Apparel Export Promotion Council
chairmans
speech
Speech by Shri Ashok G. Rajani, Chairman, AEPC.
at 38" AEPC Annual General Meeting 2017
Niryat Bhawan, Rao Tula Ram Marg, New Delhi-110057
Poa saad|
Ashok G. Rajani
Chairman, AEPCDear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Executive Committee of Apparel Export Promotion Council and on my
personal behalf, | take great pleasure in extending a very hearty and warm welcome to
all of you at this 38" Annual General Meeting of the Apparel Export Promotion Council.
The Notice convening the meeting,the Annual Report forthe financial year ended 31°
March 2017, along with Annual Audited Accounts and Auditors’ Report have been with
you, and with your permission, take them as read.
GOVERNMENT'S SPECIAL PACKAGE TO TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRY
| begin by expressing gratitude to the Shri Narendra Modi, Hon'able Prime Minister of
India, for the Rs. 6000 crore special package to the Indian Textile and Apparel industry.
The much needed booster has strengthened the Indian textile and apparel sector by
improving its cost competitiveness in the global market. The package has broken new
ground in moving from input-based to outcome-based incentives and infused new
energy inthe sector.
EXPORT PERFORMANCE and PROMOTION
AtAEPC, we are constantly driving for better export opportunities for our members and
industry. As we continue to increase and consolidate our position in the existing global
markets, we work together with the governments and industry champions on fostering
the sectors empowerment in those markets where we have had a presence over years.
Our efforts paid off wellthis year.
2016-17 recorded apparel exports worth US$17.48 bn, a 2.9 percent growth over last
year. Considering the global headwinds and a difficult business sentiment at home, this
is quite an encouraging performance from the Industry.
EU as a region continues to be the top destination for India's RMG exports; India's
exports to EU was worth USS 6117.1 mn in 2016-17; a decline of 2.4% in 2016-17 as
compared to previous year. EU's share in India's RMG exports was 35% which is a
decline of 5.1% from previous year.
UAE has surpassed USA in terms of exports of RMG from India during the year 2016-
17. RMG exports from India to UAE were to the tune of USS 3961.5 mn, an increase of
45.7% from last year.
The exports to USA during the year 2016-17 were to the tune of US$ 3766 mn., which
is a decline of 2.5% as compared to 2015-16 when India's export to US were to the
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NSStune of US$ 3862.0 mn. US's share in India's RMG exports was 21.5% a decline of
1.2% as compared to 2015-16
In this drive, we participated in various overseas events and organized a few over the
year. These ar listed here below:
FAIRS/BSMS FROM APRIL 2016 TO AUGUST, 2017
INTERNATIONAL FAIRS
a
(ii)
(i)
(w)
)
wii)
Hong Kong Fashion Week, Hong Kong (4-7 July, 2016) - The Couneil
participated with 36 participants (41 booths). 13286 visitors visited
the fair and business generated was US$ 664300.
Sourcing at Magic, Las Vegas, USA (14-17 August, 2016) — The
Council participated with 53 participants (60 booths). 1200 buyers
visited India Pavilion during the fair and business generated was US$
8.77 Mn,
India Trend Fair at Tokyo Japan (27-29 September, 2016) - The
Council participated with 50 participants (50 booths). 1628 buyers
Visited te fairand business generated was USS 7.16 Mn,
International Apparel & Textile Fair, Dubai (14-15 November, 2016) -
The Council participated with 18 participants. 1628 buyers visited the
fair and business generated was US$ 99500.
International Sourcing Expo Australia (ISEA), Melbourne, Australia
(15-17 November, 2016)- The Council participated with 10 booths
Out of total 60 stalls, 45 stalls through FIEO.
Hong Kong Fashion Week, Hong Kong (16-19 January, 2017) - The
Council participated with 21 participants (21 booths). 7000 visitors
visited the fairand business generated was USS 791300.
