International buyers visit IHGF Delhi Fair Spring 2017

The fair being organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), was inaugurated by Rashmi Verma, textiles secretary on February 16. Verma congratulated EPCH for helping earn a place for the fair in Limca Book of World Records for being the world's largest congregation of handicraft exhibitors under one roof.

"In order to be competitive, artisans and manufacturers of Indian handicrafts at craft clusters need guidance in creating new products. EPCH is playing a key role in handholding and providing the platform at IHGF-Delhi Fair to artisans, craftspersons and upcoming 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," said Verma.

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 the ‘India Handloom’ brand has been launched for the handloom sector. Verma said that this will further help in quality assurance, certification and selling of handicrafts products in international markets.

"The credit for entry of IHGF-Delhi fair into Limca Book of World records goes to each and every stakeholder, including exhibitors, buyers, office of development commissioner (handicrafts) and team EPCH. During the 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," said Rakesh Kumar, executive director, EPCH.

Buyers from renowned international buying companies such as New Edition Home BV Netherlands; Tok & Stok, Brazil; E&L, Australia; Roost, US; Accent Decor Inc., US; Two’s Company Inc., US; MOE’s Home, Canada; Kangaroo Gmbh, Germany; and Kopyko, Venezuela are visiting this edition of the show.

The exports of handicrafts during April 2016 - January 2017 registered a growth of 13.06 per cent in rupee terms and stands at Rs 20,282.18 crore. The growth in dollar terms is 9.43 per cent with exports of $3,018.58 million. Chairman of EPCH Dinesh Kumar said that the export target for the year 2016-17 is $3,600 million (Rs 23,560.00 crore) and the council hopes to achieve the target. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India