EPCH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 14-DAY-LONG “XIX EXPOARTESANIAS 2013” BEGINNING TOMORROW IN BOGOTA, COLOMBIA
New Delhi – December 05, 2013 — The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) – the nodal agency for the promotion and development of handicrafts exports from the Country – is setting up Special Pavilion in co-ordination of Indian Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia and Artesanias de Colombia S. A. of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia. in the “XIX Expoartesanias 2013” in Bogotá, Colombia from 6 – 19 December 2013.
The India Pavilion will be opened in the presence of Mr. R. V. Warjri, Ambassador of India in Colombia on the 06th December 2013 at the International Exhibition Centre, Corferias, Bogotá.
India is part of 18 countries selected to set-up special pavilions at this prestigious event, the biggest handicrafts & artisans’ exhibition in Latin America.
The most important aspect will be exhibition of Indian hand crafted products displaying product range of textiles, furnishing, fabrics, costume jewelery and accessories, Kashmiri products and handicrafts, Christmas decorations, incense, home decoration and giftware, furniture and fixtures etc.
Seventeen Indian companies including the Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIC) shall be displaying their product range which will be colourful, ethnic and modern in designs, exquisite craftsmanship at most competitive price and quality at this exhibition. Most of the products will be for sale and also for order booking for future supplies.
Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director of EPCH stated that the most attractive component of this exhibition will be demonstration by the five Master Craftsperson’s (winners of National Award/President’s Merit Certificate) showing master pieces of Kinnori Shawls from Himanchal Pradesh, Zari & Silk weaving from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Jaipur Blue Pottery from Rajasthan, Tie & Dye on Fine Cotton & Linen from Bhuj – Gujarat and Phulkari Embroidery from Punjab. Most of the produce of the crafts persons giving demonstration at the exhibition venue will be available for sale and purchase to visitors.
Handicrafts of India have been known the world over for the exquisite and intricate craftsmanship. The Indian Handicrafts industry has been contributing substantially to the exports of India as also providing employment in the rural areas as well as city. More than six million Craftsperson’s are directly employed in the sector all over the country. Many millions are indirectly employed by the handicrafts sector in India in various aspects of manufacturing, processing, designing, packaging, presentation, research and analysis, marketing, shipping and exports, he added.
The main exports markets for India for handicrafts are USA followed by EU, Middle East, Far East and LAC and Caribbean countries. Indian Craftsmanship, ethnic designs and colours are unique and have no comparison with other countries. The range produced in India is very large and wide and the quality and price structure varies from high-end market, middle end market to low-end market.
India’s handicrafts are being sold in the developed economies of the world through departmental and chains stores like SOGO of Japan, MACY, Bloomingdales, J.C. Penny of USA, Karstad of Germany, Marks and Spencers of UK and many other leading importers and distributors like Wallmart, Pier1, Carrefour, May departmental stores, Gallerie Lafaiette of France etc.
The Executive Director further elaborated that the LAC and Caribbean countries are the potential markets for the Indian handicrafts. The exports of handicrafts has increased manifold in previous years as the exports which was USD million 1858 during 2000-01 increased to USD million 3305 during 2012-2013. The average exports growth in exports of handicrafts from India has remained between 15 – 16% per annum. The exports through Colombia was of USD 3.15 million during the 2011-12 which increased to USD 4.53 million during 2012-13.
Indian hand crafted products are already selling in Colombian markets made out of metals, wood, textiles ranging from utilities items, furnishing and fabrics, fabrics for dresses and garments, costume jewelery, furniture and fixtures accessories, fashion made-ups and fashion accessories, decoratives, gifts, paintings, embroidered products for daily use and many more items. The volume of business is not very large. However, the share of Indian products in Colombian markets has been growing slowly and steadily during the last few years. The average growth has been about 14% per annum.
Mr. Rakesh Kumar further mentioned that the objective of participating in Expoartesanias is multifold viz. to promote Indian Art and Culture, hand crafts products developed over the years predominantly, religion, tradition and customs and skills beside promoting Indian Food, Indian Cultures & Tourism. It is hoped that the participation will be a grand success in spreading awareness about various facets of Indian living, culture and heritage product range available from India meeting the requirements of Colombians and Latin Americans.
Another important aim is to promote the business and create Brand Image of Indian Handicrafts among Colombians about the range of products, designs of products, craftsmanship of the products, eco-friendliness and quality and price, which only India can offer because of its uniqueness. India has abundance of variety of raw material bases, skills, craftsmanship, eco-friendly colours etc. which makes Indian products quite different from other competing countries.
It is expected that participation in “XIX EXPOARTESANIAS 2013”, BOGOTA, COLOMBIA will lead to a growth in Indo-Colombian Trade and Cultural relations.