Sourcing at Magic, Las Vegas, USA (20-28 Feb., 2017) - The Council
participated in with 25 exhibitors (30 booths). 1450 buyers visited in
India Pavilion during the fair and business generated was USS 6.75
Mn.(vii) Hong Kong Fashion Week, Hong Kong (10-13 July, 2017) - The
Council participated with 21 booths on self financing basis. 7000
visitors visited the fair and business generated was US$
1877500,
(®) Sourcing at Magic, Las Vegas, USA (13-16 August, 2017) - The
Council participated with 57 exhibitors (64 booths). 2800 buyers
visited in India Pavilion and business generated was USS 3.83 Mn,
BUYER SELLER MEETS:
() Buyer Seller Meet at Barcelona & Madrid in Spain (6-11 October,
2016) — The Council participated with 38 participants (40 booths)
Total108 buyers visited at Barcelona & 162 visitors visited at Madrid
and total business generated was USS 333890 during the BSM at both
the places
(i) BSMin Malaysia and Indonesia (17-20 October, 2016) - The Council
participated with 8 participants in both the places. 104 buyers visited
during the BSM at both the places.
INTERNATIONAL HIGH LEVEL DELEGATIONS
Visit of High Level Trade Delegation of AEPC to Tehran, Iran (24-25 Apri, 2016)
andto Dubai, UAE (27-28 April, 2016)
Objectives of the Delegation — The Council mounted the delegation with the
view to explore the potential ofthe Iranian Market, where the US sanctions have
been lifted recently. The Delegation aimed at meeting with Garment Buyers,
Associations, Chain Stores, Departmental Stores and Big importers dealing in
garment buying with a view to set up institutional mechanism for increasing
exports of garments from India to Iran.
The delegation also aimed at understanding the business climate, various
procedural requirements/documentation required by Indian garment exporters
for meeting custom compliance for shipments to Iran; understanding
information's about banking arrangements and information's about the
garmentbusiness cycle, fashion seasons etc.
The delegation invited the buyers to attend India Intl' Garment fair.
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NSSHIGH LEVEL DELEGATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF TEXTILES INDIA 2017,
GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT
Weled from the rontin terms of participation at the Ministry of Textile's Textiles
India 2017, scheduled from 30/06-02/07/17 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. | had personally
extensively traveled and accompanied Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GOI, to New York,
London and Republic of Korea, among other places, to invite leading Buyers and Brand
leaders to the far. The details of delegations supported by AEPC were as follows:
() AHigh Level Delegation under the leadership of Smt. Rashmi Verma,
IAS, the then Secretary (T), Ministry of Textiles had visited to
UK/USA from 3rd to 6th April, 2017 for the promotion of Textiles
India 2017.
(ii) A-High Level Delegation under the leadership of Mr. Subrata Gupta,
IAS, Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India from Ministry of
Textiles had visited UAE from April, 2017 for the promotion of
Textiles India
(ii) AHigh Level Delegation under the leadership of Smt Rashmi Verma,
IAS, the then Secretary from Ministry of Textiles had visited South
Korea from 25-28 April, 2017 for the promotion of Textiles India
2017. The delegations invited the buyers to attend Textiles India
2017 (80th June to 2nd July, 2017)
DOMESTIC EVENTS
We understand that success is founded on partnership, in everything we do, We have
taken every opportunity to encourage the industry and its people to make renewed
commitments for a better Indian Apparel industry. We not only have been active
overseas but also on the domestic front. These are the events we have had this year:
(i) EXPORT AWARD FOR THE EXPORT PERFORMANCE FOR THE
YEAR 2015-16
Apparel Export Promotion Council has facilitated and honored readymade garment
exporters, who have excelled in their export performance for the year 2015-16. The
event was organised on 19” December, 2016 at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi. The event
was inaugurated and distribution of awards in 17 different categories were done by
Hon'ble Union Minister of Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in the presence of Shri Ajay
Tamta, Hon'ble Minister of State for Textiles, Govt. of India , Smt. Rastimi Verma, IAS,
the then Secretary, Ministry of Textles and Shri Ashok G Rajani, Chairman-AEPC.(ii) | FASHION FORECASTS SEMINARS:
AEPC brought the most popular global trends services of International fashion
consultants -WGSN to conduct Fashion Forecast Seminars & free assess of WGSN
website pan India to educate the members.
AEPC had also conducted fashion forecast seminars with international fashion
consultants-WGSN Ltd. The seminars were conducted in November 2016 and March
2017 Pan ndiai.e. Tirupur, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Noida & Kolkata.
Besides seminars, AEPC has also taken online free connection of WGSN forecast for
regular use of its members, who were not able to attend seminars or subscribe trends
forecasts services. WGSN's inspiration and insight facility are available free of cost to
AEPC members from any AEPC offices located at Apparel House-Gurgaon, Noida,
Jaipur, Ludhiana, Bangaluru, Mumbai, Kolkotta & Tirupur.
