Guwahati: The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) on Friday orchestrated an awareness program under the 'Niryat Bandhu Scheme' in Guwahati, Assam that featured the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to bolster the export sector's growth and development.
The Niryat Bandhu Scheme, instituted by the central government in 2015, aims to mentor new and potential exporters on the nuances of foreign trade through counselling, training, and outreach programmes. Despite handicrafts being the mainstay of rural artisans in the Northeast, handicraft exports from the Northeast account for less than 5% of the national exports, a senior official has informed Business North East. It is largely because it is difficult to turn rural artisans into individual exporters. However, both the central and state governments are exploring the possibilities of increasing handicraft exports from the region through various initiatives and awareness programmes.
Jesmina Zeliang, regional convenor for EPCH Northeastern chapter, delivered an inaugural address that "resonated deeply, underlining the initiative's potential to spark positive change in the region's export landscape", said an official release. The seminar, marked by interactive sessions and engaging discussions, attracted 45 participants, informed officials. "Their active involvement showcased a collective commitment to harnessing exports' potential for economic prosperity in the region."
A panel of speakers, including Abhishek Jain, director of postal services in Guwahati, shared invaluable insights on logistics and infrastructure's pivotal role in expediting exports. D. Haldar, deputy director of Development Commissioner Handicrafts (DC(H)) in NER, shed light on "supportive schemes empowering entrepreneurs in the handicraft sector."
The participation of N.K.D. Piku, assistant director of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises - Development Facilitation Office (MSME DFO), stressed the government's commitment to fostering an "inclusive environment for small enterprises venturing into exports." Lastly, Ashish Bhoutika, representing DGFT, provided comprehensive guidance on navigating trade policies and leveraging government schemes.
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