Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani inaugurates first virtual IHGF-Delhi Fair by EPCH

New Delhi  – 13th July, ’20:  Smriti Irani, Union Minister of Textiles and Minister of Women & Child Development today inaugurated the 49^th edition of IHGF-DELHI FAIR which is being held virtually during 14th to 18th July, 2020 amid the danger of Covid-19 spread.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also sent his good wishes to EPCH for organizing the 49^th edition of IHGF-Delhi fair virtual amidst Corona crisis and said it reflects the indomitable spirit to continue furthering the efforts to strengthen the Handicrafts Sector. In his message PM also conveyed that Indian handicrafts have been celebrated the world over for their artistic innovation and creative richness and has carved a niche in the International market.  Moreover handicraft sector develops, more opportunities our artisans and craftsmen will be getting.  He also said that world is seeing India as a trustworthy and reliable partner and India is also working towards building a self reliant and self-sufficient India. In today’s scenario, he urged everyone  to be vocal about local so that our local products grow into global brands and this will take handicraft sector to new heights of vibrancy and prosperity.

Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Textiles & Minister of Women and Child Development while inaugurating the fair said, “During covid pandemic, EPCH has brought IHGF Delhi fair on a virtual platform in which large number of exporters will be showcasing beauty and workmanship of Indian handicrafts.  Small, micro and medium exporters of India will be happy to engage with buying agents, buying houses from across the world in the virtual fair.” She wished success for everyone associated with the show.

Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry also sent in his wishes and said that Handicrafts & Gifts fair is now being held on a virtual platform giving everyone a new experience in this period of covid crisis. The Commerce Minister commended the efforts of EPCH for setting up of fantastic world of handicrafts and gifts items under roof of IHGF-Delhi fair being produced by the 7 millions talented artisans working with more than 11,000 members of the EPCH and providing marketing platform thereby creating brand image of Indian Handicrafts in the world market.

“Handicrafts item are reflection of  human talent at its best and the sweat and blood of people who have transmitted this art form, from generation to generation and what is being offered to the world is not only the labour of love of young person who have created that art piece but also speaks about generation of knowledge.” He wished the best of shopping experience for all the visitors on the virtual platform and hope they have a good success.

Ravi Capoor, Secretary Textiles, Ministry of Textiles said as usual EPCH is in forefront and has taken lead in organizing first of its kind mega virtual fair in which large number of buyers and sellers will be meeting. He further said it is an excellent lead during the Covid pandemic and hoped that 49^th edition of IHGF Delhi fair on virtual platform will be  a big success and conclude with huge amount of business and set precedents for organizing many more virtual fairs like this by various sectors on this country.

Shri Shantmanu, Development Commissioner [ Handicrafts ] said that for the first time IHGF – Delhi fair is being held at virtual platform which is need of the hour. “India has a wide range of handicrafts which covers all aspects of lives such as kitchenware, fashionwear, bathroom ware, furniture and gifts etc.” He also said as buyers wants good quality products and it has been ensured that products being shown at the fair meets the requirement of the buyers as local material and techniques have been used to produce these items by the artisans who have put in their heart and soul.

Shri Ravi K. Passi, Chairman – EPCH said the challenges posed before us during this COVID-19 crisis had led us to brainstorm and to present before the exporters a viable alternate business model in the form of virtual fair.  This is much bigger show as it is a multi-products show displaying a wide range of Home, Lifestyle, Fashion, Furniture and Textiles products.

It is a totally a new initiative by EPCH and a much needed one at this critical time of COVID-19 pandemic. The world is in a state of lockdown but as they say the show must go on, EPCH has brought to you this virtual fair which is a new normal and I am sure this will open many new windows of opportunity for all of us said Neeraj Khanna, President of 49th edition of IHGF-Delhi fair.

While speaking on the occasion Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH said that every crisis brings with it an opportunity, this pandemic has given us an opportunity to provide our member exporters with an alternative marketing platform as a virtual fair for Home, Lifestyle, Fashion, Furniture and Textiles products, which is being inaugurated today.

Kumar further elaborated that “The virtual IHGF Delhi fair is being participated by more than 1500 exporters from all parts of the country. Besides this, there will be thematic displays of the craft of Jammu and Kashmir and north-eastern region of the country, apart from various webinars, Panel Discussion, Master Class, Craft Demonstrations, fashion shows etc.  With the  overwhelming response from both the exhibitors as well as buying community,  the show will generate an excellent business enquiries as large number of buyers across the globe have registered to visit the show.”

Houseware, Bathroom accessories, lawn, garden ornaments & accessories, lamps, lighting & accessories, furniture, furniture hardware & accessories, home furnishing & madeups, Carpets, rugs and floorings, fashion jewellery & Accessories,  decorative, gifts including corporate gifts,  Christmas & festive décor, hand made paper, gift wraps & ribbons including soft toys and candles, incense sticks, potpourri products will be on display.

The main countries from where buyers are coming includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chad, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russian, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, UAE, UK, USA, Uruguay and many more.

Buyers from companies/ departmental stores who have already confirmed their visit to the show includes Cost Plus World Market, Anthropologie,  Ralph Lauren, WKND-WYFR, Urban Outfitters, Mudpie,  Cracker Barrel, TJX, Wisteria, Bed Bath and Beyond from USA, , Tchibo, Marc O Polo, Impression from Germany, Pick n Pay from South Africa, Fox Home from Israel, Riviera Maison, Edelman BV from  Netherlands, Carrefour from  France, Bunnings Warehouse from Australia, Tesco, Ross, Next from  UK, Migros from Switzerland and Kif Kif Imports, Canada.

Not only overseas buyers, department stores of renowned countries, major Indian Retail/online brands such as  Bombay Store Ltd, Synergy Lifestyles, Fab India Overseas Pvt Ltd, Goodearth Design Studio Pvt. Ltd., Reliance Retail, Walmart, Asian Paints Ltd, Raymond Limited, Amazon, Myntra, Archies, Pepperfry, Alibaba.com, Shoperstop, Ferns & Patels, Shruberry Lifestuyles, The Purple Turtels, Westside,  Sleepwell, Praxis Home Retail Ltd (Hometown), Trent Limited (West Side),Urban Ladder, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited and many more will also be making their presence felt on virtual platform.

The Handicrafts exports during the year 2019-20 was Rs. 25,027.08 crores informed by Kumar, DG – EPCH.