(iii) | ROAD SHOW AND PRESS CONFERENCE FOR TEXTILES INDIA 2017
Road show and Press Conference was organized for promotion of Textiles India 2017
at Hyderabad on 5° June, 2017 and Kolkata on 12° June, 2017 respectively.
INDIA INTERNATIONAL GARMENT FAIR (DOMESTIC EVENTS)
INDIA INTERNATIONAL GARMENT FAIR remains our flagship event over decades. As
the sectors primary trade fair of the season, IIGF sets benchmarks for the entire
industry. IGF is the biggest international trade fair for Fashion- Womens'wear,
Menswear, Childrens'wear, Scarves and Stoles, Bags and footwear, Fashion accessory
and Jewelry- and the global benchmark for quality fashion of design and innovative
functionality. The network has been growing and flourishing from year to year and
forms the basis for the sourcing plans of all major brands in the world of fashion and
accessories.
The 58° India International Garment Fair (IGF) was organized from 18 — 20 January,
2017, atHall Nos. 8,9,10,11,12 & 12A, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. 316 participants
participated in the fait. During the three days of the fair, 715 buyers from 64 countries
and 247 buying agents visited the fair.
Textiles India 2017 incorporating 59° IIGF was held from 30 June to 2 July, 2017 at
Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. AEPC has been allotted Hall No. 5 & 6
in respect of its participants. AEPC participated in the fair with 343 participants
covering an area of 8280 sq, mtrs. The fair was inaugurated by Shri Narendra Modi,
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NSSHon'ble Prime Minister of India on 30.6.2017 at 2.10 PM in Helipad Exhibition Centre
and 2.35 PM at Mahatma Mandir. AEPC has sponsored 310 overseas buyers and 22
buying agents under the RBSM scheme.
PREPARING APPAREL INDUSTRY FOR GST
India is at the cusp of major tax reforms and the introduction of GST this July was a
watershed of sorts!. In order to enable seamless business, we have been putting in
efforts to address the collective wisdom of the industry and policy makers for a
sustainable and robust economic system.
‘With the vision to apprise the apparel industry the way we need to prepare ourselves for
a smooth transition to the Goods and Service Tax (GST), several one day GST
orientation programmes were organized during May-June, 2017 in nine locations —
Gurgaon, Noida, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Tirupur, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata.
‘The daylong event was designed to provide an overview of the GST framework with an
emphasis on the related provisions including all those which are applicable to apparel
manufacturers and exporters as per their documentation and compliance
requirements,
These one day GST-Orientation Programmes were organized in partnership with the
accredited GST training partners of National Academy of Customs, Excise and
Narcotics (NACEN) and over 1000 members from the trade have attended these
orientation programs at mentioned locations. The facilitators, from the accredited
institutes made detailed presentations on the below stated topics and the methodology
used for training were instructor lead sessions, case study and related examples:
* Overview ofthe Actincluding all definitions and concepts
+ Registration law and process
+ Inclusions and Exceptions
+ Meaning and Scope of Supply, Time and Valuation of Supply of Goods and
Services
GST payment process, time lines and due dligences needed
Treatment of job work
Returns under Goods and Services Tax and Matching of Input Tax Credit
Allother provisions relevant for apparel manufacturers and exporters —for their
documentation and compliance requirements
Input Tax credit provisions
Refund
Appeals
Review and settlement procedures
Inspections, offences and penalty provisions
Assessment and audit proceduresThe participants were happy with the initiative and desired to have more time allotted to
discuss each topic in detall and for question answer session. Around 90% participants
reported that they had benefited through the orientation program and gained better
knowledge on GST and its implications
A Seminar was organized on 29" March, 2017 at Mumbai on GST frame work, where
Emst & Young gave a presentation on different aspects of GST.
In addition o the above AEPC had arranged GST training for its officials as well and the
initiative was divided into two parts. 21 key officials who are/would be dealing with the
matter directly/indirectly had undergone a 3 days extensive GST training programme
with NACEN accredited institutes whereas 24 officials based at HO had participated in
the orientation programmes conducted for the trade at Gurgaon and Noida. By
providing GST training/orientation to its employees, AEPC created its Knowledge
Ambassadors, who can be of help to the industry for answering their routine queries
and online submission of various formats.
MATTERS TAKEN UP WITH THE GOVERNMENT
As one the leading Textile councils of the country, we have always played a crucial
role in policy making and advocacy with the Government. n this intitive, have
been pursuing the following matters with the Government:
+ To refund all kinds of embedded / blocked Cess / taxes of State as well as
Central amounting to around 11% of FOB value of exports,
+ Complete refund of GST at the time of Export General Manifest (EGM) at
customs.
