India’s handicraft export witnessed growth of 13.15% in 2016: Smriti Irani

NewsBharati    13-Oct-2017
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New Delhi, October 13: The handicraft export has witnessed a year-on-year growth of 13.15% in 2016-17 and has touched Rs. 24,392 crores. This was said by Textiles Minister Smriti Irani after inaugurating IHGF - Delhi Fair Autumn 2017 at Noida on Thursday.

 

While delivering the inaugural address, Textiles Minister Smriti Irani applauded the role of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts in promoting exports of handicrafts. She noted that handicraft exports have witnessed a year-on-year growth of 13.15% in 2016-17 and has touched Rs. 24,392 crores.

The Textiles Minister urged the exporting fraternity to take care of the welfare of artisans who are the backbone of the sector. She also said that design and product development play a crucial role in value realization and in turn in the benefit that the artisans and producers are able to reap from their products.


Minister Smriti Irani also appreciated the launch of schemes by EPCH under their CSR programme, for the education of children of artisans. Interestingly, the scheme provides full support to the education of children of artisans through open schools. 75% of the expenditure will be borne by EPCH and 25% by member exporters. Minister Smriti Irani added that it is the dream of Prime Minister that no child in the country should be left illiterate.


The Minister further appreciated the introduction of “Design Register” scheme by EPCH, which allows hassle-free registration of designs by member exporters. She said that EPCH design services will definitely help the sector in a big way and will augment the exports of handicrafts from the country, ultimately increasing employment opportunities to artisans.

Minister Irani expressed her satisfaction that the vision of the Prime Minister to promote the North East is being effectively implemented by EPCH. EPCH has an integrated programme of development of NER handicrafts and handlooms, under which support is provided for design, marketing and skill development.


The Minister also noted that for the first time for handicrafts sector, an initiative is being taken to promote Foreign Direct Investment and opportunities for Joint Ventures for both exporters and importers. A symposium on “Investment Opportunities in Handicrafts Sector” is being organized. “This initiative will give opportunities for overseas buyers to bring technical know-how, investment and marketing networks to form joint ventures for promoting Indian handicrafts in the world market,” she added.

Notably, IHGF - Delhi Fair Autumn 2017, the world’s largest handicrafts and gifts fair commenced at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, on Thursday and will conclude on 16th October of this year.