EPCH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FOUR-DAY JEDDAH INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR AT JEDDAH-SAUDI ARABIA FROM DECEMBER 15 – 18, 2013

New Delhi – December 14, 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 India Pavilion at the four-day Jeddah International Trade Fair being held from December 15 to 18, 2013.

16 member exporters of the Council shall be displaying Copper bath tub, Costume Jewellery, Fashion Accessories, Giftware and premium, bags, Kaftaan, Ladies top and all other Handicrafts items.

The India Pavilion will be opened on December 15, 2013 in the presence of Mr. Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, Consul General of India at 3rd Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, Madinah Road, Herra Street, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Handicrafts of India have been known 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 cities. More than 6 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.

The main exports markets for India for handicrafts are USA followed by EU, Middle East, Far East and Latin American Countries (LAC) and Caribbean countries.

Indian hand crafted products are already selling in Saudi Arabian markets made out of metal, wood, hand printed and crocheted goods, zari , imitation jewellery and shawls.

However, India’s exports to Saudi Arabian market is USD 83.31 million during 2012-13 which is 2.52% of India’s total handicrafts exports of 3304.90 million USD. The Saudi Arabian market has potential and the exports have been growing steadily during the last five years. The average growth has been about 15% per annum.

The objective of participating in Jeddah International Trade Fair is multi-fold to promote hand crafted products developed over the years pre-dominantly, said Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director of EPCH.

Another important aim is to promote the business and create Brand Image of Indian Handicrafts amongst Saudi Arabians pertaining to 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.