+ Under FTP exemptions of IGST from the schemes like Advance Authorization,
EPCG.
+ MEIS scrips be allowed to be used for the payment of IGST / SGST / CGST
besides Basic Customs Duty (BCD)
* The MEIS scrip on garment exports to be raised from 2% to 6% on FOB.
+ Refund of IGST paid on import of machinery for use by apparel manufacturers
exporters
+ Freight charges may be exempted from the chargeabilty of GST
* Supply of samples may be exempted from the chargeability of GST
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NSSExemption of payment of IGST on the scheme of 5% Export Performance
Scheme for import of trimmings and embellishments of Department of
Revenue (Notification No. 6/2017-Customs dated 02.02.2017)
Additional announcement of benefits to garment industry as high labour
intensive sector.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT
Early finalization of India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA),FTA with Canada
and Australia
Involvement of AEPC in discussions on Code on Wages Bill and to suggest to
Ministry of Labour and Employment to clarify that the Government does not
want to create a stage for uniform wages of Rs. 18000 across sectors and
States.
State Governments to announce and adopt separate policy for high labour
intensive garment sector on the model of Government of Jharkhand where
employment generation subsidy of Rs. 5000 per month per worker for 7 years
for capacity building of workers (Rs. 6000 for SC/ST women) is available,
besides other benefits
Market Access Initiative (MAl) scheme's financial assistance for the
organization of India international Garment Fair (IGF) for providing marketing
platform to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for exports be considered.
Higher allocation of MAI for labour intensive value-added garment export
sector.
Implementation of schemes approved by the Cabinet under ‘Special Package’
for apparel sector namely optional PF contribution facility to workers and
notification of overtime hours of 100hrs per quarter.
ROSL AND DRAWBACK RATES
To ensure cost competitiveness of the industry, effort is underway for enabling a post
transition period (from Oct 01, 2017) drawback rate, which reimburses all other
blocked and embedded central taxes. Against the backdrop of diluted FTP benefits and
resulting pressures, AEPC has been in regular discussion with relevant authorities to
ease out the processes and provide clarity on policy issues.AEPC- STATE PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE.
AEPC's State Partnership Committee has been engaging with state governments for
incentivizing new set ups and scaling up of apparel units in the states. AEPC is in
discussion with Madhya Pradesh. Orissa, Gujarat and West Bengal Governments with
specific suggestions for ensuring feasibility of apparel industry to establish in that
region, especially in remote locations.
In our commitment towards partnership with State governments, | had a very positive
meeting with Dr. Amit Mitra, Honourable Finance, Commerce and Industries Minister of
‘West Bengal. Our relationship reached a new milestone with renewed commitments for
expanded production and exports from the state.
AEPC- ILO PROJECT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF GOOD PRACTICE MANUAL FOR
APPAREL INDUSTRY
The AEPC ILO project was initiated in September, 2016 with the objective to benchmark
India vis-a-vis the competing counties. To meet the competition and ensure growth, i
is important to identify opportunities where efficiencies and productivity can be
enhanced. For the same, AEPC has entered into a technical partnership with ILO. AS a
technical partner ILO has helped identify existing practices in India, identified the gaps,
developed the framework for the manual and finally will develop the manual. AEPC, as
an industry partner will be helping in dissemination of the manual recommendations
and ensure greater awareness and absorption of the manual guidance.
Under this project, a base study was done to assess the existing practices. Case
studies were done for various sized factories in NCR, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bangalore and
Tirupur. A total of 43 units were covered. The study has been completed in March 2017.
On the basis of both primary and secondary data,factors impeding the adoption of
good management practices, including labour practices were analyzed and identified
and methodologies to overcome the current problems were formulated, Accordingly, a
draft manual of good practices capturing around 50 prioritized good practices covering
areas of productivity, operational efficiencies, environmental sensitivity, compliance
and management practices were prepared and shared with stakeholders during a
‘Stakeholder consultation meeting on 24th May 2017.
AEPC'S SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE LAUNCHED
To promote sustainable practices in the apparel Industry, AEPC launched Indian
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NSSApparel Industry Sustainabilty Programme in July 2017. On this occasion a guidance
tool detailing the opportunities available for energy optimisation and easy to adopt
changes, was introduced. A series of seminars was panned and rolled out, beginning
with a seminar at Delhi
The Media Design cell of AEPC designed a thematic Buyers Inspirational Lounge at
Textiles India 2017, based on the theme Sustainability in Apparel Design and Stitching.
ATDC faculty and students were involved in the project for design of the garments as a
live industry project during their course of study. This was also an outstanding example
of whata symbiotic relationship between industry and Education can do!
‘AEPC'S CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
AEPC initiated cluster development programmes in 2016 for improving the supply
chain of Indian export basket. The first cluster adopted for the program was the
Metiabruz garment cluster in West Bengal
‘As a first step, AEPC conducted a study on the cluster for better understanding of the
intervention needs of this cluster, including product development, compliance, finance
and logistic issues and development of a common facility center (CFC) for servicing
these needs. The need assessment report ofthe study has been used for finalizing the
interventions in the cluster. Based on that an MoU was signed with the State Govt,
MSME Dept on the sidelines of West Bengal Global Business Summit 2017 in January
2017. Under the marketing & awareness support in MoU between AEPC & M.S, M &T
Department of Govt. of Bengal in AEPC Cluster Development Initiative, AEPC supported
the maiden Kolkata Garment Expo, 2017 held in Kolkata during 6-8, July, 2017 with 127
participants. The participants displayed woven and knit childrens wear, both high and
low end. AEPC has marketed the event by publishing the advertisement of fair in
Apparel India magazine and limited circulation to some domestic buyer. AEPC also
organized a seminar series during the fair to improve export orientation of the
participants.
Taking the association further, we met Dr. Amit Mitra, Honourable Finance, Commerce
and Industries Minister of West Bengal, along with senior officials, in July, 2017. The
Meeting was a run up to the forthcoming West Bengal Global Business Summit 2018,
to highlight the investment opportunities in West Bengal and the possible Government-
industry partnerships that can be forged.
AEPC AWARENESS SEMINARS ON THE GARMENTS SPECIAL PACKAGE (AUGUST-
OCTOBER 2016)Immediately after the announcement of Garments Special Package, AEPC launched a
campaign for awareness creation on the policy, support and mobilizing units for
employing new workmen. As part of this campaign AEPC conducted numerous SME
Outreach programmes in all major apparel clusters across the nation including
domestic clusters lke Erode and Jabalpur. The workshops were targeted for increased
investment and exports through availing of the package benefits. Spread over five
months, 18such targeted workshops across all major clusters were organised which
benefitted over 13000 exporters directly and more indirectly
AEPC AWARENESS SEMINARS ON INTERNAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE (ICC)
FOR SAFER WORKPLACE
‘As part of Councils Awareness Initiatives, AEPC conducted a series of awareness
Programme on benefits and setting up of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in
pursuance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal Act of 2013). The training was conducted through legal
experts and NGOs working in this area. The training highlighted the benefit of setting up
of ICC for availing ROSL benefits, under the special package.
AEPC AWARENESS SEMINARS ON UNIFIED PAYMENT INTERFACE (UPI)
AWARENESS PROGRAM IN HEAD OFFICE AND REGIONAL OFFICES.
To create awareness on Unified Payment Interface (UPI) AEPC conducted UPI
awareness program at the head office and at the regional offices. The regional offices
were instructed to associate with different Banks like ICICI, SBI, HDFC, IOB, Bank of
Baroda etc. for organizing these seminar.
AEPC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS ON DIGITISATION
To promote Governments vision of cashless India, AEPC conducted camps to open
bank accounts of the workers. AEPC representatives along with bank officials
organized 76 camps wherein 33529 bank accounts were opened in centers such as
Noida, Delhi, Tirupur, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Ludhiana and Jaipur.
To spread awareness about the BHIM App. AEPC organized a total of 41 camps inallits
regional offices ie. Naraina, Oknla, Noida, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Tirupur,
Chennai & Bangalore
SWACHCHTA PAKHWADA (1 MAY-15 MAY, 2017) at AEPC.
In response to the directives of Ministry of Textiles, AEPC organised Swachchta
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NSPakhwada from 1"May- 15" May, 2017 in garment factories for improving the hygiene
and working conditions of the factory workers. Swachta Pakhwada was organised in
over 80 garment units across India with an estimated participation of 1400 garment
factory employee's and workers.
