Handicraft sector must eye new markets like China, CIS: TexMin

The country's handicraft sector must focus on increasing exports to new markets like China, Japan and the CIS countries, Union Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar today said.
"To increase the exports, it is important to focus on new and emerging markets such as CIS, China and Japan," Gangwar said at the inauguration of the IHGF-Delhi Autumn Fair here.
He mentioned that Textiles Ministry will support artisans led programmes in this direction.
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was created in December 1991. In the adopted Declaration the participants of the Commonwealth declared their interaction on the basis of sovereign equality.
At present the CIS unites Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

Around 2,700 exhibitors from all over the country are exhibiting handicraft and gift items at the IHGF-Delhi Autumn Fair being held at Greater Noida from October 14-18.

The product categories on display include tableware, kitchenware, hotelware, Home furnishing, Festive decor, Fashion jewellery, bags, scarves, ties, Luggage, leather bags, Furniture, Carpets, rugs and floorings, Bathroom accessories, Spa and wellness, candles, incense, Stationery, greeting cards, Lamps and lighting, chandeliers, games, toys, etc.
Country-wise, the US is the largest market for Indian handicraft exports at present comprising about 26.31 per cent of the country's total outbound shipments. European Union constitutes 39.70 per cent of the total exports, according to Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).

The Minister further said that Handicrafts sector is one of the largest employers after agriculture as it provides employment to over 7 million artisans and craftspersons who are the backbone of this sector. Therefore, he said, the Government and exporting community needs to work together for the promotion of the handicrafts sector.
Handicraft exports have been growing on an average annual growth rate of 15 per cent during the last decade. However, the growth during the current year was 30.8 per cent in rupee terms and 17.55 per cent in dollar terms as compared to previous year.
EPCH is the organiser of the IHGF fair. The new name and styles of IHGF will be applicable only for Autumn editions of the fair.