Padmashri Dr. A. Sakthivel, one of India’s most respected industry leaders and a pioneer of the apparel export movement, has assumed charge as the Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for a historic fifth term in January 2026. With an association spanning over four decades, including 43 years as an AEPC board member, his reappointment marks a significant milestone in the council’s journey and reinforces his enduring commitment to India’s apparel export ecosystem.
Dr. Sakthivel’s entrepreneurial vision has been central to the transformation of Tiruppur into a global knitwear hub. Through dedication, innovation, and perseverance, he built Poppys Knitwear Pvt. Ltd. into one of India’s leading knitwear exporters. Under his leadership, exports from the Tiruppur region grew dramatically from ₹15 crore in 1984 to nearly ₹45,000 crore in 2024–25, positioning the cluster as a key contributor to India’s global apparel trade.
Congratulating Dr. Sakthivel on assuming charge, Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, highlighted his warmth and ability to connect with exporters, noting that resilience defines the textiles industry. He reaffirmed the Government of India’s continued support for boosting textile exports amid global challenges. The occasion was attended by former AEPC Chairman Shri Sudhir Sekhri, senior industry leaders, buying house representatives, and other distinguished guests.
During his previous tenures, Dr. Sakthivel played a pivotal role in advancing new growth segments such as Man-Made Fibre (MMF) garments and medical textiles, leading to the inclusion of MMF garments under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. His contributions have earned him national recognition, including the Padma Shri in 2009 and an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from Bharathiar University, reflecting his lasting impact on India’s export landscape.
As he begins his fifth term, Dr. Sakthivel has reiterated his commitment to working closely with the Government of India, state governments, and industry stakeholders to expand market access, leverage Free Trade Agreements, and address emerging challenges such as sustainability and ESG compliance. Highlighting immediate priorities, he emphasized mitigating the impact of recent US tariff measures on Indian exporters, while reaffirming AEPC’s focus on export growth, market diversification, and strengthening India’s share in global apparel trade.
