Handicrafts and Gifts Fair kicks off in Noida, over 3000 exhibitors on board

New Delhi, 13 Oct (KNN) The Union Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani on Thursday inaugurated the IHGF - Delhi Fair Autumn 2017 handicrafts and gifts fair, which is being held at India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida, during October 12 - 16, 2017.

The main aim of the fair is to promote exports of Indian handicrafts and increase employment opportunities for artisans.

Smriti Irani on the occasion commended that Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) for the promotion of exports of handicrafts.

The Minister further applauded EPCH for its education scheme which provides full educational support to the children of artisans through open schools .She also said that the  “Design Register”scheme , that allows hassle-free registration of designs by member exporters is going generate employment opportunities in the handicrafts sector. She added that EPCH has effectively promoted and educated the artisans in Nort-East regions.

Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director of EPCH during the inaugural ceremony Informed that  around 2,980 exhibitors are on board in this year's edition of the expo.

These exhibitors are from different categories including fashion, lifestyle, home, textiles and furniture.

The event expects a footfall of over 6,000 buyers from 110 countries, the Ministry notified. (With PIB inputs) (KNN/AG)