Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel, a stalwart of India’s apparel export industry, has taken charge as Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for a historic fifth term. His reappointment in January 2026 marks a significant milestone in a career spanning over four decades with AEPC, including 43 years as a board member.
A pioneer of the knitwear export movement, Dr. Sakthivel built Poppys Knitwear Pvt. Ltd. into one of India’s leading knitwear exporters through sustained effort, innovation, and trade excellence.
Industry and Government Leaders Welcome the Appointment
Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, congratulated Dr. Sakthivel on assuming charge. He described Dr. Sakthivel as a leader who brings warmth and positivity to the exporter community.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kansal said, “Resilience defines the textile industry. The Government understands the sector’s challenges and remains committed to supporting export growth.” Former AEPC Chairman Shri Sudhir Sekhri, along with senior industry members, buying house representatives, and other dignitaries, were also present.
Transformational Leadership in Apparel Exports
Dr. Sakthivel’s leadership has played a decisive role in shaping India’s apparel export ecosystem. His efforts helped transform Tiruppur into a global knitwear hub. Exports from the region grew from ₹15 crore in 1984 to ₹45,000 crore in 2024–25.
During his earlier tenure, he championed the production of man-made fibre garments and medical textiles. This focus contributed to the inclusion of MMF garments under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
National and Academic Recognition
In recognition of his contributions to exports, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on Dr. Sakthivel in 2009. Bharathiar University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Literature degree in 2011.
Focus on Competitiveness and Sustainable Growth
Known for his consensus-driven leadership, Dr. Sakthivel has consistently advocated competitiveness, employment generation, MSME empowerment, and sustainable growth. He has aligned Indian apparel exports with global best practices while strengthening long-term resilience.
On assuming office, Dr. Sakthivel reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Government of India, state governments, and industry stakeholders. His priorities include expanding market access, leveraging India’s growing FTA network, addressing sustainability compliance, and increasing India’s share in global apparel trade.
Immediate Priorities and Export Strategy
Highlighting an urgent concern, Dr. Sakthivel said, “Our immediate priority is to mitigate the adverse impact of recent US tariff measures on Indian apparel exporters and the millions of workers dependent on the sector.” He thanked the government for its continued support to exporters, particularly labour-intensive sectors like apparel.
AEPC will continue to focus on export growth, market diversification, and emerging global trade challenges. Under his leadership, the council will also accelerate MMF garment exports and strengthen ESG-focused capacity-building initiatives.
Extensive Institutional Experience
Dr. Sakthivel has served on the boards of NIFT, ECGC, UCO Bank, and IDBI Bank. He has also been an active member of several state-level committees. In addition, he has held the position of President of FIEO and the Indian Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves as Chairman of the Apparel, Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC).
