EPCH organizes buyer-seller meet to enhance handicrafts exports to Africa and Middle East
New Delhi – 19th February, 2022 – The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) in association with Indian Embassies, High Commissions & Consul General Offices in Africa and West Asia & North African (WANA Region) countries successfully organized a “Virtual Buyer Seller Meet of Indian Handicrafts Manufacturers & Exporters with buyers of Gulf, Middle Eastern and African Countries held from 15 – 18 February, 2022 where 100 manufacturers and exporters from all parts of India displayed the wide range of handcrafted products at Virtual BSM, informed Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH.
Adding further, he said, this Virtual Buyer-Seller Meet has been organized with the objective of match-making on virtual platform of Indian companies with the Gulf, Middle East & African buyers & companies interested in sourcing Handicrafts, Gifts, Furniture, Fashion, Lifestyle products from the countries in Africa and WANA Region and other markets thereby creating a ‘Brand Image’ of Indian Handicrafts amongst buyers and importers.
The opening ceremony organized on 15th February, 2022 on virtual platform with best wishes messages extended by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Ambassador, Embassy of India, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Mr. Ajit Gupte, Ambassador, Embassy of India, Egypt; Anju Ranjan, Consul General, Consulate General of India, Johannesburg, South Africa. The messages sent echoed the appreciation for the entire Indian handicrafts exporting fraternity for their indomitable spirit to continue furthering their efforts to strengthen the Handicrafts Sector and enhance exports.
Speaking on the occasion, Raj Kumar Malhotra, Chairman-EPCH welcomed all to the Virtual Buyer Seller Meet. He informed that this Virtual BSM provided a viable marketing option to the exhibitors and buyers. It is expected that this Virtual Buyer-Seller-Meet in association with Indian Mission will lead to a growth for export of handicrafts products from India to Middle Eastern & Africa Region and enhance people to people relations. The handicrafts sector is an important sector of the Indian economy, as it not only provides significant employment opportunities in the rural areas but also accounts for a significant share in India’s exports. Through this Virtual Buyer Seller Meet, the visitors interacted with business entities and reliable suppliers from India towards forging long-term partnerships for mutual benefits, including promotion of handicraft industry in the region.
R. K. Verma, Executive Director-EPCH informed EPCH already organized more than 12 virtual fairs and BSMs. These Virtual BSMs connected buyers & sellers through digital mode and successfully undertaken businesses. Verma expressed the commitment of EPCH to continue providing B2B matchmaking to all the buyers and exhibitors and thanked the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India and Indian Missions of Africa and WANA Region in promoting the Virtual BSM wherein the participants have got encouraging response. He further added that this initiative will pave way for increased business in these regions.
Virtual BSM Link: https://indianhandicrafts.epch.in/
The Handicrafts exports during the year 2020-21 was Rs 25679.98 (US $ 3459.75 Million) and the estimated exports during April-January 2021-22 is Rs. 27146.41 Crores (US $ 3651.14 Million) during ten months of 2021-22 informed by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH.
