'Handicraft exporters must focus on new markets of China, CIS'

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Saurabh Gupta | 16 Oct, 2014
Exporters of handicraft products have to focus on new markets of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and China, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Textiles, Santosh Kumar Gangwar said while inaugurating the 38th edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn, 2014 in Greater Noida, NCR.

"USA is the largest market at present and about 26.31 percent of the total exports is being exported to US. European Union constitute 39.70 percent of the total export. To increase the export and to surpass the target, it is important to focus new and emerging markets such as CIS, China and Japan," Gangwar said in his address.

He mentioned that his Ministry will support to artisans led programmes in this direction.

He further said Handicrafts sector is one of the largest sector after agriculture in providing employment to more than 7 million artisans and craftspersons who are the backbone of this sector. Government and exporting community needs to work together for the promotion of this sector.

The fair is being organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). S.K. Biswas, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Vimla Batham, Member of Legislative Assembly, Noida were also present at the inaugural ceremony.

Biswas said this sector have tremendous market potential due to its workmanship, exquisiteness, eco-friendly nature, ethnic yet contemporary designs and craftpersons.

Handicrafts exports have been growing on an average annual growth rate of 15 percent during the last decade.

However, the growth during the current year was 30.80 percent in rupee terms and 17.55 percent in dollars terms as compared to previous year.

"The exports of handicrafts during the year 2013-14 was Rs. 23,504.42 crore," informed Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director - EPCH

EPCH is a nodal agency for promotion and development of handicrafts has been organizing the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair for the last 18 years.

IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn 2014 is expected to generate huge amount of enquiries and orders.