At IHGF exhibitors rue global slowdown, demand government aid to boost handicraft trade

Greater Noida (15/10/2022): The 54th edition of the five-day-long Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (IHGF) began on Friday at India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida.

The fair was Inaugurated by Textiles Ministry Secretary, U.P. Singh. This one of it’s largest fair is witnessing presence of exhibitors from over 100 countries showcasing over 2000 new products across a range of 14 categories including handicrafts, home decor, furnishing, and houseware among others.

Team Ten News Network reached the venue to gain insights from the Handicrafts exporters on their appealing exhibits. The fair is witnessing an exquisite display of handicrafts from businesses carrying decades of experience. The carefully executed handicrafts with sophisticated packaging are a product of months of toil by a team of not one but tens of artisans.

One could sense the shine in exporters’ eyes as they enthusiastically talked about their products reaching the markets of America and Europe. One of the exhibitors Talwar, proudly said, “We strive to build products using different shapes that are unique in the market”

Not just that, his business based out of Uttar Pradesh produces decorative products from recycled material.

While exhibitors are trying to put their best foot forward, a tinch of economic slowdown is also putting a gloom on their hearts and minds. Exhibitors shared their concerns about the alleviating demands abroad given the poignant economic conditions prevalent globally.

The businesspersons acknowledged their growing shift of focus on the domestic markets owing to the same. Many exporters also demanded government intervention at multiple levels, ranging from raw materials and shipping charges to moral support and state encouragement. There is an increased call for action on the part of exporters at the transportation front.

“The effective price of products increases for buyers due to skyrocketing shipping charges so the government should definitely look into tax aspects”, noted a Moradabad based exhibitor.

The reduced profit margins resulting from increased cost of procuring raw materials emphasised the need for government’s attention on metal reserves and their availability to the businesses. Moreover, the list of demands also included a reduction in taxes and overseas charges.

The beauty of exhibited products for sure was a treat to visitors’ eyes but what really needs attention is the plight of exporters who are striving to sustain and survive the predicted recession globally.

It is yet to be seen how government responds to these calls and how far-fetched will the results be in rekindling the handicraft-export business of India.