AEPC hosts key roundtable with global apparel brands in New Delhi
28 January 2025, Mumbai
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) convened a roundtable discussion with top global apparel brands on January 23, 2025, at The Oberoi, New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, focused on strategies to achieve $40 billion in RMG exports by 2030. Sudhir Sekhri, AEPC Chairman, presided over the session.
Prominent industry leaders, including Premal Udani, Chairman EP, Mithileshwar Thakur, SG AEPC, and representatives from Shahi Exports, Richa Global, and Jyoti Apparels, shared insights alongside brands like Tendam, Superdry, JCPenney, and Liverpool India.
Kansal emphasized India’s favorable investment climate, bolstered by state incentives and initiatives like PM MITRA Parks. He urged global brands to actively participate in Bharat Tex 2025, highlighting its role in boosting India’s textile exports.
Chairman Sekhri stressed the need for industry reforms, including labor law amendments, skilling programs, and flexible fabric import policies, to handle growing export demands.
Brand leaders identified India’s design expertise and raw material base as key strengths, advocating for increased focus on value-added products, automation, and faster logistics. They highlighted sweaters as a rising export category, with 11.45 million units exported in FY 2024-25 (April-November).
Industry gaps such as skilled labor shortages and insufficient processing units were underscored. Brands called for incentives to build capacity and enhance India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
AEPC Secretary General Thakur noted consistent double-digit growth, crediting FTAs, improved global compliances, and initiatives like Bharat Tex for enhancing India’s brand image.
The meeting concluded with optimism about India’s export potential, as brands acknowledged the country’s readiness to seize global opportunities.
