emerging trade opportunities, particularly those arising from the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the evolving India-EU trade framework.
Providing practical insights, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mangla, Associate Professor, Economics and International Trade, SIMS, explained key aspects of Rules of Origin, including Change in Tariff Heading (CTH), Qualifying Value Content (QVC), sourcing requirements and documentation. His session focused on the practical steps exporters can take to ensure compliance and effectively claim FTA benefits.
The seminar highlighted the critical role of trade agreements in improving market access, reducing tariff barriers and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian apparel exports.
The programme also reinforced AEPC’s commitment to supporting the Tiruppur apparel industry in converting India’s expanding FTA network into new international markets, larger export orders and sustained growth.