48TH  OF IHGF-Delhi Fair opens on a high note

Ravi Capoor, Secretary [Textiles], Ministry of Textiles inaugurated the 48TH edition of world's largest IHGF-Delhi Fair at state-of-the-art exhibition venue India Expo Centre and Mart at Greater Noida, on October 16.

A large number of overseas buying community buyers from 110 countries have arrived in India to source home, lifestyle, fashion, furniture and textiles products from around 3200 Indian exhibitors.The extravaganza of Indian handicrafts will go on until October 20, 2019.

Dignitaries present during inauguration included Ravi K Passi, Chairman – EPCH, Sunit Jain, President Fair, Neetu Singh, Ravindra Miglani, Rajat Asthana, Vice Presidents of the fair, Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman – EPCH, Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH, R K Verma, Director – EPCH, members of Committee of Administration, overseas buyers, press and media.

While inaugurating the fair, Ravi Capoor expressed his happiness as fair has almost reached its 50th edition. Crediting EPCH and its member exporters for the industry's growth and making IHGF-Delhi FAIR unique in several aspects, Secretary Textiles urged the organisers of IHGF-Delhi fair to work towards multiple growth of IHGF where it could feature over 10,000 exhibitors, a quantum jump from the existing 3200.

Capoor shared his grand vision for the entire industry. He said, with the potential of our craft heritage and skills spread all over the country, this entire industry can envision tremendous growth for each and everyone associated with it right from the artisans to the large scale exporters thereby increasing handicrafts exports to Rs 100,000 crore from the existing Rs. 26,590 crore.

Capoor further spoke of new frontiers that can be conquered by opening handicrafts park, developing spots in the country where tourism and crafts can be converged to offer not just variety and souvenirs but entire experiences.

He further welcomed the proposal of EPCH for setting up handicrafts park in with parks for apparel and handlooms. He emphasised that moving of production from small organized units to these parks will not only be beneficial but will also reduce overhead cost to a large extent.

While welcoming the chief guest, Ravi K Passi – EPCH said, "This fair has achieved many milestones such as recognition by Limca Book of World's records, fair facilities have increased manifolds, increase

in number of countries from 90 to 110, constant increase in number of exhibitors etc. Behind success of this fair is the faith of the handicrafts exporting community who for the last 25 years continuously participating in the each edition of the show."

Rakesh Kumar, Director General –EPCH while addressing the august gathering at the inaugural ceremony briefed about efforts being taken for sustainable development and preservation of environment by focusing on 're-fuse, reduce, reuse and recycle'. Around 50 tons Waste materials like plastic, metal, wood, fabric etc. are being reused to enhance and decorate the look and feel of the show."

"Further, in order to reduce the usage of plastics, the Council has decided to do away with bottled water and instead we would be offering metal water bottles to the visitors and exhibitors which can be refilled at the water stations spread across the fair venue. Similarly, many other initiatives have been taken in this fair to minimise the carbon emissions," he added.