Hon’ble Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said that “the Indian apparel exporters must aim to capture double digit share of the world apparel market from its current level of 5-6% through up-skilling and use of latest technologies.”
Inaugurating the 24 x 7 x 365 virtual platform of Apparel Export Promotion Council’s (AEPC) on Thursday, Shri Naidu congratulated the AEPC and its 8,600 member exporters for their entrepreneurial spirit in creating their own virtual platform for export promotion.
“I am confident that all these efforts along with the support of the Ministry will boost Indian apparel exports. We should soon aspire to reach a double digit share in export of fabrics with proper encouragement and branding,” the Vice President said.
The virtual exhibition platform will showcase Indian apparels round the year and will host B2B meetings. Considering the travel restrictions due to Covid-19 pandemic, the platform is seen as a better alternative in terms of both economy and convenience.
Naidu said that the sector should ponder the reasons why India, despite being the leading producer and exporter of cotton, jute, silk and MMF yarns, lacks the competitive edge in fabrics and apparels when compared to Bangladesh and China.
“They are the biggest buyers of Indian yarn. They add value to it and sell the fabrics and apparels at a lower cost than India. This is largely due to the unorganised and dispersed nature of the weaving sector in India. We need to have more Tirupur’s,” he said.
Congratulating AEPC Chairman Dr A Sakthivel for his dynamic leadership Naidu said, “This is another milestone in our journey towards Atmanirbharta. If we upskill, provide opportunities and technology, we can capture the world market once again.”
Hon’ble Minister of Textiles Smt.Smriti Zubin Irani said that “Indian apparel industry created world history by establishing Rs 7,000 crore ($1 billion) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and N95 mask industry in the midst of pandemic in just two months.”
“Reflecting the same enterprise, AEPC has now created a virtual platform.
It will give rise to opportunities for over 300 top exporters in the country” Smt. Irani said.
The launch of the platform was followed by a virtual tour of the platform for the benefit of attending participants including several Indian High Commissioners and Ambassadors abroad, international buyers, brands, chain stores, buying houses and exporters.
AEPC Chairman Dr A Sakthivel requested the Hon’ble Vice President to use his good offices for expediting FTAs/ CEPAs with the US, EU, UK, Canada and Australia.
He also urged the international buyers to request their respective governments for fast tracking the trade agreements with India.
“These deals can double Indian apparel exports in three years,” Dr. Sakthivel said and added, “I appeal to the High Commissioners and Ambassadors of India to share the link of our virtual platform with the buyers in your country and take advantage of the positive sentiments towards India.” He said the Indian apparel products are sustainable, ethnic, eco-friendly and fashionable in all categories.
Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman (Export Promotion), AEPC, delivered the vote of thanks.
