Ministry of Textiles Holds Second TEXPORT Programme in Noida

The AEPC-led initiative aims to strengthen apparel export readiness, support exporters and improve India’s global competitiveness.

The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has organised the second TEXPORT capacity-building programme in Noida through the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). Titled “TEXPORT: How to Start, Sustain and Scale Apparel Exports”, the programme aims to help businesses prepare for international markets and strengthen India’s apparel export sector.

The initiative is part of the Ministry’s National Export Continuity Programme. It focuses on building the capabilities of established exporters, new businesses and potential exporters. In addition, it aims to address challenges faced by exporters across different textile and apparel clusters.

TEXPORT Expands Export Training Across India

The Noida programme follows the first TEXPORT initiative, held in Surat, Gujarat, in collaboration with MATEXIL. The Ministry plans to organise more training programmes across major textile and apparel centres.

These programmes will address local business needs and export-related challenges. They will also provide targeted training and support to help businesses enter and expand in international markets.

The Noida programme was chaired by Ms. Alaknanda Dayal, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. Attendees included Mr. A. Bipin Menon, ITS, Trade Adviser, Ministry of Textiles; Mr. Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General, AEPC; Shri Sheshmani Panday, IAS, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Mr. Amit Kumar, ITS, Director (Trade); and Mr. Hemant Kumar, Deputy DGFT.

Representatives from the apparel industry, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel institutions in Coimbatore, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and other organisations also attended.

Ministry Highlights $100 Billion Export Ambition

During the programme, Ms. Alaknanda Dayal outlined the Ministry’s efforts to expand India’s textile and apparel exports. She highlighted the vision of achieving US$100 billion in textile and apparel exports by 2030.

She also stressed the need to identify local opportunities and address exporter-specific challenges. In this context, Noida has the potential to emerge as a Champion District for apparel exports.

The TEXPORT programme aims to provide export-readiness training and institutional support. Following the Surat initiative, the Noida programme marks another step towards building export capabilities across India’s textile and apparel hubs.

Technical Sessions Focus on Global Market Opportunities

Mr. A. Bipin Menon, ITS, Trade Adviser, Ministry of Textiles, delivered a technical presentation on India’s textile and apparel export potential. He discussed ways to improve the sector’s global competitiveness.

The presentation covered Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and their role in improving market access. It also addressed country and product strategies, market intelligence, compliance, export promotion and engagement with international buyers.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General, AEPC, delivered the welcome address. He highlighted the need to expand India’s export base, noting that nearly 88% of the country’s exports originate from just 100 districts.

He also discussed plans to develop 100 Champion Districts as global export hubs and 100 Aspirational Districts as self-reliant manufacturing centres. In addition, he highlighted opportunities arising from India’s growing network of FTAs. These agreements cover areas such as digital trade, e-commerce, investment and sustainability.

Interactive Sessions Address Exporter Challenges

A key part of the programme was three interactive sessions designed for different groups of exporters. These included regular exporters, irregular exporters, and new or potential exporters.

Through technical discussions and diagnostic questionnaires, participants identified challenges and training needs. The sessions covered several areas, including:

• Export procedures and regulatory compliance
• Finance and logistics
• Product development
• Buyer connectivity
• International market access

A dedicated question-and-answer session also allowed participants to raise concerns and seek guidance from officials and experts.

Strengthening India’s Apparel Export Ecosystem

The TEXPORT initiative aims to create a structured system for exporter training and support across India. Through programmes in key textile and apparel centres, the Ministry seeks to broaden the country’s exporter base and strengthen local manufacturing clusters.

The initiative also aims to help more businesses enter, sustain and grow in international markets. Ultimately, these efforts support India’s ambition to become a leading global destination for textile and apparel sourcing.