The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) organised a seminar titled “Unlocking Growth Opportunities: FTA Utilization for Apparel Exporters” in Tiruppur as part of its Pan India Seminar Series.
Held at Poppys Vista Hotel and supported by Kotak Mahindra Bank, the programme brought together apparel exporters, industry leaders, government officials and trade experts to examine how India’s expanding Free Trade Agreement (FTA) network can create new opportunities for exports and strengthen the competitiveness of the Indian apparel industry.
India’s Expanding FTA Network Opens New Opportunities
Addressing the gathering, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, said India’s growing network of FTAs presents a significant opportunity for the apparel sector.
He noted that once the proposed agreement with the European Union is finalised, India will have recently signed FTAs with 38 countries, including the 27 EU member states, covering around 65% of the global population.
According to Dr. Sakthivel, these markets offer substantial opportunities for Indian apparel exporters, particularly because many of these countries do not have comparable apparel manufacturing capacity.
He urged exporters to prepare for the emerging opportunities by expanding capacity, improving competitiveness and actively exploring new international markets. AEPC is supporting these efforts by encouraging exporters to participate in international trade fairs and facilitating buyer visits to India and Tiruppur.
“Prepare yourself for export. Increase your capacity. I will make sure you will not be disappointed. The future is ours,” Dr. Sakthivel said, expressing confidence in the growth prospects of India’s apparel industry.
Focus on Effective FTA Utilisation
Shri Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General, AEPC, stressed that the benefits of trade agreements depend not simply on signing them but on their effective utilisation by exporters.
He explained that exporters need to identify applicable tariff preferences, comply with Rules of Origin and sourcing requirements, complete documentation and compliance procedures, and successfully claim preferential tariffs.
He further emphasised that FTA utilisation should begin at the product development and sourcing stage. Exporters should incorporate tariff preferences and origin requirements into product costing, pricing strategies and buyer negotiations from the beginning.
India-UK CETA Creates Opportunities for Tiruppur
Shri D. Sridhar, ITS, Additional DGFT, Coimbatore, highlighted the opportunities created by India’s recent trade agreements, particularly the India-UK CETA.
He said the agreement has strengthened the competitiveness of Tiruppur’s apparel exporters in the UK market, with nearly 99% of goods gaining zero-duty access.
He added that the proposed India-EU agreement could become another major catalyst for Indian apparel exports once implemented.
However, he cautioned that preferential market access can only translate into business if exporters understand and comply with critical requirements, including correct HS classification, Rules of Origin and Certificates of Origin.
Shri Sridhar also highlighted the DGFT’s digital platform for seamless and paperless self-certification and encouraged exporters to establish the required documentation and systems in advance.
“Get ready for 2027,” he said, stressing that while the Government has completed its role at the negotiating table, the responsibility now lies with industry to convert the opportunities into orders, employment and growth.
Understanding Rules of Origin and Product Requirements
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mangla, Associate Professor, Economics and International Trade, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS), delivered a detailed technical presentation on the practical aspects of FTAs and their utilisation by apparel exporters.
He explained that preferential or duty-free market access alone does not guarantee export success. Exporters must identify suitable products and markets, correctly apply Rules of Origin and Product-Specific Rules, understand requirements such as Change in Tariff Heading (CTH) and Qualifying Value Content (QVC), maintain comprehensive documentation and strategically manage sourcing.
Dr. Mangla also highlighted the potential of the India-UK CETA and the emerging India-EU trade framework to strengthen India’s competitive position in major global apparel markets.
Industry Interaction and Q&A
A presentation by Kotak Mahindra Bank was also included in the programme, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
The session provided participating exporters with an opportunity to discuss practical challenges, clarify FTA-related requirements and gain a better understanding of how preferential trade agreements can be incorporated into their export strategies.
AEPC Reaffirms Support for Tiruppur Exporters
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri N. Thirukumaran, EC Member, AEPC.
He expressed gratitude to Chairman Dr. A. Sakthivel, Secretary General Shri Mithileshwar Thakur, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mangla, Shri D. Sridhar, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Poppys Vista Hotel and all participating exporters and industry representatives.
He also appreciated the exporters for their enthusiastic participation and valuable contributions during the seminar. The strong participation and detailed questions raised during the Q&A reflected Tiruppur’s growing interest in making more effective use of India’s FTAs to improve competitiveness, access new markets and increase exports.
The Tiruppur seminar reaffirmed AEPC’s commitment to helping Indian apparel exporters convert India’s expanding FTA network into new markets, larger orders, higher capacity utilisation and sustained export growth.