IHGF Delhi fair’s 51st edition opens on a virtual platform, PM Modi conveys best wishes

On May 19, 2021

New Delhi – 19th May’ 2021 – The 51st edition of virtual IHGF of Delhi fair 2021 inaugurated today with a message from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who conveyed his best wishes for the success of 51st edition of IHGF Delhi Fair. In his message he appreciated the richness and diversity of Indian handicrafts which has been a unique feature of nation’s culture and heritage. Generations of artisans and craftsmen from different regions have enhanced the appeal, adding colour and vibrancy to the products. He further mentioned that the fast changing times, powered by digital technology have helped the handicrafts sector to further enhance its resilience. The up scaling of durable, user friendly products will help the sector expand and deepens its outreach.

While inaugurating the fair Ravi K. Passi, Chairman-EPCH welcomed everyone to the virtual platform in order for over 700 exhibitors of home, lifestyle fashion, furniture and textile products to transact business with a large number of overseas buyers, domestic volume buyers and buying representatives. He mentioned that with an extensive publicity campaign undertaken by EPCH, a large number of overseas buyers, wholesalers and retailers have already registered to visit the show.

U.P. Singh, Secretary (Textiles), Govt. of India and Shantmanu, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India also extended their wishes to EPCH for organizing 51st edition of IHGF-Delhi fair virtually amidst Corona crisis, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the handicraft exporting fraternity to continue furthering the efforts to strengthen the Handicrafts Sector.

U.P. Singh, Secretary (Textiles) wished all the overseas buyers and exhibitors to have a very successful show and appreciated EPCH for holding the several virtual editions of IHGF during the current pandemic since June’2020. He further said that this edition of the virtual fair will help in giving a much needed push to the exports of handicrafts and generating additional employment in this cottage sector of Indian economy.

Shantmanu, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), in his address welcomed all the buyers and exhibitors including artisans from North Eastern States and Jammu & Kashmir and urged them to take benefit of the souring opportunity provided by this virtual platform.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH, informed that webinar on topics such as “Quick Ways to Optimise Forex Operations in Turbulent Times”; Webinar on “Seven easy ways to Grow your Exports” will be organized to provide in depth knowledge to the participants so that they can keep themselves abreast with the international trade requirements. Further, craft demonstrations by artisans on blue pottery, warli painting, screw pine craft, Kani shawls, meenakari, artistic textiles will also form part of the activities that are scheduled during the fair.

The overseas buyers from over 85 countries from across the globe have registered to visit the show with buyers like WHSmith, Hong Kong, Namaste Ltd – United Kingdom, Exotik Mobilier – Canada, ELK Home – United States, Ricki Designs Inc. – USA, Mc-Sell-UG (hb) – Germany, EN Casa – Brazil, Evergreen Enterprises – USA, Global Alliance Trading L.L.C. – United Arab Emirates, Dormar Indents – Australia, Bon Eto. – Japan, Glads Inc. – Japan, Present Company – United Kingdom, Bed Bath n Table – Australia, Alqueria S.L. – Spain, MCA furniture GmbH – Germany, Puckator Ltd. – United Kingdom, Pacific Collections – South Africa, Araucaria – United Kingdom, Salvage Imports – Australia, Beachsand – South Africa, You’re Furnished Ltd. – United Kingdom, Nitori – Japan, inart.com – Greece, Hoff Interieur – Germany, Trend4you AB – Sweden, Insectario home and gifts – Chile and many more.

R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH, informed that apart from the overseas buyers, major Indian retail/online brands have also shown great interest and registered themselves to source their requirement from this virtual platform. Those who have registered so far are HomeTown, Pepperfry, @Home, Nilkamal Pvt Ltd., Ferns N Petals, DLF Brands Pvt. Ltd., Fabindia Overseas Pvt Ltd., ARCHIES, Westside, Furniturewala, Praxis Home Retail Ltd., Bombay Store Ltd., Shoppers Stop, Onestop Retail Pvt Ltd., Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., and others.

The estimated figures for exports of handicrafts for the period April-March of the current financial year 2020-21 which stands at Rs. 25558.94 crores (USD 3443.45 million) registering a growth of 1.14 % (Rupee terms) and decline (-)3.39 % (dollar terms) over the same period last year.