Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Amrit Raj visits IHGF Delhi Fair, Commends product display and sector’s dynamism

Greater Noida/Delhi NCR – 18th October 2024 – The 58th IHGF Delhi Fair – Autumn 2024, being held from 16th to 20th October 2024 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway, continues to attract a steady flow of buyers from early business hours until the day’s closing. In addition to strong representation from India’s established export markets, the fair is also witnessing significant buyer traffic from emerging markets.

Smt. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, visited the fair today. She toured the exhibition, engaging with exhibitors she praised the sector’s dynamism and competitive spirit, which are evidently reflected in the event.

Smt. Amrit Raj acknowledged EPCH’s ongoing efforts in significantly boosting handicraft exports and emphasized that her office under the Ministry of Textiles would continue its support to help handicraft entrepreneurs and exporters realize their full potential.”

Smt. Amrit Raj also chaired a roadshow on Bharat Tex 2025 along with Dileep Baid, Chairman EPCH; Dr Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor in a role of Director General, EPCH & Chairman, IEML and R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH. The roadshow was attended by Handicraft exporters.

Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH, informed “Buyers attending the first three days of the show have praised the grandeur of the fair’s displays, its seamless layout and the supportive facilities. Based on their feedback, we’ve observed strong interest in festive décor across various mediums, interior enhancement products for home improvement and accents, gifts, home accents, natural and recycled products, surface effect and embellished furnishings, textured furniture showcasing wood’s natural grain, as well as fashion accessories and wellness products. Many buyers are particularly drawn to exclusive items that cannot be sourced in their home markets or around, which is a great compliment to us.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor in a role of Director General, EPCH & Chairman, IEML said, “Many first-time visitors to the fair are exploring the Marts at the India Expo Centre, discovering the advantages of year-round, well-stocked showrooms of established manufacturer exporters, some of whom operate factories located far from the NCR region. Regular buyers have expressed appreciation for the refreshed displays and the introduction of new collections, catering to both short-term and regular sourcing needs.”

Girish K Aggarwal, President, IHGF Delhi Fair – Autumn Reception Committee 2024 shared “A business delegation from Germany visited the fair today who were impressed by the scale of the show as well as the range and quality of products showcased”

Gary Helman, a buyer from USA who is on his first visit said, “As a wholesale company, we constantly travel the world to expand our offerings for exclusive distribution all over North America. While I’m still getting used to everything here, absorbing the fair’s many layers, I’m intrigued by the variety of product categories, especially the statement handicrafts and home decor items. I’m excited about the potential to sell these products on a large scale.” Fernando & Hernan, buyers from Argentina, who run a home furnishing store in Argentina, also visiting for the first time define the fair as “a promising sourcing base, especially for home furnishing products like rugs, carpets, cushions and interior decor objects.” They are thankful for the shuttle service and the list of hotels provided by EPCH for buyers to stay in the vicinity.

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman, EPCH, informed, “The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC) to establish a Centre of Excellence in Saharanpur. This collaboration aims to enhance skill development and training for artisans and workers in Saharanpur’s renowned wooden handicrafts sector. The Centre will focus on upgrading woodworking techniques and offering certifications, particularly in carpentry, to ensure that workers meet industry standards. It will play a pivotal role in elevating the craftsmanship of local artisans and boosting the region’s furniture and fittings industry.”

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman II, EPCH informed, “With 14 diverse product categories showcased across 16 spacious halls at the India Expo Centre & Mart, the fair continues to inspire and engage both returning patrons and first-time trade visitors. Attendees have the opportunity to connect with artisans, gather inspiration, and source creations from a wide array of craft regions and production clusters throughout India.” Girish K Agarwal, President, IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2024 added, “For many visitors, the fair is vibrant with handcrafted fusions that range from classic styles to contemporary influences, featuring transitional elements and simple yet striking designs inspired by nature and everyday life.”

R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH said, “Today’s seminar on Mastering EDPMS and the Latest e-BRC System for Export Excellence and Sensitisation on other DGFT Facilitation Initiatives” by domain experts offered useful insights and was well attended. Fashion shows, held twice daily until 19th October, are attracting significant attendance from buyers, sourcing agents, and representatives from buying houses. The thoughtfully curated sequences provide practical and user-friendly insights into a diverse range of items, including bags, purses, resort and lounge wear, sustainable embellishments to apparel and jewellery crafted from various mediums.”