AEPC recently organised a webinar to urge COVID-19-impacted Indian apparel exporters to diversify revenue sources by producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to meet global demand. The webinar was attended by about 2,000 participants mainly apparel exporters from across the country.

AEPC chairman A Sakthivel said he expected domestic demand for PPE to be worth Rs 10,000 crore for the next one year while international demand would likely be worth $60 billion in 2025. India has done only $260 million so far last year.

Though many PPE products needed for frontline health workers are banned for exports currently, APEC expected demand to pick up once local manufacturers satisfy Indian demand.

Besides the webinar, AEPC intends to have a separate cell for PPE kits as it aims to provide sufficient kits domestically to prevent further imports.