The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) is charting a robust growth trajectory to propel India's Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector towards a lofty goal of achieving $40 billion in exports by 2030. Chairman Sudhir Sekhri emphasized India's self-sufficiency in apparel production, owing to its status as a leading producer of various types of fibers and a burgeoning young workforce. He outlined a vision to leverage these advantages, building an integrated ecosystem from Fiber to Fashion, aimed at empowering marginalized communities and bolstering women's employment.
Underpinning this strategy is AEPC's ambitious plan to expand its global footprint. In the current fiscal year, AEPC intends to partake in 17 international trade fairs spanning diverse continents, with a focus on emerging markets like Saudi Arabia, Poland, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and Russia, in addition to established destinations like the EU, USA, and UK. The success of initiatives such as Bharat Tex underscores AEPC's commitment to fostering international partnerships, with plans underway for a second edition to further engage with global buyers.
Highlighting the pivotal role of engagement with international brands and buying houses, officials underscored the importance of enhancing industry perception and compliance standards. A recent roundtable in New Delhi convened stakeholders to discuss avenues for strengthening ties and addressing challenges in the supply chain. Key government representatives emphasized the achievability of the $40 billion target by fostering deeper collaboration and boosting investor confidence.
The AEPC also lauded the Government of India's efforts in securing meaningful Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), citing tangible export growth in regions like Mauritius (16.8 per cent) and Australia (5.7 per cent). Anticipation looms over forthcoming FTAs, particularly with the UK, poised to provide a significant impetus to India's garment industry. With a strong foundation laid and international partnerships burgeoning, the AEPC aims to propel India's RMG sector towards unprecedented heights, signaling a promising future for the nation's textile exports.
