Suresh Kumar Khanna, UP Finance Minister inaugurates IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2024 at Expo Mart

Delhi/NCR – 16th October 2024 – The 58th IHGF Delhi Fair, being organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), from 16th to 20th October 2024 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway was inaugurated today by Suresh Khanna, Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh in the presence of Tarun Rathi, Vice President, Film Development Council, Minister of State, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and Dhirendra Singh, MLA from Jewar, Uttar Pradesh. Also present on the occasion were Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor in a role of Director General, EPCH and Chairman-IEML; Girish K. Agarwal, President, IHGF Delhi Fair Reception Committee Autumn 2024; Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman, EPCH;  Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman II, EPCH; EPCH COA Members:  Avdesh Aggarwal, Lekhraj Maheshwari, Naved Ur Rehman, Salman Azam, Simrandeep Singh Kohli, K. L. Ramesh, K N Tulasi Rao, Zesmina Zeliang, O P Prahladka and Rajesh Kumar Jain; R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH; and other prominent overseas buyers as well as other leading member exporter were present during this ceremony. This edition has brought together 3000+ exhibitors in 16 dedicated halls for 14 display segments of home, lifestyle, fashion, furnishing and furniture. Besides exhibitor booths in the halls, visitors have access to the 900 Marts/permanent showrooms of leading exporters, located on various levels of the India Expo Centre.

At the inauguration ceremony, addressing the gathering, Suresh Khanna, Finance Minister and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh said “I congratulate team EPCH under the mentorship of Dr Rakesh Kumar for creating this phenomenal platform where buyers from over 100 countries are visiting.” He added that “the show is a great opportunity for ODOP manufacturers from Uttar Pradesh to showcase their products as well as artisans and exporters from all across the country to connect with global buyers.”

Suresh Kumar Khanna also inaugurated the Expo Bazaar and TICA Launch of India’s first B2B Cash & Carry venture for Home and Lifestyle products.

Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH shared, “IHGF Delhi Fair’s international reach, coupled with its ability to connect entrepreneurs, exporters, and artisans, fosters confidence among overseas buyers in the distinct quality, design and marketability of Indian products. Each edition unlocks fresh business potential through new buyer connections, while offering an expanded product selection to visiting buyers. Among displays are exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces that embody the essence of craftsmanship, tradition and innovation. Treasures that reflect the country’s rich heritage and are suited to contemporary times globally, are available only through this unique platform.” Welcoming all to the 58th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair, he said, “The event stands tall as one of the largest and most prestigious trade fairs in the country, a testimony to the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of our member exporters who have been showcasing their exquisite craftsmanship and unique products to the world for around three decades.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor in a role of Director General, EPCH & Chairman, IEML, said, “IHGF has grown manifold over each successive edition. With an extensive publicity campaign undertaken by EPCH, a large number of overseas buyers, wholesalers and retailers have already registered to visit the show. The India Expo Centre & Mart, with its world class facilities has been a perfect venue to host such large gatherings. Besides, the 900 Mart Showrooms owned by India’s leading handicraft exporters, have added to buyers’ sourcing experiences. I’m happy that more and more Mart owners have positively come forward to build up their year round business through the export opportunities that IHGF Delhi Fair brings.”

Girish K Agarwal, President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2024, Reception Committee, informed, “National awardee Master Crafts persons are placed in a thematic setting at the fair. They have showcased the richness of heritage skills and distinctive regional crafts. Their involvement ensures that the event is enriched with authentic, region-specific artisanal works, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage they represent. Visitors will be able to choose from crafts like applique craft, paper mache, kathputli making, kundan meenakari, silver filigree, folk painting, handmade leather products, sikki grass craft, Aipan art, batik, terracotta, etc. including GI (Geographical Indication certified) products.”

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman, EPCH, informed, “Our exhibitors have invested tremendous effort into product design and development, ensuring alignment with current market trends and buyer preferences. The enthusiastic response of international buyers reflects the sentiment surrounding this edition which is also shared by the regular and new visitors from major Indian retail/online brands.”

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman II, EPCH, added, “EPCH has been regularly making efforts to promote regional crafts by providing the marketing platform of IHGF Delhi Fair to micro and small entrepreneurs, artisans and crafts persons to showcase their heritage craft skills. Vibrant lines by these enterprises are also among attractions for the visiting overseas buying community.” He added that tomorrow onwards, seminars on various topics of market development, product design and trade documentation, will be organized.”

R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH said, “The overseas buying community has reposed faith and confidence in EPCH and have consistently participated in each edition of the show since the last 30 years. Today, right from the early hours, registration counters were bustling with activity as numerous groups of buyers flocked to the India Expo Centre & Mart. The atmosphere has been lively, and the exhibition area is continuously filled with buyers.”