INDIA: 'Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair' begins from today
The Union State for Textiles, Shri Minister of E.V.K.S. Elangovan has inaugurated Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair, Spring 2009, in Greater Noida on February 25, 2009. The four-day fair is being organized by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.
Addressing on the occasion, Shri Elangovan said “We need to develop new, innovative items to compete in the International Market besides upgrading design & technology to boost handicraft exports.”
The minister said that the Indian handicrafts are worst affected in the world market and the exports, which was rising every year, declined by more than 40% in 2008-09. He said that the Government has announced an economic stimulus for the handicrafts sector so that livelihood of millions of artisans can be maintained.
The Executive Director, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, Shri Rakesh Kumar informed that the 27th fair spread over 97,000 sq. mts. exhibition area featuring products of 1500 exhibitors and home furnishing textiles & handicrafts is expected to generate sizeable enquiries and business orders for the Indian Handicraft Sector.
He said that in the past most of the buyers have come from America and Europe. Due to the economic slowdown in those regions, special efforts were made to coax, enthuse, inspire and invite buyers from Latin America region, particularly those countries where the economies have been looking up, lifestyles have been changing fast and demand for lifestyles product are on an increase.
Buyers from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Brazil and Uruguay will be attending the fair. IHGF will further generate new ideas, techniques and upgradation of existing technologies through a series of seminars where experts in the field of handicrafts, textiles, finance & trade shall participate and exchange their views through topics of interest to the exporting and buying community.
The fair is also now recognized as “One stop most authentic sourcing event for all crafts from India” by overseas buying community.
Added: February 25, 2009 Source: Agencies