Padmashri Dr. A. Sakthivel, one of India’s most respected industry leaders and a pioneer of the apparel export movement, has formally taken charge as Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for an unprecedented fifth term, marking a historic milestone in the organisation’s leadership.
Dr. Sakthivel has been associated with AEPC for over 43 years as a board member, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s apparel export ecosystem. Through entrepreneurial vision, innovation and perseverance, he founded and nurtured Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd., which has grown into one of India’s leading knitwear exporting companies.
Congratulating the incoming Chairman, Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, highlighted Dr. Sakthivel’s deep connection with exporters and the industry at large. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kansal said,
“One world which defines the textiles industry is resilience. The government is cognizant of the difficulties of the industry and is ready to continue its support for boosting textiles exports.”
The ceremony was attended by former AEPC Chairman Shri Sudhir Sekhri, senior industry members, representatives from buying houses, and other dignitaries.
Dr. Sakthivel’s leadership has left a lasting imprint on India’s apparel export landscape, particularly in Tiruppur, which he helped transform into a global knitwear hub. Exports from the region grew from ₹15 crore in 1984 to an estimated ₹45,000 crore in 2024–25, reflecting decades of sustained growth and global integration. During his earlier tenure, he championed the production of Man-Made Fibre (MMF) garments and medical textiles, a move that directly contributed to the inclusion of MMF apparel under the PLI Scheme.
In recognition of his contributions to India’s export sector, the Government of India conferred on him the Padma Shri in 2009, followed by an Honorary Doctor of Literature from Bharathiar University in 2011.
Known for his consensus-building leadership style, Dr. Sakthivel has consistently advocated competitiveness, MSME empowerment, employment generation, and sustainable growth, ensuring Indian exporters remain aligned with global best practices while strengthening long-term resilience.
Upon assuming charge for his fifth term, Dr. Sakthivel reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Government of India, state governments, and industry stakeholders to expand market access, leverage India’s growing network of Free Trade Agreements, address sustainability compliance requirements, and enhance India’s share in global apparel trade.
Highlighting his immediate priority, Dr. Sakthivel said,
“It is to mitigate the adverse impact of the recent US tariff measures on Indian apparel exporters and the millions of workers dependent on the sector.”
He thanked the government for recent support measures extended to the export sector, particularly labour-intensive industries such as apparel, and reiterated that AEPC will continue to focus on export growth, market diversification, and addressing emerging global trade challenges.
Under his leadership, AEPC will intensify efforts to promote MMF garment manufacturing for exports, alongside strengthening sustainability and ESG-focused capacity-building initiatives across the apparel value chain.
Dr. Sakthivel has also served on the boards of NIFT, ECGC, UCO Bank, IDBI, and various state committees. He has previously held leadership roles as President of FIEO, India Chamber of Commerce, and TEA, and currently continues as Chairman of the Apparel, Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC).