Plying the Trade

Perhaps a landmark step to boost Indian apparel exports in the 4 EFTA countries, the just inked Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) will help in promoting trade and also increase collaboration between the signatories, says Chandrima Chatterjee, Secretary-General at the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).

The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) signed between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland—and India, promises significant economic benefits, such as better integrated and more resilient supply chains, new opportunities for businesses leading to increased trade and investment flows, job creation, and economic growth. Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), weighs in on what it holds out for India.

He has just taken over the chairmanship of India’s apex body of apparel manufacturers and exporters and has his cloth cut out. Sudhir Sekhri talks to texfash.com on the just inked EFTA, and the Apparel Export Promotion Council’s (AEPC) plans to help industry seize the “vast opportunities” to attract investment in the country as global enterprises seek to diversify their supply chain.