A delegation led by Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), along with key representatives of the Tiruppur textile cluster and industry associations, met Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, on 11 February 2026.
The delegation included Mr. K. M. Subramanian, President, Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA); Mr. Elangovan, Vice President, TEA; Mr. P.P.K. Paramasivam, Advisory Committee Member; Mr. R. Ramu, Executive Committee Member, TEA; and representatives from ten textile associations, comprising around 45 members in total.
During the interaction, Shri Piyush Goyal highlighted that India has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with nearly 38 countries, including a major interim trade agreement with the United States. He noted that cotton eligibility benefits currently enjoyed by Bangladesh are based on its earlier FTA with the United States. He further informed that India is expected to sign the agreement shortly and confirmed that similar benefits would apply to India as well.
The Hon’ble Minister encouraged the Tiruppur cluster to create five lakh additional jobs and double its export performance over the next three years, assuring that the Government of India will extend full support to exporters. He also shared that the Ministry is planning to establish a dedicated control room mechanism to enable exporters to submit their issues and grievances online for prompt resolution.
Shri Piyush Goyal urged all stakeholders in the textile and apparel sector to effectively leverage the opportunities arising from these FTAs and ensure that their benefits reach across the country and every individual associated with the industry.
The association office bearers and industry representatives assured the Hon’ble Minister of their commitment to fully utilise the opportunities created by these trade agreements. They also congratulated him for his visionary leadership and his continued efforts in strengthening India’s global trade position.
Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, expressed his sincere gratitude to Shri Piyush Goyal for his proactive efforts in advancing India’s trade agenda, including the successful conclusion of the India–EU FTA, described as the “mother of all deals,” and the Interim Trade Deal with the United States, both of which are expected to significantly boost India’s textile and apparel exports.
