Secretary Textiles, GOI visits IHGF Delhi Fair 2023, commends product display and sector’s dynamism

Greater Noida/Delhi NCR– 14th October 2023 – The 56th edition of IHGF-DELHI FAIR – AUTUMN and DELHI FAIR FURNITURE 2023 being held concurrently from 12th to 16th October 2023 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway continues to welcome a steady stream of buyers right from the early business hours of the fair, till the day’s closing. Besides strong representation from India’s established export markets, there is buyer traffic from emerging markets as well.

Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH, informed, “Buyers visiting the show in the first three days appreciated festive décor, interior enhancement products, gifts, home accents, natural products, furniture with textures and work on wood’s original veins as well as fashion accessories and wellness lines. There are many for exclusives and items that no competitor can find in their home markets. This compliment shows our unparalleled strength in giving the world one of the kind products, that give the winning edge to our buyers’ product repertoire.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML, said, “the Marts at the India Expo Centre are being visited by several first timers to the fair as they learn about the benefits of round-the-year well-stocked showrooms of established manufacturer exporters, some of whom have factories miles away from NCR. The regular buyers have appreciated the spruced up displays and line-up of new collections, both for shorter and regular sourcing seasons.”

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman, EPCH, said, “with 14 well spread product categories in 16 expansive halls at the India Expo Centre & Mart, the fair continues to inspire and enthuse patrons and first time trade visitors as they meet makers, gather inspirations and source creations from a cross section of craft regions and production clusters spread across India. For many visitors, the fair is alive with innovations and handcrafted fusions traversing from classics to contemporary influences, transitional elements to simple yet surprising lines inspired by nature and everyday life.”

R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH, informed among Govt. dignitaries, the fair was visited today by Smt. Rachna Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India. She saw the display and interacted with the exhibitors, commending the sector’s dynamism and competitive spirit collectively evident in the fair. She has shared that the constant efforts of EPCH have contributed significantly towards increasing exports of handicrafts and that the Ministry of Textiles would continue to support for the handicraft entrepreneurs and exporters to realise their potential. The fair was also visited by Smt. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles.

Buyers from UK, John Allan and Martin shared, “we have been coming to this fair since the beginning. We are wholesalers and retailers for homeware, furniture, and gifting items, exclusively sourced from India. We are here to look for ‘one-of-a-kind’ pieces, with each one having its own story to tell. We buy products that our customers will not find elsewhere in UK.”

Naresh Bothra, President, IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn’23 / Furniture Fair’23 further informed that today’s seminar on ‘Successful Online Marketing Strategies for Global Growth’ stressed on the rising significance of digital media for business success today. Attendees gained insight on rapidly evolving digital landscape; innovative ways to connect with online customers; global growth strategies; and gaining insights into market entry, localization and global market trends.

Export Promotion Council for the Handicrafts is a nodal organization for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture, and fashion jewellery & accessories in craft clusters of the Country. The overall Handicrafts exports during the year 2022-23 was Rs. 30,019.24 Crores (US $ 3,728.47 Million) informed Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director EPCH.