AEPC Launches Pan-India FTA Seminar Series to Help Apparel Exporters Maximise Trade Benefits
30 June 2026: Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) officially commenced its nationwide seminar series on “Unlocking Growth Opportunities: FTA Utilisation for Apparel Exporters” with its first programme organised in Bengaluru on June 25, 2026.
The seminar series, conceived under the leadership of Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, aims to improve industry awareness and equip apparel exporters with practical knowledge to benefit from preferential market access available under India’s Free Trade Agreements.
The inaugural event brought together apparel exporters, manufacturers, industry stakeholders and trade professionals from Karnataka and neighbouring regions, reflecting growing industry interest in understanding how FTAs can contribute to export growth and improve global competitiveness.
Addressing the participants, Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General, AEPC, discussed the role of India’s new-generation FTAs signed since 2021 in expanding market opportunities for apparel exports and strengthening India’s integration into global value chains.
He said “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.”
The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Dona Ghosh, ITS, Joint DGFT, Bengaluru, who highlighted the strategic importance of FTAs in improving India’s export competitiveness and encouraged exporters to make effective use of the opportunities available under various trade agreements.
A technical session was conducted by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mangla, Associate Professor, Economics & International Trade, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS). The session covered tariff concessions, market opportunities and practical approaches to improving export competitiveness through effective utilisation of FTAs.
One of the key sessions focused on Rules of Origin for the Textile Sector across FTAs, explaining the basic principles governing Rules of Origin and their implications for sourcing and procurement decisions. Participants also received guidance on meeting origin requirements to maximise preferential tariff benefits under different trade agreements.
According to AEPC, the Bengaluru programme marks the beginning of a series of seminars that will be organised across major apparel manufacturing and exporting centres in the coming months to support exporters in leveraging India’s trade agreements.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by C. Eswarasundar, General Manager, Southern Region, AEPC, followed by a networking dinner attended by exporters, policymakers and industry experts.
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