37th India Carpet Expo kicks off
Expo was inaugurated by Raghvendra Singh, Secretary Ministry of Textiles, GOI
The 37th Edition of India Carpet Expo, organised by Carpet Export Promotion Council, was inaugurated on March 10, 2019, at NSIC Exhibition Ground, Okhla, New Delhi. The event began with lamp lighting ceremony by Raghvendra Singh, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in the august presence of Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
The Expo is organised with an aim to promote the cultural heritage and weaving skills of Indian hand-made carpets, and other floor coverings among the visiting overseas carpet buyers.
Speaking at the event, Raghvendra Singh said: "We are very glad that CEPC organises this Expo twice every year to promote Indian weavers worldwide. Every year Expo generates a huge amount of business. We have everything handmade and hand weaved here, which is the major attraction to the foreign buyers." He further appreciated the new innovations and display by the members.
Chairman, CEPC highlighted that carpet industry was not incorporated in the recent decision taken by cabinet for extending ROSL (Rebate on State Levies) to the handmade carpet industry. Raghvendra Singh, Secretary Textiles immediately called for a meeting on March 11, 2019 with the representatives of the Handmade Carpet Industry to present their case and assured his best possible support to the Handmade Carpet Industry.
Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) appreciated the efforts made by Chairman and Committee of Administration in organising India Carpet Expo on such a large scale and expressed hope that the benefit will ultimately go to the artisans and weavers.
Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Chairman, CEPC said, "India carpet expo is an ideal platform for International Carpet Buyers, buying Agents, architects and Indian carpet manufacturers and exporters to meet and establish long term business relationship. This exhibition is a crucial step towards taking Indian exports of handmade carpet to much greater and newer heights. We have also set up a special theme pavilion wherein the experts of the industry are showcasing the process of carpet weaving through the concept of ergonomic and flexible tufting frame."
Sharma further added that orders worth over a thousand crores are expected to be executed. New fall-winter colors and designs are being showcased at the Carpet Expo.
India Carpet Expo is one of the largest handmade carpet fairs in Asia that offers a unique platform for the buyers to source the best handmade carpets, rugs and other floor coverings under one roof. With the participation of over 305 exhibitors, it has become a popular destination worldwide for handmade carpets.
A record number of 152 overseas carpet buyers from around 60 countries registered their presence on the first day of the fair. It is the endeavor of the Council to provide an exclusive business environment to both carpet importers as well as manufacturer-exporters, which ultimately will benefit about two million weavers and artisans employed in this highly labour intensive rural based MSME cottage industry.
