The Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) has strongly endorsed the Indian government’s pivotal decision to ban clothing imports from Bangladesh, describing it as a timely intervention to invigorate the domestic textile and apparel industry.
The policy move, guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and driven by Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, aligns with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision. It is expected to create substantial opportunities for local apparel manufacturers and MSMEs by eliminating the competitive disadvantage posed by duty-free imports from Bangladesh. These imports constituted nearly 35% of India’s total apparel imports, amounting to ₹6,000 crore annually.
Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman of AMHSSC
Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman of AMHSSC, praised the decision as a long-overdue corrective measure that will strengthen the competitiveness of Indian producers. He highlighted that the import loophole enabled the indirect inflow of Chinese fabrics into India, undermining fair market practices. The ban is projected to redirect over ₹1,000 crore worth of business to Indian manufacturers, enabling MSMEs to grow through increased investments in modern machinery and expanded production capacities.
The import restrictions are not only a trade-balancing effort but also a strategic catalyst for industrial growth, innovation, and employment. With rising domestic demand, there will be a surge in workforce requirements across functions such as product design, manufacturing, quality control, logistics, and retail.
Dr. Sakthivel emphasized that the ban presents a critical opportunity for Indian MSMEs to scale up, innovate, and enhance their global competitiveness. AMHSSC is proactively aligning with this shift by ramping up training and skilling initiatives in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners. The goal is to ensure a continuous supply of certified professionals to meet evolving industry demands.
He concluded that this landmark decision will not only enhance domestic production but also reinforce India’s global manufacturing reputation, paving the way for a resilient, self-reliant, and sustainable apparel ecosystem.
