INDIA–UK CETA BOOSTS TIRUPUR’S APPAREL EXPORTS

In a significant move poised to transform India’s apparel export landscape, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Vice Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), met with the Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, in New Delhi. The meeting came in the wake of the historic signing of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)—a trade milestone that promises to propel India’s garment exports to the United Kingdom to new heights. During the high-profile interaction, Dr. Sakthivel expressed his deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment in steering India towards this landmark agreement. He praised Shri Goyal’s tireless efforts in negotiating and finalizing the CETA, stating that the agreement marks a turning point for the Indian apparel sector, particularly for knitwear exporters based in Tirupur.The AEPC Vice Chairman also extended a cordial invitation to Shri Goyal to visit Tirupur, the nation’s leading knitwear export hub. He conveyed that the local exporters are thrilled by the signing of the CETA and are eager to organize a grand Felicitation Function to honour the Minister’s critical role in securing this milestone. Shri Goyal graciously accepted the invitation and assured Dr. Sakthivel that he would indeed visit Tirupur to engage directly with the exporting community. On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr. Sakthivel emphasized the economic significance of the newly signed agreement. He projected that India’s apparel exports to the UK—currently valued at USD 1.5 billion—are expected to double to USD 3 billion within the next three years. This surge in exports, he noted, will not only enhance foreign exchange earnings but also play a key role in generating substantial employment opportunities, especially for women across the textile and garment industry. As the Indian textile sector stands at the brink of a new era of international trade expansion, the CETA with the UK is expected to unlock vast potential for growth, innovation, and socio-economic development—particularly in strongholds like Tirupur that form the backbone of  India’s  garment  export  economy.