Textiles Secretary, Smt. Rashmi Verma inaugurated the 43rd edition of "IHGF- Delhi Fair Spring 2017 in a colourful ceremony at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. The fair is scheduled to be held from 16 - 20 February, 2017 at the state-of-the art India Expo Centre, Greater Noida.
While inaugurating the fair, the Textiles Secretary congratulated EPCH for helping earn a place for IHGF-Delhi Fair in Limca Book of World Records. Smt. Verma said that every time she visits the fair, she sees new product lines on display; she said this is the reason that large number of buyers from across the globe visit IHGF to source their requirements.
She further said that in order to be competitive, artisans and manufacturers of Indian handicrafts at craft clusters need guidance in creating new products. She said that EPCH is playing a key role in handholding and providing the platform at IHGF-Delhi Fair, to artisans, craftspersons and up-coming entrepreneurs from different craft clusters to interact directly with international buyers. Through this direct buyer-seller meet, Indian handicrafts can not only grow further in terms of exports, but can also further enhance the image of India in the market of home, fashion, lifestyles and textiles across the world.
The Secretary showed great satisfaction that VRIKSH certificate for wooden items has been accepted worldwide. She added that Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) is working towards branding of handicraft items, just like ‘India Handloom’ Brand has been launched for the handloom sector. Smt. Verma said that this will further help in quality assurance, certification and selling of handicrafts products in international markets.
Executive Director, EPCH, Shri Rakesh Kumar said that the credit for entry of IHGF-Delhi fair into Limca Book of World records as the largest congregation of handicrafts producers under one roof goes to each and every stakeholder, including exhibitors, buyers, Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and team EPCH. He further said that during next edition of IHGF-Delhi fair, EPCH will come up with a procedure for design registration, in order to safeguard the interest of the creator of the item and discourage copying of products amongst the community of manufacturers.
Buyers from renowned international buying companies such as New Edition Home B.V. Netherlands; TOK & Stok, Brazil; E&L, Australia; ROOST, USA; Accent Decor Inc., USA; Two’s Company Inc., USA; MOE’s Home, Canada; Kangaroo Gmbh, Germany; and Kopyko, Venezuela are visiting this edition of the show. Apart from overseas buyers, domestic volume retail buyers from many leading retail chains of India as well as e-commerce companies have become regular visitors to the fair. Like previous editions, the first day of the show saw very hectic activities with buyers engaged in business negotiations in mart area as well as in exhibition halls.
The exports of handicrafts during April 2016 - January 2017 has registered a growth of 13.06% in rupee terms and stands at Rs. 20,282.18 crores. The growth in dollar terms is 9.43% with exports of US $ 3018.58 million. Chairman, EPCH, Shri Dinesh Kumar said that the export target for the year 2016-17 is US$ 3600 million (Rs. 23,560.00 crores) and that the Council hopes to achieve the target.
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts[EPCH] which is a nodal agency for promotion and development of handicrafts has been organizing the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair for the last 23 years. IHGF-Delhi Fair Spring 2017 is expected to generate huge amount of enquiries and orders.
Source: PIB
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