A Sakthivel Appointed AEPC Chairman for Fifth Term

Leadership Continuity at AEPC as A Sakthivel Takes Charge Again

A Sakthivel has been appointed chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) , marking his fifth term at the helm of India’s apex organisation for apparel exports. He succeeds Sudhir Sekhri and assumes office at a time when the global garment industry is grappling with demand uncertainty, sustainability requirements, and changing trade policies. The appointment signals continuity in leadership as India’s apparel sector looks to consolidate recent gains and expand its global presence.

Leadership Continuity at AEPC

AEPC plays a critical role in export promotion, policy advocacy, and market access for India’s garment industry. As chairman, Sakthivel is expected to work closely with the Government of India and industry stakeholders to strengthen India’s competitiveness in key international markets. His immediate priorities include widening export destinations, supporting exporters in meeting sustainability and compliance norms, and mitigating the impact of adverse tariff measures—particularly those imposed by the United States on Indian apparel.

Driving Tiruppur’s Rise as a Global Knitwear Hub

Sakthivel is widely recognised for his role in shaping Tiruppur into one of the world’s leading knitwear clusters. Under his leadership and industry stewardship, apparel exports from Tiruppur grew from around Rs 15 crore in 1984 to nearly Rs 45,000 crore in 2024–25 . The cluster’s success has been driven by scale, specialisation, and increasing adoption of environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, making it a cornerstone of India’s apparel export ecosystem.

Engagement with Government on Export Support

Soon after assuming office, Sakthivel met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to seek policy support for exporters. He proposed raising the cap under the interest subvention scheme to improve liquidity and competitiveness for micro, small and medium enterprise exporters. The move is aimed at cushioning MSMEs against rising costs and tighter global credit conditions.

Focus Areas for the New Term

During his fifth term, Sakthivel plans to focus on market diversification, sustainability compliance, and closer engagement with global buyers. Addressing non-tariff barriers, improving ease of doing business, and aligning Indian exporters with evolving environmental and labour standards are expected to be central to his agenda as India strengthens its position in the global apparel value chain.

Important Facts for Exams

• AEPC is the apex body for promoting India’s apparel exports

• Tiruppur is a major global hub for Indian knitwear exports

• Interest subvention schemes support exporters through subsidised credit

• US tariff measures significantly impact India’s apparel export competitiveness