The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has set up an exclusive India Pavilion at the Hong Kong Mega Show 2024 on October 25, highlighting India's position as a premier global sourcing destination for diverse handicraft products.
The pavilion was inaugurated by Satwant Khanalia, Consul General of India in Hong Kong, along with member exporters, master craftspersons, representatives from the National Jute Board, and fair organizers. The Council praised the Council's efforts in bringing Indian Handicrafts to the world markets and promoting its exports. The Council also interacted with member participants and showed particular interest in live craft demonstrations by master craftspersons.
The Hong Kong Mega Show is a major marketing platform and sourcing hub for Asian products, showcasing an array of gifts, premiums, housewares, lifestyle products, toys, festive supplies, and sporting goods within the Asia-Pacific region. EPCH is participating with 11 member exporters in the event, featuring a curated selection of Indian handicrafts, exclusive products display, and live demonstrations of Indian traditional crafts by master craftspersons. The office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) has deputed five Master Craftsmen from various regions.
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The 58th IHGF Delhi Fair, held from October 16th to 20th, 2024 EPCH has also exhibited at IHGF Delhi Fair, at the India Expo Centre and Mart.
It got successfully concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony. The event also honoured the best in design with the prestigious Ajai Shankar Memorial Awards for Best Design Display.
The fair featured over 3,000 exhibitors who showcased a diverse range of crafts, home décor, furniture, furnishings, artisanal textiles, dry flowers, potpourri, natural fiber products, handcrafted fashion jewellery, and accessories. Curated displays and various ancillary events added to the vibrant atmosphere, drawing positive feedback from attendees who appreciated the commitment to sustainability and contemporary styles.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor in the role of Director General, EPCH and Chairman-IEML, spoke to Business North East saying “the fair's success, highlighting dynamic sourcing efforts and a steady flow of visitors. International buyers from various countries, alongside major domestic retailers and purchasing agents, engaged with exhibitors representing diverse regions of India. Dr. Kumar emphasized the fair's role in fulfilling buyers' needs and expressed excitement for the upcoming IHGF Delhi Fair Spring 2025 edition.
Notable attendees included Ian Snow from the UK, a long-time patron of the fair, who praised the unique and sustainable items on display. Ingo Winterhoff from Germany and Martina Mensing, also from Germany, expressed their enthusiasm for making beneficial deals and sourcing decorative garden products showcasing Indian craftsmanship.
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The 58th IHGF Delhi Fair has set a high standard with its extensive exhibitor participation and engaging displays, leaving participants and visitors eagerly anticipating the next edition in Spring 2025.
With the support of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, EPCH enabled the participation of 15 National Awardees from across India in the 58th Edition of IHGF Delhi Fair (Autumn) 2024. The O/o DC (Handicrafts) nominated two National Awardees from Assam (Gauripur) and Tripura (Agartala). National Awardees from Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi participated in the fair.
These participants attracted significant interest from both domestic and international buyers and were able to generate substantial business at the event.” –informed R. K.Verma, Executive Director, EPCH to Business North East.
EPCH is a nodal agency for promoting exports of handicrafts from India to various destinations and projecting India's image abroad as a reliable supplier of high-quality handicraft goods and services
The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is a key government-supported agency dedicated to promoting and enhancing the export of Indian handicrafts to global markets. As the nodal agency, EPCH plays a pivotal role in showcasing India's rich heritage of craftsmanship, positioning the country as a dependable and consistent supplier of high-quality handicrafts. EPCH’s initiatives are tailored to support artisans, craftspersons, and exporters by organizing trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and exhibitions, thereby facilitating networking and exposure to potential international buyers.
It also helps Indian artisans gain insights into current trends, quality standards, and global preferences, aligning India's offerings with the expectations of international markets and enhancing the visibility and credibility of Indian handicrafts on a global platform.
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