Union Minister of Textiles, Information and Broadcasting Smriti Zubin Irani emphasises skill development in the handicraft sector and trade fair management at Home Expo India
Union Minister of Textiles, Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani emphasised the need for skilling our artisans, contemporising their native design sense and artistry and strengthening the quality of their product for a global market.
She was inaugurating a three-in-one exhibition of Home Expo India 2018, comprising homeware, decorations, furnishings, floorings, textiles, furniture and accessories, at India Expo Centre and Mart.
Irani said that her association with Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) as Minister of Textiles had always remained very fruitful and productive. She applauded it for always taking new initiatives for the promotion and development of the handicrafts sector, be it enhancing the design capacity, refining the quality of product or organising the largest IHGF Delhi Fair which has been entered in the limca Book of world records.
She further appreciated VRIKSH’s initiative for sustainable and environment-friendly products and starting a design register to protect the intellectual property right of artisans.
OP Prahladka, chairman, EPCH; Ravi K Passi and Sagar Mehta, vice chairman, EPCH; Sunil Sethi, president, FDCI; Rakesh Kumar, executive director, EPCH and members of the committee of administration were also present during the inauguration ceremony.
She said that organising a product-specific Home Expo, covering the three promising product segments of the handicraft sector, was a step in the right direction as it enabled buyers to source their requirements without wasting time, energy and resources.
She also said the EPCH had a great vision under the leadership of OP Prahladka, Chairman, EPCH.
Irani said that new initiatives will not only enhance new skill sets but also help youngsters who want to enter the exhibition business space.
Over the years, EPCH has ensured that select exhibitors display premium products to thoughtfully invited overseas buyers so that the best and exquisite products are on display for people across the world.
A large number of buyers from both traditional as well as emerging markets, which include USA, European Union, latin America, Middle East and Southeast Asia, visited to source supplies.