42ND EDITION OF IHGF – DELHI FAIR AUTUMN 2016 CONCLUDED WITH BUSINESS ENQUIRIES WORTH RS. 2950 CRORES
THE 42ND edition of IHGF DELHI FAIR AUTUMN 2016 concluded today at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida contributing significantly both to the exports of handicrafts as well as the promotion of crafts from across India.
The Fair is held twice a year and this year the Autumn Edition of the Fair has surpassed previous Fairs in all respects. The fair is organised by EPCH – Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.
Shri Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director – EPCH said Last year the number of countries from where the buyers visited the show were63 and this year it has witnessed an additional 25 countries from where the buyers have visited.. Total participating countries(overseas business visitors) therefore stands at 88 representing a 40 % increase in the number of countries.
He further elaborated that the number of exhibitors increased this year to 2980 against 2750 last year representing a year on year increase of 7%. These exhibitors showcased their products in 14 product segments showing the strength of handicrafts in home, lifestyle, fashion, gifts and furniture.. The number of product lines too increased from 1460 last year to over 2000 this year.
Overseasbuyers’ and their Representatives participation increased from 4370 last year to 5586 this year representing a healthy increase of 27%. Supported by 2700 domestic trade visitors, the Fair generated export volume of Rs 2950 crores this year representing an increase of around 10% over the last year.
Mr. Rakesh Kumar, informed that considering that the overall yearly exports of handicrafts amounts to Rs. 21457.91 crores (2015-16), the Fair contributes roughly 14% of the yearly exports as the Fair has become a major marketing platform to boost exports of small and medium entrepreneurs of the handicraft sector.
Shri D. Kumar, Chairman – EPCH said that the maximum buyers came from USA (636), Germany (305), UK (295), Australia (290), France (252), Japan (205) and China (122). Chinese buyers are recognising the Indian USP of “handmade” and the number of buyers from China has been steadily increasing over the years.Besides wholesalers from China, this year on-line portals of China were also present and there is anticipation of regular business from this category.This year new buyers also came in from countries as diverse as Tunisia, Syria, Cyprus, Krygystan, Panama etc.
According to Mr. Rakesh Kumar – ED – EPCH this edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair also gave a special thrust to promotion of crafts from the North Eastern region of India which the organisers, EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts) propose to continue to focus on considering the employment potential that can be generated. More than 30 entrepreneurs from North East participated this year with new and innovative designs in various craft categories like water hyacinth products, kauna grass baskets, sitalpati hand bags, areca nut leaf plates, eri silk products (ahimsa silk) etc.
The display of recycled products, natural fibres, and innovative designs on lighting products were very well received by global buyers and considerable interest has been generated in these categories.
It is notable to mention that artisans too participated from clusters like Jodhpur ( wooden handicrafts) , Narsapur ( lace crafts).
