The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) successfully launched its Pan-India Seminar Series on “Unlocking Growth Opportunities: FTA Utilisation for Apparel Exporters” with the inaugural programme held in Bengaluru today. The initiative aims to equip apparel exporters across the country with the knowledge and tools required to maximise benefits arising from India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Conceived under the leadership of Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, the nationwide seminar series reflects the Council’s commitment to enhancing industry awareness and strengthening exporters’ ability to leverage preferential market access opportunities available through India’s trade agreements.
The Bengaluru programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from apparel exporters, manufacturers, industry stakeholders and trade professionals from Karnataka and neighbouring regions, underlining the growing interest in understanding how FTAs can support export growth, and enhance global competitiveness.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General, AEPC, highlighted the transformative role of the new-generation FTAs signed by India since 2021 in expanding market access for Indian apparel exports and strengthening India’s position in the global value chains.
“The range, depth, scale and scope of India’s recent trade agreements are huge and wide-ranging, creating new opportunities for apparel exporters by reducing tariff barriers and improving market access. However, the full benefits of these agreements can only be realised when exporters understand the provisions and utilise them effectively. Through this Pan-India outreach initiative, AEPC aims to empower exporters with practical knowledge and strategic insights that can translate into sustainable export growth,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Dona Ghosh, ITS, Joint DGFT, Bengaluru, emphasised the strategic importance of FTAs in enhancing India’s export competitiveness and encouraged exporters to proactively utilise the advantages available under various trade agreements.
A comprehensive technical session was conducted by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mangla, Associate Professor, Economics & International Trade, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS), who provided participants with a detailed understanding of tariff concessions, market opportunities and practical approaches for improving export competitiveness through effective FTA utilisation.
A major highlight of the programme was the session on Rules of Origin for the Textile Sector across FTAs. The session focused on the basic concepts governing Rules of Origin and their implications for sourcing and procurement strategies. Participants gained valuable insights into meeting origin requirements and maximising preferential tariff benefits under different trade agreements.
The Bengaluru seminar is the first in a series of programmes that AEPC plans to organise across major apparel manufacturing and exporting centres in the coming months. The initiative is expected to play a significant role in helping exporters unlock the full potential of India’s trade agreements and drive sustainable export growth.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. C. Eswarasundar, General Manager, Southern Region, AEPC, followed by a networking dinner that facilitated interactions among exporters, policymakers and industry experts.
