410 overseas carpet buyers from 58 Countries attend India Carpet Expo 2016

The 31^st edition of India Carpet Expo came to a close today. The Expo was organized by the Carpet Export Promotion Council, to promote the cultural heritage and showcase the weaving skills of Indian hand-knotted carpet artisans, amongst overseas hand-knotted carpet buyers. Held at NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi, the Expo showcased the products of more than 270 reputed small, medium and large manufacturer exporters from all over the country.

A record number of 410 overseas carpet buyers from around 58 countries visited the Expo, generating good business for this village-based cottage sector. The Expo is part of the Council’s endeavours to provide a friendly business environment to both carpet importers and manufacturer-exporters, which will ultimately benefit about 2 million weavers and artisans employed in this labour intensive industry.

The Expo was inaugurated by Union Textiles Minister, Santosh Kumar Gangwar on March 11, 2016. Inaugurating the Expo, the Textiles Minister expressed his happiness and satisfaction at the No. 1 position held by the Indian handmade carpet industry in the international market; he recalled that the Indian handmade carpet industry is growing at 17% per annum, despite a weak global market.

He appreciated the efforts of Indian manufacturers and artisans and assured that the Government of India will continue to support the carpet industry and its export efforts in every possible way.

The Chairman of CEPC,  Kuldeep R. Wattal said that the Expo generated business worth about Rs. 260 crore to Rs. 300 crore. He said that a growth rate of about 10% to 15% in dollar terms and 15% to 20% in rupee terms is expected this year. He said that the Expo will lead to opening up of new market opportunity for the industry and will help small and medium Indian carpet exporters in promoting their products in overseas countries. He added that eventually, this ongoing process, on a broader scale, is instrumental in projecting the Make in India brand in foreign markets.

The Chairman said that the Government has set up an export target of Rs.10,000 crore (US $ 1591 million) for carpets & floor coverings for the fiscal year 2015- 2016, which he said shall be achieved. He further said India Carpet Expo is an ideal platform for international carpet buyers, buying houses, buying agents, architects and Indian carpet manufacturers & exporters to meet and establish long-term business relationships.

This is for the first time that 58 countries participated in the Expo, with buyers from countries like Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Palestine, Bulgaria, Israel, Egypt, Poland, Ukraine, Malaysia, Mauritius, Taiwan, Serbia, Colombia and Hungary attending for the first time.

Source : PIB