India Carpet Expo

GREATER NOIDA LOKESH GOSWAMI 

The India Carpet Expo, an exclusive trade fair for Handmade carpets and other floor-coverings, organized by Carpet Export Promotion Council, in the NSCI Exhibition Complex, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi was declared open today. The 4 day fair was inaugurated by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Honorable Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge), Government of India in the august presence of Shri Virender Singh, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Bhadohi, Ms. Rashmi Verma, IAS, Secretary (Textiles), Dr. K. Gopal, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and other Senior Govt.Officials from the Central and State Governments, beside representatives from Trade and Media. Mr. Kuldeep R. Wattal, Chairman, CEPC alongwith Members of the Committee of Administration were also present on this occasion.270 Small, Medium and Large Manufacturers and Exporters of Handmade Carpets from different craft pockets of India are showcasing their products in this Expo. Hon’ble Minister was impressed with the display of products and  expressed his happiness and satisfaction that Indian Handmade Carpet Industry despite a weak international market situation is maintaining its No. 1 Status in the international market and is growing @ 17% per annum. Shri Gangwar , Mrs. Rashmi Verma and Dr. K. Gopal while appreciating the efforts of Indian Manufacturers and artisans also assured their best support to the Carpet Industry.Hon’ble Textile Minister assured that Government of India in the Ministry of Textiles will continue to support the Carpet Industry and its export efforts in every possible way and shall not withdraw any scheme launched by the Govt. for the welfare of artisans and exporting community.Shri Virender Singh, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Bhadohi invited the Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar to Bhadohi and take a more extensive look at the Carpet Industry to understand its untapped potential. He also mentioned that both Carpet and Handloom sectors are very important and have great significance in Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narender Modi j’s mind. Shri Kuldeep R. Wattal, Chairman, CEPC informed that the Exports of Handmade Carpet is showing upward trend which is possible only due to full support of the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India. 437 overseas carpet buyers from 57 countries mainly from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt,Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ghana, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan,Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia,Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Palestine,Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore,Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,Thailand, Turkey, U.A.E., U.K., U.S.A., Ukraine have registered with the Council to visit the fair. Selected buyers from each country have offered incentives by the Council to visit the fair.On the very first day of the fair, more than 240 overseas carpet buyers registered their presence alongwith 150 Buying Representatives. Shri Kuldeep R. Wattal, Chairman, CEPC conveyed his sincere thanks on behalf of the Carpet Industry to the Govt. of India for the financial support to this Council for organizing India Carpet Expo and is confident that the Expo will generate good business and requests the media to extend their full support to this cottage based, employment oriented Handmade Carpet Industry which is providing employment to millions of artisans/ weavers.