‘AEPC PARTNERS WITH EPFO FOR AWARENESS ON PRADHAN MANTRI PARIDHAN
ROZGAR PROTHSAHAN YOZANA (PMPRPY)
AEPC along with Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, Gurugram jointly organised
a seminar on reimbursement of Provident Fund to Apparel Export Industry under
Pradhan Manti Paridhan Rozgar Protsahan Yozana (PMPRPY) on 3rd August, 2017 at
AEPC, Auditorium, Apparel House, Gurugram. Pradhan Mantri Paridhan Rozgar
Protshan Yojana (PMRPRY) scheme has been launched by Government of India to
incentivize creation of new jobs in formal sector wherein the Government of India will
pay the Employees’ Pension Scheme contribution of 12%.
PARTNERSHIP WITH BRANDS TO PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY AT WORKPLACE
PROGRAMME
With an aim to improve gender equality at the workplace, UK Minister of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon launched the
‘Gender Equality in the Workplace’ programme at the offices of Apparel! Export
Promotion Council (AEPC) in Gurugram on August 10th, 2017.The programme, which
is in partnership with leading British brands and Indian manufacturers is aimed at
improving garment workers’ awareness of their rights, and the procedures for reporting
andresolving grievances.
SKILL ASSESSMENT CELL
Inits continuous efforts to integrate the entire apparel & textile industry atthe grass root
level and to facilitate the supply of trained manpower tothe industry, AEPC continuedits
initiatives by assessing skills of trained candidates by various training providers and
vocational institutes across the country,
The AEPC Skill Assessment Cel, with its headquarter at Apparel House, Gurgaon along
with its Regional Offices in Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai executes the micro
level implementation of the Schemes. The assessments are conducted on Pan-India
level through these offices for MES, Non MES and PMKVY Courses. Since its inception
AEPC Skill Assessment Cell has assessed approx.. 1.40 lakh candidates as of today.
Directorate General of Employment & Training (DGE&T) under the Skill DevelopmentInitiative (SDI) scheme has authorised AEPC to conduct MES Assessments in the
AppareV(Garment, Khadi & Carpet sectors w.e.t. June 2009,
Resource Support Agency, Textile Committee has also empanelled AEPC as
Assessment Agency for undertaking assessment of trainees trained for Non-MES
courses under the Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) of Ministry of Textiles,
Govt. of India, wef. 16° September 2015.
Sector Skill Council for Apparel, Made-ups and Home Furnishings (SSC-AMH) in
March 2017 has renewed the affiliation of AEPC to commence assessments in various
schemes of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under Ministry of Skil
Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India
AEPC has also recently got certified 22 assessors under affiliation of SSC-AMH in June
2017 by clearing the Online Training of Assessors (ToA) by them and now they all are
eligible to conduct assessments for the candidates trained under the various schemes.
of NSDC such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) AEPC SAC is also in
the process of submitting proposals with other Central & State Government agencies to
designate AEPC as Assessing Body for the assessments under various other schemes.
AEPC PROGEN INITIATIVE
To tap into the energy and new ideas that the young entrepreneurs can provide for
strengthening AEPC's exports strategies for the future, A Progen Sub Committee was
constituted in 2016. The Progen initiative was launched in 2017 at Mumbai where the
Progen Brochure and Member's Directory was unveiled. To set the tone and provide a
global context to the challenges before the industry today, Mr. Nimish Dave,
Management Strategy Consultant gave a talk on the Millennial challenges and
strategies to overcome them. An important area of focus was the new ways of
marketing, especially social media marketing.
The Subcommittee has members from all regions, led by the Zonal heads who have
been nominated by the members themselves. The Zonal teams have been conducting
‘workshops with their teams in the region on issues pertaining to the region.
AEPC MANTHAN- CHURN FOR CHANGE
‘AEPC Manthan — Churn for Change was held on 30 July 2017. It was envisaged by me
as an opportunity to pick on the brains and experienced thoughts of exporter members,
from the country over, for out of the boxideas. A three hour well informed brainstorming
and deliberation on important current issues pertaining to the Indian Apparel industry
was organized by AEPC
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NSIt was an experience with a differencel! Everyone came together to rediscover
something's old and around and create something's new and undiscovered, During the
Manthan, there was extensive discussion about how the credibility of AEPC has to be
improved in the eyes of the Government and Industry, while concentrating on the two
most important roles it has to play- that of Policy advocacy with PMO, Ministries at the
centre and states and Government bodies like NITI Aayog and that of Facilitation and
Connecting of the dots. Suggestions poured in around the utilization of Apparel house
through facilities like an Incubation and R & D centres, Accessories and fabric
showrooms and a centre for continuing education.
