Dr. A Sakthivel Begins Fifth Term as AEPC Chairman – Leading garment industry associations honoured him at a function held in Tirupur
12 January 2026: Dr. A. Sakthivel has once again been appointed Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for his fifth term, beginning in January 2026, succeeding Sudhir Sekhri to lead India’s apparel export body amidst global trade challenges like US tariffs and EU sustainability regulations. A function to honour him was held in Tirupur on 10th January 2026, organised by leading garment-related textile industry associations from South India.
The TEKPA delegation also participated in conducting the function. TR Srikanth, President, TEKPA, said, “It is a big honour for all our industry members in Tirupur that Dr. A. Sakthivel has been appointed as AEPC Chairman for the fifth term. The coming days are challenging for our textile industry as global economic conditions are not very favourable. Mitigating US tariff impacts, expanding MMF and technical textiles, and ensuring compliance with new EU sustainability rules (like digital product passports) are key focus areas. We are sure that with his rich experience and knowledge, Dr. A. Sakthivel will be able to take the Indian textile industry to newer, even greater heights.”
Dr. A. Sakthivel’s focus as AEPC Chairman includes expanding market access, promoting Man-Made Fiber (MMF) exports, and addressing challenges through collaboration with the government. In his new role, Sakthivel met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to seek policy support for exporters. He requested an increase in the cap limit under the interest subvention scheme to enhance liquidity and competitiveness for micro, small and medium enterprise exporters. The proposal aims to cushion MSMEs against rising costs and tighter global credit conditions while sustaining export momentum.
In terms of policy advocacy, he is actively seeking increased interest subvention for MSMEs and leveraging India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for growth. Industry stakeholders have praised his reappointment, citing his deep experience and vision for navigating current headwinds.
The Apparel Export Promotion Council or AEPC is India’s official body for apparel exporters, sponsored by the Ministry of Textiles. It plays a central role in policy advocacy, market access, and export promotion for India’s apparel sector.
As AEPC Chairman, Dr. A. Sakthivel is expected to work closely with the Government of India and industry stakeholders to strengthen India’s competitiveness in key markets. His agenda includes widening export destinations, addressing sustainability compliance across supply chains, and mitigating the impact of adverse tariff measures imposed by the United States on Indian apparel exports. This appointment underscores continuity in leadership as the industry seeks to consolidate recent gains and expand its global footprint.
During his fifth term, Dr. A. Sakthivel plans to prioritise market diversification, sustainability compliance, and closer coordination with global buyers. Addressing non-tariff barriers, improving ease of doing business for exporters, and aligning with evolving environmental and labour standards are expected to be key focus areas as India seeks to strengthen its position in the global apparel value chain.
Dr. A. Sakthivel is known for transforming Tirupur into a global knitwear hub and his emphasis on sustainability. Under his leadership and industry stewardship, apparel exports from the cluster grew from about Rs.15 crore in 1984 to nearly Rs.45,000 crore in 2024-25. Tirupur’s growth has been anchored in scale, specialisation, and increasing adoption of environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, making it a critical pillar of India’s apparel export ecosystem.
