AEPC Holds FTA Seminar in Tiruppur to Help Apparel Exporters Access New Markets
Seminar examines FTA utilisation, Rules of Origin and export opportunities arising from India’s expanding trade agreements
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) conducted a seminar titled “Unlocking Growth Opportunities: FTA Utilization for Apparel Exporters” at Poppys Vista Hotel in Tiruppur as part of its Pan India Seminar Series. Supported by Kotak Mahindra Bank, the programme focused on the practical use of India’s expanding FTA network and its implications for apparel exporters.
The seminar was attended by apparel exporters, industry leaders, government representatives and trade experts, with discussions centred on converting preferential market access under FTAs into increased exports and improved competitiveness.
AEPC Highlights Opportunity from Expanding FTA Network
Addressing the gathering, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, said India’s expanding FTA network presents a major opportunity for the apparel sector. He noted that once the proposed agreement with the European Union is finalised, India will have recently signed FTAs with 38 countries, including the 27 EU member states, covering around 65 per cent of the global population.
According to Dr. Sakthivel, these markets have considerable potential for Indian apparel as they do not have comparable apparel manufacturing capacity.
He urged exporters to prepare for these opportunities by expanding capacity, improving competitiveness and exploring new markets. He also said AEPC is encouraging exporters to participate in international fairs and facilitating buyer visits to India and Tiruppur.
“Prepare yourself for export. Increase your capacity. I will make sure you will not be disappointed. The future is ours,” Dr. Sakthivel said.
Focus on Effective FTA Utilisation
Shri Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General, AEPC, stressed that signing trade agreements is only one part of the process, with their actual utilisation by exporters being essential to securing their benefits.
He said exporters need to identify applicable preferences, fulfil Rules of Origin and sourcing requirements, complete documentation and compliance procedures, and successfully claim preferential tariffs.
Thakur also emphasised that FTA utilisation should be considered from the product and sourcing stage. Exporters, he said, need to account for tariff preferences and origin requirements while working on product costing, pricing and buyer negotiations.
India-UK CETA and India-EU Agreement Discussed
Shri D. Sridhar, ITS, Additional DGFT, Coimbatore, said recent FTAs, particularly the India-UK CETA, have created an opportunity for Tiruppur’s apparel exporters by strengthening their competitiveness in the UK market. He noted that nearly 99 per cent of goods will gain zero-duty access.
He said the India-EU agreement, once it comes into effect, is expected to further expand opportunities for Indian apparel in the European market.
At the same time, Sridhar cautioned that preferential market access can translate into business only when exporters meet key requirements, including accurate HS classification, Rules of Origin and Certificates of Origin.
He also highlighted the DGFT’s digital platform for seamless, paperless self-certification and called on exporters to put the necessary documentation and systems in place ahead of the EU agreement.
“Get ready for 2027,” he said, adding that the Government has completed its part at the negotiating table and that the industry now needs to convert the opportunity into orders, jobs and growth.
Technical Session Covers Rules of Origin and Sourcing
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mangla, Associate Professor, Economics and International Trade, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS), delivered a technical presentation covering the practical aspects of FTAs and their utilisation by exporters.
He noted that preferential or duty-free market access does not by itself ensure export success. Exporters also need to identify suitable products and markets, apply Rules of Origin and Product-Specific Rules correctly, understand provisions such as Change in Tariff Heading (CTH) and Qualifying Value Content (QVC), maintain proper documentation and manage sourcing strategically.
Dr. Mangla also discussed the potential of the India-UK CETA and the emerging India-EU trade framework to strengthen India’s competitive position in major apparel markets.
Exporters Discuss Practical FTA Issues
A presentation by Kotak Mahindra Bank was also included in the programme. An interactive Q&A session followed, giving participating exporters an opportunity to raise practical concerns and seek clarity on the effective utilisation of FTAs.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri N. Thirukumaran, EC Member, AEPC. He expressed his gratitude to Chairman Dr. A. Sakthivel, Secretary General Shri Mithileshwar Thakur, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mangla, Shri D. Sridhar, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Poppys Vista Hotel, participating exporters and industry representatives.
He also thanked the Chairman and Secretary General for their continued guidance and support and acknowledged the exporters for their participation and inputs.
Thirukumaran said the participation and questions raised during the Q&A reflected Tiruppur’s interest in making more effective use of India’s FTAs to improve competitiveness, explore new markets and support export growth.
The Tiruppur seminar concluded with AEPC reiterating its commitment to supporting exporters in using India’s expanding FTA network to access new markets, secure larger orders, improve capacity utilisation and sustain export growth.