|
The Union Minister for Textiles, Shri Shankarsinh Vaghela stated that the handicrafts industry is one of the largest employers of economically weaker sections of the society in the interiors of the country and also one of the largest foreign exchange earner. While inaugurating the 20th Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (IHGF) at Pragati Maidan in the Capital today, he observed that the handicrafts sector has tremendous potential in the world market. The Minister informed that export of handicrafts in 2004-05 crossed Rs.13032.70 crores that is 2.9 billion US dollars registering growth of 24.53% in rupee term and 29.07% in dollar term. The growth in the current year is also impressive witnessing achievement of 16.01% in the month of September, 2005 in dollar terms.
Shri Vaghela said the world trade in handicrafts is of the order of US $ 235 billion but India’s share in the same is only 1.6%. Therefore, there is a need to strategize the export promotion measure to increase India’s share in the world market. Shri Vaghela assured full support of the Textile Ministry to the Handicrafts sector in implementing aggressive international marketing programmes focused on key markets and selected product groups.
Shri Navratan Samdria, Chairman, EPCH informed the gathering that more than 7500 overseas buyers would be attending the fair. Most of these buyers are from countries like USA, Germany, UK, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Israel, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa who are traditional buyers. There are buyers in substantial numbers from Latin American, Africa and CIS countries. Mr. Samdria added that more than 800 types of designs, styles, colour concepts and raw material etc. will be displayed by 1800 exhibitors drawn from all nooks and corners of the country and spread over 80,000 sq. mtrs. space in 16 halls in Pragati Maidan.
One of the highlights of the fair is the display of the eco-friendly utility products from the North Eastern States of India, produced under the guidance of international designers with special focus on overseas market. Other broad categories on display will be gifts, decoratives, art-metal ware, wood ware, home utility items, fashion jewellery, fashion accessories like bags, purses etc. hand crafted home textiles and furnishings, clocks, furniture, floor coverings, Christmas and floral decorations, brocade goods, hand printed textiles and scarves etc.
The inauguration was also attended by Shri R. Poornalingam, Secretary (Textiles) and Shri Sanjay Aggarwal, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) in addition to leading exporters of handicrafts drawn from all over the country and large number of overseas buyers.
UM/NT
|
