Union MoS for Textiles Inaugurates 2nd edition of GI Fair India’23, commends organiser and encourages exhibitors

Greater Noida/Delhi NCR – 20th July 2023 – The 2nd edition of GI Fair India being held from 20th to 24th July 2023 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway was inaugurated today by Darshana V. Jardosh, Union Minister of State for Textiles. Present on the occasion were, Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML; Raj Kumar Malhotra, Immediate Past Chairman-EPCH, R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH; and Committee of Administration Members, EPCH.

While addressing the gathering, Darshana V. Jardosh, Union Minister of State for Textiles, called GI Fair India, an excellent medium to promote India’s lesser-known treasures, indigenous crafts and Intellectual Properties of rare heritage, and provides an opportunity for their manufacturers/practitioners to interact, share knowledge and explore business opportunities. She appreciated EPCH’s role in providing a platform to such exhibitors, especially GI Users / entrepreneurs/artisans weavers who with their hard work, creativity and initiative have been able to showcase visibility of the products from the remotest regions of India. She suggested an eco-system of sectors that is essential for cooperation and inclusive growth as envisioned by the PM Narendra Modi. She expressed desire that all GI producers should be on the GEM portal for better business opportunities. Hailing the idea of ‘Local for Global’ she called it in sync with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, of the Government of India which aims to not only promote local products and reduce dependence on imports but also encourages exporters to manufacture products for the global market using local materials as well as skills. She appreciated EPCH’s role in export promotion and development of the sector under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Rakesh Kumar. The Minister further added that India is the focal point of the world’s expectations today and through such fairs and mediums we can effectively showcase and market ‘Made in India’ products to customers across India and abroad.

Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH, thanked the Minister for her support, vision, guidance and encouragement that have been instrumental in the growth & development of the handicrafts industry in India. Welcoming all to the 2nd edition of GI Fair India, he said, “such a multi-speciality products show highlights India’s handicrafts heritage and variety to new audiences and laterally expands trade opportunities for the handicrafts sector.” He further said, “seminars by leading domain experts and consultants on topical issues of trade importance like Introduction to Export Business: Basics, Opportunities and Challenges; and Enhancing User Experience & Accessibility by Unlocking Packaging Convenience for Export Target Markets and a Panel Discussion on GI Tagged Handicrafts an effective tool for promotion of traditional products are being organised”.

Responding to the Minister’s call, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML assured that all GI registered participants would be on the GEM portal before the next edition of the GI Fair India and also proposed that all GI tags could be linked with a QR code so that the authenticity of the product and the maker may be identified then and there by the buyer. He further said, “to compliment the India’s traditional heritage showcase through the GI products fair, special provisions have been made for visitors to enjoy the special ‘Shree Anna Thali’ – a unique variety of Millet dishes to celebrate the International Year of Millets 2023.”

R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH informed, “globally, the GI (Geographical Indication) tag is given to products that have distinct qualities and tradition linked to their place of origin. India boasts of many such rarities of which 440+ are registered (GI Tagged) and GI Fair India, brings together the largest congregation of such products and authorized producers from this list. With handicrafts & handlooms being more than two thirds of the exhibitors, the show also has agricultural produce, manufactured goods, food stuffs, materials & wares, foods & beverages, nature & wellness, home & collectibles and ethnic wear & accessories. Added attractions like Live Craft/Skill Demonstrations, Cultural Performances, Sampling Stations and Knowledge Seminars are also part of the five days show,” and added, “day one already saw a large number of business visitors and consumers. We look forward to welcoming many more in course of the fair.”

GI Fair India 2023 is organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts that is credited for organising the IHGF Delhi Fair, world’s largest congregation of handicraft exporters under one roof as well as sector specific fairs. It is supported by the Ministries of Commerce & Industry; Textiles; and Cell for IPR Promotion and Management. Besides exhibitors from the several states and union territories of India, participating organisations include Tea Board of India; Spices Board India; Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority; and many other state and product associations.
GI Fair India 2023 is open from 10am to 7pm on all 5 days, entry is free.