india expo centre & mart greater noida expressway apply of IHGF-DELHI FAIR

India expo center & mart greater Noida expressway apply of IHGF-DELHI FAIR

29 Oct 2021: 52nd edition of IHGF-DELHI FAIR – AUTUMN 2021 inaugurated, The Fair will promote business and greater exports of handicrafts from India: Shri Piyush Goyal. 

More than 1500 exhibitors, pre-registered buyers from 90 nations, theme presentations, regional crafts, seminars, and craft demonstrations define 4 days show. Handicrafts exports register a growth of over 60.34%

The 52nd edition of IHGF-DELHI FAIR – AUTUMN 2021 being held from 28th to 31st October 2021 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway, was inaugurated today by Shri Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment in the presence of Mr. U P Singh, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Mr. Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts); Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Chairman, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts ( EPCH), Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH. 

Inaugurating the Fair, Shri Ramdas Athawale said that participation of several artisan clusters would go a long way in empowering those striving at the grassroots level. He assured of his ministry’s support towards EPCH’sfuture endeavors in empowering artisans and craftspersons across various segments of the sector. Such shows are instrumental in nurturing their potential, he emphasized.  Commending EPCH on the multi-dimensional and wholesome representation of the entire industry, the minister expressed hope that the first physical fair after the pandemic will grow in all aspects in the future. After 3 virtual editions, the buyers and sellers have come face to face after a gap of two years, for the 52nd IHGF Delhi Fair, is a matter of pride, he added.

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry in his message said it is heartening to see that at a time when the world’s largest vaccination program is in full swing, the physical exhibition is taking place, providing an opportunity for exhibitors & buyers to meet in person for transacting business. He hoped that this event will pave way for bigger and better editions of the fair shortly, and in the process, promote greater exports of handicrafts from India.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri  U P Singh, Secretary Textiles, Ministry of Textiles said that it is commendable that even during the pandemic when all physical activities were on hold, EPCH was the first Council to organize its fairs on a virtual platform and now when things are getting back to normal, the 52nd edition of IHGF Delhi Fair resumes its physical mode. He applauded the segment for contributing to exemplary export growth of 60% during the 1st six months of 2021-22 despite difficulties & challenges faced by the exporters during the two years of the pandemic. Now that the situation looks hopeful things could get better and more fruitful here on. He added, since the business of handicrafts and gifts entails touch and feel factors, he is hopeful that the resumption of physical fairs would result in an increase in the number of orders booked and business generated, thereby creating new jobs and opportunities for exporters, entrepreneurs, and artisans.

Commenting on the fair, Mr. Shantmanu, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) appreciated the inclusion of several regional artisanal products from J&K, Rajasthan, Southern, and North-Eastern Regions, in Theme and Collective Presentations at the show, especially those made from eco-friendly and natural materials. He hoped that the display of these items would certainly create awareness and demand for these products amongst the visitors.

Mr. Raj Kumar Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH mentioned that it has been proved once again by the Council that with sheer hard work and dedication one can always overcome difficult times and convert challenges into opportunities by preparing for better times. “This edition of the IHGF Fair facilitates in-person interactions and provides a viable marketing option to the exhibitors and buyers. With an extensive publicity campaign undertaken by EPCH, a large number of overseas buyers, wholesalers, and retailers have already registered to visit the show,” he added.

Reflecting on the optimistic sentiment of the handicrafts industry, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH, said, “Post initial desperation during the pandemic, our members went into strategic and creative use of resources to develop new products and adopt lean manufacturing ideas. With their preparedness, India is steadily gearing to be the preferred supplier in home, lifestyle, fashion, textiles, and furniture products.” He further informed about Theme Pavilions depicting crafts from North Eastern Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Southern Region with a plethora of vibrant lines that will be among attractions for the visiting overseas buying community.

 EPCH is a nodal agency for promoting exports of handicrafts from the Country to various destinations of the world and projecting India’s image abroad as a reliable supplier of high-quality handicrafts goods & services. More than 1500 exhibitors, pre-registered buyers from 90 nations, theme presentations, regional crafts, seminars, and craft demonstrations will define IHGF-DELHI FAIR – AUTUMN 2021.

The Handicrafts exports during the Six months of the current financial year from April to September 2021-22 isRs. 15995.73 Crores registering a growth of over 60.34% over the same period in last year.

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