Jaipur, June 9, 2026:
Jaipur is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most significant apparel export hubs, playing a crucial role in the country’s expanding presence in global markets. This was highlighted during a regional media briefing jointly organised by the Department of Commerce, Government of India, and the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) in Jaipur on Tuesday.
The briefing, themed “Strengthening India’s Position in Global Apparel Trade: Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward,” brought together senior government officials, industry representatives, exporters and members of the media to discuss India’s growing role in the global apparel value chain and the opportunities ahead for the sector.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Agrim Kaushal, Senior Economic Advisor, Department of Commerce, Government of India, said that India is steadily moving towards becoming a global textile and apparel powerhouse. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5F vision—“Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion and Fashion to Foreign”—as the foundation of the government’s long-term strategy to strengthen the textile and apparel sector.
Mr. Kaushal noted that Jaipur contributes nearly 86 percent of Rajasthan’s ready-made garment exports, making it one of the country’s most dynamic apparel export clusters. He said the city’s strong MSME ecosystem, rich textile heritage, skilled workforce and growing manufacturing capabilities position it as a major contributor to India’s future export growth.
He also highlighted several government initiatives, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles, PM MITRA Mega Textile Parks, the National Technical Textiles Mission and the recently launched Export Promotion Mission (EPM), which are aimed at boosting competitiveness and supporting exporters across the country.
Speaking about international trade opportunities, Mr. Kaushal said that India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) is expected to create greater market access for exporters and enhance the country’s competitiveness in key global markets. He added that India is well-positioned to benefit from changing global supply chains as international brands increasingly seek to diversify their sourcing destinations.
Welcoming the participants, Mr. Rakshit Poddar, President of the Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR) and Executive Committee Member of AEPC, highlighted Jaipur’s growing importance in India’s export ecosystem. He said exporters from the region have successfully adapted to changing global market requirements while preserving the city’s unique design identity and traditional craftsmanship.
Mr. Aseem Kumar, Executive Committee Member of AEPC, emphasised that the apparel sector continues to be a major contributor to employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and inclusive economic growth. He stressed the need for continued investments in skill development, technology adoption, sustainability compliance and infrastructure improvement to strengthen India’s global competitiveness.
During the discussions, industry experts observed that global supply chains are undergoing significant transformation, creating fresh opportunities for countries like India. With its large manufacturing base, entrepreneurial ecosystem and policy support, India is increasingly being recognised as a preferred sourcing destination for global brands and retailers.
A detailed presentation delivered during the event outlined Jaipur’s contribution to India’s apparel export growth and identified key focus areas for strengthening export competitiveness. These included infrastructure development, logistics efficiency, digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, product diversification, skill enhancement and greater support for MSMEs.
The session also highlighted the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs and first-generation exporters to ensure broader participation in India’s export growth story. Industry representatives shared success stories from Jaipur, demonstrating how local businesses have built a strong presence in international markets.
The interaction reaffirmed AEPC’s commitment to working closely with the Government of India and industry stakeholders to enhance export competitiveness, generate employment opportunities and strengthen India’s position in the global apparel value chain.
As India advances towards its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the textile and apparel sector is expected to play a pivotal role in driving exports, creating jobs and supporting inclusive economic development. With its globally recognised textile heritage and strong manufacturing ecosystem, Jaipur is poised to remain at the forefront of this growth journey.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ravi Poddar, Executive Committee Member of AEPC, followed by an interactive session with media representatives.