Dr Vidhu Sekhar P, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, Daman Campus.
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has been leading the country sector for the last 46 years, going through both challenges and opportunities in the global market. As the council observed its 47th foundation day, it continues to play a major role in promoting Indian apparel exports. It is important to understand its strategies for addressing current challenges and capitalising on emerging opportunities.
AEPC has initiated strategic measures over four decades in tandem with global market. The latest initiative being the 2nd successful edition of Bharat Tex 2025 that showcased to promote the eco-friendly practices and compliance with global regulations. Bharat Tex platform has emerged as one of the global events that created a perfect platform for India’s textile strength by integrating tradition, modernity, and sustainability. Industry stakeholders always cris cross their fingers when it comes for policy reforms. However, the council has been advocating their voices for tax reforms and policy changes to enhance the competitiveness. This includes requests for customs duty exemptions on garment machinery imports and revisions to tax provisions for better cash flow. Bottle necks of cargo clearance for logistics always worry both exporters and importers. The AEPC has been encouraging the adoption of automation and improvements in logistics to enhance efficiency and reduce lead times. This includes faster clearances at ports and better inbound and outbound logistics. The collaborative efforts with National Institute of Fashion Technology to utilise the skilled manpower has always been lauded.
This does not mean that we are self-sufficient. The challenges in the global market are multiple and intervened with policies. They are economic downturns, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. AEPC has a role to adapt its strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure consistent growth. The challenges of European Union compliance limit our exports. Therefore, increased emphasis on environmental and social compliance presents a revised task as and when they shift the policy. No doubt AEPC has been encouraging the industry to adopt sustainable practices to enhance India’s brand image and comply with global standards. There are significant issues of capacity limitations and labour challenges. We need to address these through innovative solutions and investments in technologies.
Although the journey is difficult, a brighter future awaits Indian apparel business. The council can plan to expand apparel exports into newer and non-traditional markets. The market diversification strategy will help reduce dependence on traditional markets and increase resilience against global fluctuations. Recent FTAs with countries like UAE and Australia have opened new avenues for growth that should be leveraged to boost exports to these regions. The current political situation in Bangladesh has led to increased interest from global brands in Indian apparel exporters, that is a visible opportunity to capture a larger market share for Indian apparels. With a strong focus on sustainability, market diversification, and policy advocacy, AEPC is very well-positioned to drive growth in India’s apparel export sector. On the eve of its foundation day, let us hope that they can navigate the complexities of the global apparel market to build a self-sufficient Bharat. The council’s efforts to address on emerging opportunities while addressing persistent challenges will be crucial in ensuring India’s continued relevance and competitiveness in the global apparel landscape.
