The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), established in 1978, serves as the official body dedicated to promoting apparel exports from India. Over the years, AEPC has been instrumental in assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the apparel sector to expand their reach in international markets. Through a combination of financial aid, training programs, and market access initiatives, AEPC empowers SMEs to navigate the complexities of global trade and enhance their competitiveness.

Financial Aid Initiatives

One of the significant challenges faced by SMEs in the apparel industry is accessing affordable financing. To address this, AEPC facilitates several financial aid schemes:

1. Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES): This scheme offers a 3% interest subsidy on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit for MSME manufacturer exporters. The extension of the IES has been widely welcomed by the garment industry, as it provides much-needed relief from high-interest rates and supports exporters in managing their working capital requirements.
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2. Market Access Initiative (MAI): AEPC supports exporters by providing financial assistance for participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and market studies. This initiative helps SMEs showcase their products globally, explore new markets, and establish valuable business connections.
3. Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS): To encourage the adoption of modern technologies, AEPC promotes schemes like TUFS, which offer capital subsidies to SMEs for upgrading their machinery and infrastructure. This enhances production efficiency and product quality, making Indian apparel more competitive internationally.

Training and Skill Development Programs

Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, AEPC has established various training programs:

1. Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC): As AEPC’s training wing, ATDC operates numerous centers across India, offering courses in apparel manufacturing, design, and quality control. These programs equip individuals with the necessary skills to meet international standards, thereby enhancing the industry’s overall productivity.
2. Skill Development Initiatives: In collaboration with government schemes, AEPC conducts skill development programs aimed at upskilling the existing workforce and training new entrants. These initiatives focus on areas such as advanced sewing techniques, pattern making, and apparel merchandising, ensuring that SMEs have access to a pool of skilled professionals.

Market Access Opportunities

AEPC plays a pivotal role in facilitating market access for SMEs:

1. International Trade Fairs: AEPC organizes participation in global trade fairs, providing SMEs with platforms to exhibit their products to international buyers. Events like the India International Garment Fair attract buyers from around the world, offering SMEs exposure to new markets and trends.
2. Trade Delegations: By leading trade delegations to various countries, AEPC helps SMEs explore potential markets, understand regulatory requirements, and establish direct contacts with overseas buyers. These delegations often result in fruitful business collaborations and export orders.
3. Market Research and Intelligence: AEPC provides members with access to comprehensive market research reports, trade statistics, and insights into global fashion trends. This information enables SMEs to make informed decisions, tailor their products to market demands, and strategize their export plans effectively.

Altus Exports: Partnering with Indian Manufacturers for Global Success

While AEPC provides foundational support to apparel exporters, partnering with experienced export facilitators like Altus Exports can further enhance an SME’s ability to succeed internationally. Altus Exports specializes in connecting Indian manufacturers with global markets through a comprehensive partnership model.

How Altus Exports Assists Manufacturers:

1. Buyer Identification: Altus Exports excels in identifying potential buyers for products across various international markets. Leveraging a deep understanding of market trends and buyer behavior, they match manufacturers’ products with the right buyers.
2. Market Intelligence: With access to extensive databases and information sources, Altus Exports provides up-to-date market intelligence, helping manufacturers understand market dynamics and identify new opportunities.
3. Marketing Expertise: A skilled marketing team promotes products in the international market using a blend of traditional and digital marketing techniques, generating leads and converting them into orders.
4. Extensive Network: Over the years, Altus Exports has built a vast network of contacts and partners across various industries and regions, facilitating smoother market entry and quicker establishment of products in new territories.

Partnering with Altus Exports:

Altus Exports seeks to form strategic alliances with manufacturers who share a commitment to excellence and global expansion. Ideal partners are those who:

• Produce Export-Quality Products: Manufacturers that adhere to stringent quality standards suitable for international markets.
• Aspire for Global Presence: Manufacturers eager to expand their footprint globally.
• Hold Necessary Certifications: Manufacturers with the required documentation and certifications for seamless export operations.

By partnering with Altus Exports, manufacturers gain an extension of their business in the form of a dedicated export team, simplifying the complex process of exporting and tapping into new markets with ease.

In conclusion, AEPC’s comprehensive support through financial aid, training programs, and market access initiatives has been instrumental in enabling SMEs in the apparel sector to expand internationally. Complementing this support with partnerships with organizations like Altus Export.