Restructuring of AEPC into a Corporate Entity, export promotion activities,
restructuring of the Indian Apparel Industry with disruptive intervention through
product development, new principles of management like lean, redefined goals of
sustainability and the way to run Apparel House were some key topics during Manthan.
Spade work has begun on the suggested measures and teams have been formed to
shoulder the responsibilties.
APPAREL INDIA MAGAZINE
The process of converting the present Apparel India magazine to E-Magazine, for the
purpose of reducing the cost, has been initiated. At present 7500 hard copies of the
magazine are published and circulated to all members, besides MoT, MoC & DGFT.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
The AEPC premise at Unit No. 10, Raheja Chambers, Bangalore was vacated by M/s.
Mouser Electronics Pvt. Ltd. and the same is leased out to Ms/. Studio 30 Architect &
Planners, Bangalore.
The tenant of AEPC premises at Karumuthu Centre, Chennai M/s. ICRA has served the
lease termination notice and the premises will be vacated by September, 2017. The
teamis in the process to rent out the same at the earliest.
For covering the AEPC's 3 acre vacant land at Hyderabad, the office in a process to
appoint an Architect and Contractor to convert the usage of land from Institutional to
Institutional Commercial and to construct apprx. 10000 sq. ft area at intial stage by
putting the plinth strength for the available FRA, keeping in mind the future expansion
ofthe building,For renting out the vacant space available at 1" and 2 floor of KTM Building, Tirupur, a
committee has been constituted consisting of Dr A. Sakthivel and Mr. B.
Shanmugansudaram to take decision for renting the available vacant premises.
The rent agreement of Naraina office premises has been renewed with 10%
enhancement on the last paid rent for a period of 5 years without any further
enhancement during the tenure.
The statutory taxes such as property tax, maintenance charges, cess etc. have been
deposited with authorities concerned in respects of AEPC's premises wherever
applicable
APPAREL HOUSE
The Apparel House, as you are all aware, is a premiere hub for international trade in
apparel and accessories, has Showrooms, Auditorium, Exhibition Hall, Art Gallery,
Cafeteria, Plaza Area, Amphi theatre, conference room, Travel Desk and Bank/ATM is
located at Gurgaon,
The Energy Audit Implementation in Apparel House has been completed. This is part of
our Green Initiative and Eneray Management. We have also applied for Bee star rating
status for the building.
Fire mock drills were organized through trained fire officer in the presence of the fire
department official, Gurgaon during the year from time to time in order to make the
occupants aware about the precautions to be taken if fre breaks out in the building.
They were also educated about the use of fire equipment and about procedure to
provide first aid to fire victims ete
HUMAN RESOURCE ACTIVITIES for AEPC EMPLOYEES HEALTH CAMP
‘AEPC organized a Health Check-up Camp in association with M/s Iffco Tokio General
Insurance Co. Ltd. and its TPA M/s Vipul Medcorp TPA Private Limited on January 10,
2017 at its Head Office. The Health Check-up Camp was conducted under the
supervision of health specialists from Healthspring Hospitals, Eye- Super Specialty
Eye Hospital, Alok Bone Densitometry Centre and W Pratikshia Hospital, Gurgaon. More
than 80 employees attended the Camp and were advised on health and fitness.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION
On the occasion of International Women's Day on 8th March, 2017 organized the
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2017
NSfollowing activities for the female employees of the Couneilin association with TPA M/s
Vipul Medcorp TPA Private Limited at the Head Office and Regional offices of the
Council
Rose buds and chocolates were presented to female employees of the
Council at Head Office and Regional Offices which was followed by a
cake cutting ceremony atallthe offices of the Council
ii Yoga Session @ Head Office ~ Yoga asanas were demonstrated and
taught by a qualified yoga instructor which can be exercised daily for
keeping body and mind fit
iti Live Demonstration on Diet Food —Practical diet food cooking session
was conducted by a qualified dietician from Med Care Pvt. Ltd.
A little exhibition of product Stalls was set up at AEPC Head Office by brands like
Amway, Oriflamme and Tupperware for employees to shop health and beauty
products. The day was concluded with the fun games organized for female employees
atHead Office
HOLI CELEBRATION
Hol festival was celebrated at Counci's Head Office on March 10, 2017 by circulating
e-greeting and distributing sweets among the employees. In order to enhance the
employee bonding and instill a healthy completion a “Holi Colour Quiz” was rolled out
onthe day and winners were awarded.
ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM
The Council has more than 1000 members, therefore E-votingis being provided on all
resolutions to be carried at General Meeting, as per provision of Section 108 read with
Rule 20 ofthe Companies (Management & Administration) Amendment Rules 2015.
Further, proxy voting is not permitted in the process of E-Voting/Remote-E voting
because voting can be done by remote e-voting from any place other than the venue of
a general meeting by using the unique "user name" and "password' that will be provided
separately to each of the voting members by the agency conducting the voting
electronically
Council has provided the facility of Remote E Voting through M/s. NSDL to its membersfor casting their vote for all resolutions. Further, tablet based voting, through M/s.
NSDL, is also provided to those members who are present in person, but had not
casted their vote through Remote E-Voting..
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
| express my gratitude to Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon'ble Union Minister of Finance, Gol, for
his continued support the industry. | convey my heart-felt gratitude to Smt. Smriti
Zubin Irani, Hon'ble Union Minister of Textiles and Information & Broadcasting, and Shri
Ajay Tamta, Hon'ble Minister of State for Textiles, who have wholeheartedly supported
various recommendations of the Council and encouraged the garment export industry
toperform better.
| place on record, my sincere thanks to Secretary (Textiles) Shri. Anant Kumar Singh,
IAS for continuous supportin the furtherance of garment exports from India.
| wish to express my sincere gratitude to Shri, Subrata Gupta, !AS, Joint Secretary
(Exports), Ministry of Textiles, for the guidance extended to us in the matter of export
promotion and other policy relatedissues from time totime.
| am also grateful to the officers of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of
Textiles, Ministry of Finance, Office of Textile Commissioner, Textiles Committee,
Ministry of Labour, Central Board of Excise and Customs and other officers of
Government of India for their cooperation in various export promotion activities and
initiatives of the Council. | wish to express my thankfulness to Shri G.K Pillai,
Chairperson, Drawback committee, MoF
My heartfelt thanks to all Executive Committee Members of the Council for their
guidance and support.
| would like to mention the name of Late Shri Pritam Goel, Senior colleague and
Committee member, who served the council with unstinted dedication and ardor
My heartfelt thanks to Shri, H K L Magu, Vice Chairman- AEPC & Chairman Apparel
House Sub-committee, Shri Premal H Udani, Chairman Advisory Sub-committee &
Smaller & Medium Exporter Development Sub-committee, Shri Narendra Goenka,
Chairman, F & B Sub-committee, Shri Anil Buchasia, Chairman EP Sub-committee &
State Partnership Sub-committee (ER), Shri Lalit Thukral, Chairman, Exhibition
Advisory Sub-committee, Shri V. Elangovan, Chairman, Knitwear Technology Mission,
Shri Gautam Nair, Chairman, State Partnership Sub-committee (NR), Shri Raju B
chairmarts speech
2017
NSGoenka, Chairman, State Partnership Sub-committee ((WR) Shri B.
Shanmugasundram, Chairman, State Partnership Sub-committee (SR), Shri Ashok
Logani, Chairman, DISHA Residual Committee, Shri. Rishi Rajani, Chairman, Tech
Committee and my other fellow Executive Committee Members, Government
Nominees, Co-opted Members, Permanent Invitees & Special Invitees for their
unstinted support and guidance.
| wish to place on record my sincere appreciation forthe press and media who reported
the issues of the garment export industry and supported us by publishing AEPC's
recommendations from time to time.
lam also thankful to Shri Ram Singh, IPS, Secretary General-AEPC for his support
My heartfelt gratitude is also due to Additional Secretary General, Deputy Secretary
General, Senior Directors, Directors, General Managers and all other officers & staff of
AEPC for their dedicated and sincere service, whose efforts have contributed to
councils achievements.
With gratitude, | acknowledge the dedicated efforts put-in by all members of the
Council. | take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the members for their
utmost faith and trust reposed in me and Council. !am sure, with sustained efforts, we
willbe able to scale even greater heights of success inthe years to come.
Best Wishes!
(Ashok G Rajani)
Chairman, AEPC
8w
chairman's spege'
201
SsAPPAREL EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL
‘A.228, Okhia Industral Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110 020,
CIN: U74899DL1978NPL008877
Coeee ine)
E-mai : smalhotra@aepcindia.com, Website : aepcindia.com